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British Royal Figgy Pudding Recipe

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British royal figgy pudding is a dense, steamed Christmas dessert rooted in centuries of tradition. Built from dried fruits, suet, breadcrumbs, spice, and alcohol, it was designed to be rich, warming, and preservable through the cold winter months. The texture is compact and moist rather than light or cakey, with deep flavors of fruit and spice mellowed by ale, rum, and brandy. When served hot and optionally flambéed, it becomes less a dessert and more a ritual, meant to be shared slowly at the end of a long holiday meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

Figgy Pudding

  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup currants
  • ½ cup sultanas
  • Zest and juice of ½–⅔ orange
  • 1 cup finely shredded beef suet
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon mixed spice
  • 1½ cups breadcrumbs or panko
  • ⅓ –½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup ale or stout
  • 2 tablespoons rum
  • 2 tablespoons brandy

Brandy Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons brandy
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Figgy Pudding

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the raisins, currants, and sultanas. Add the orange zest and juice. Stir and let soak for 10–15 minutes.
  • Add the suet, flour, mixed spice, breadcrumbs, and brown sugar to the fruit. Mix thoroughly.
  • Beat the egg lightly and stir it into the mixture. Pour in the ale, rum, and brandy. Mix into a thick, heavy batter.
  • Grease a pudding basin or stainless steel mixing bowl generously with butter. Spoon in the mixture, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
  • Cover the basin with foil, securing tightly with string or a rubber band.
  • Place in a pot with simmering water reaching halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam gently for 3–4 hours, topping up the water as needed.
  • Remove from the water and allow to cool completely. The pudding may be eaten immediately or wrapped and stored in a cool place for 2–4 weeks to mature.
  • To serve, reheat by steaming for 1–2 hours, then turn out onto a plate. Optionally flambé with warm brandy before serving.

Brandy Cream Sauce

  • Add the heavy cream to a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Heat gently, stirring often, until the sugars dissolve and the cream is hot but not boiling.
  • Lower the heat and simmer gently for 5–8 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and brandy.
  • Serve warm over the hot figgy pudding.

Video

Notes

  • Texture Expectation: This pudding will not rise or crumb like a cake. A firm, sliceable texture is correct and historically accurate.
 
  • Aging Improves Flavor: If time allows, wrap and store the pudding for 2–4 weeks before serving. The flavors deepen and mellow significantly.
 
  • Alcohol Balance: The alcohol is essential for flavor and preservation. For a drier, more Victorian profile, reduce the sugar slightly rather than the spirits.