Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding

Name: Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 420 min
Total time: 440 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 100 g currants; 100 g raisins; 100 g mixed candied citrus peel; 100 g glacé cherries roughly chopped; 1 tsp mixed spice; 1 pinch generous grating of nutmeg; 1 orange, zested and juiced; 1 lemon, zested; 50 ml brandy; 1 tbsp flavourless oil for the basin; 50 g flaked almonds; 1 large cooking apple peeled, cored and grated; 50 g ground almonds; 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder; 100 g gluten-free plain flour; 50 g gluten-free breadcrumbs; 100 g dark brown soft sugar; 2 eggs, beaten

A rich, moist, and festive gluten-free Christmas pudding packed with brandy-soaked fruits and aromatic spices. This classic holiday dessert is perfect for making ahead and matures beautifully over time.

Servings12 Portions

Prep Time20 Mins

Cook Time420 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

currants
100 g
raisins
100 g
mixed candied citrus peel
100 g
glacé cherries roughly chopped
100 g
mixed spice
1 tsp
generous grating of nutmeg
1 pinch
orange, zested and juiced
1
lemon, zested
1
brandy
50 ml
flavourless oil for the basin
1 tbsp
flaked almonds
50 g
large cooking apple peeled, cored and grated
1
ground almonds
50 g
gluten-free baking powder
1 tsp
gluten-free plain flour
100 g
gluten-free breadcrumbs
50 g
dark brown soft sugar
100 g
eggs, beaten
2

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the currants, raisins, mixed candied peel, chopped glacé cherries, mixed spice, and a generous grating of nutmeg. Add the orange zest and juice, lemon zest, and brandy. Mix thoroughly, cover with a clean tea towel, and leave to soak overnight at room temperature.

The following day, prepare a 1.5-litre pudding basin by lightly greasing it with flavourless oil and lining the base with a circle of baking parchment. Place an upturned saucer or a trivet in the bottom of a deep, wide saucepan and fill it halfway with water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over low-medium heat.

Add the flaked almonds, grated cooking apple, ground almonds, gluten-free baking powder, flour, breadcrumbs, dark brown sugar, and beaten eggs to the soaked fruit. Stir well with a wooden spoon until fully combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared basin, packing it down firmly. Cover the surface with a circle of parchment, then place a larger sheet of parchment and a double layer of foil over the top. Secure tightly with kitchen string around the rim and create a string handle for easy lifting.