Eggless, Dairy & Gluten-Free? These Christmas Pudding Recipes Are For All

As we welcome the month of December with its twinkling lights and delightful songs, our thoughts naturally turn to a tradition that is as synonymous with Christmas as Santa Claus himself. The making of Christmas pudding. This delectable dessert, known for its flavors and storied history, holds a special place in our hearts during the holiday season. However, in this era of inclusivity and diverse dietary preferences, it's time to put a spin on this timeless classic by offering variations that cater to myriad needs. Let’s explore some options, including eggless, and dairy-, gluten-, and alcohol-free variants.

1. Eggless Christmas Pudding: A Delight for All

For those who follow a vegan lifestyle or have allergies to eggs, an eggless Christmas pudding is truly a treat during the season. This version goes beyond removing eggs; it involves cleverly substituting their richness and binding properties.

Ingredients:

• Dried figs, Sultana raisins, apple juice, zest and juice of oranges cinnamon powder,
• Nutmeg powder
• Brown sugar,
• Self-raising flour,
• Vegetable suet or coconut oil
• Chopped almonds,
• Breadcrumbs

Method:

• Begin by soaking the dried fruits in the juices.
• Next combine them with orange zest and juice along with spices like cinnamon.
• Add sugar for a touch of sweetness.
• Mix in self-raising flour carefully to ensure texture.
• For richness and moisture without using eggs or dairy products like butter or cream choose either suet or coconut oil.
• Finally add some elements like chopped almonds along with breadcrumbs, for texture.
• Once all ingredients are combined thoroughly transfer the mixture into a greased basin before steaming it for five hours.
• Keep the pudding chilled. Save it for Christmas.

Hacks/Tips:

• Soaking the fruits enhances their flavors.
• Apple sauce works great as a binding agent.

2. Alcohol Free Christmas Pudding: A Festive Twist, without Booze

This version is perfect for those who prefer to avoid alcohol, combining all the flavors without the buzz.

Ingredients:

• Dried cranberries
• Pitted dates
• Apple juice
• Lemon zest and juice
• Mixed spice
• Dark molasses
• Whole wheat flour
• Coconut oil
• Chopped walnuts
• Breadcrumbs

Method:

• Let the fruits soak overnight in the juices.
• Mix them with zest, spice, molasses, flour, oil, walnuts and breadcrumbs.
• Steam the mixture in a basin for 5 hours.
• Once done cooking let it cool down and store it until you're ready to serve.

Hacks/Tips:

• Experiment with fruit juices like cranberry or orange to achieve complex flavors.
• Adding a touch of vanilla extract will give a delightful aroma.

3. Gluten Free Christmas Pudding: A Gluten Free Celebration

A treat tailored for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, ensuring a worry-free indulgence.

Ingredients:

• Dried apricots, prunes
• Orange juice orange zest
• Gluten spice
• Honey
• Gluten free flour blend
• Dairy free margarine
• Pine nuts
• Gluten free breadcrumbs

Instructions:

• Start by soaking the apricots and prunes in orange juice
• After that add the zest, spice, honey, flour, margarine, pine nuts and breadcrumbs to the mixture..
• Place it in a basin. Steam it for 5 hours.
• Once done steaming allow it to cool before storing.

Helpful Tips:

• Make sure all of your ingredients are certified gluten free, including the flour and breadcrumbs.
• If you want to improve the texture of this pudding recipe, consider adding xanthan gum.

4. Dairy Free Christmas Pudding

Indulge in a dairy free twist on this beloved Christmas classic, with our recipe.

Ingredients:

• Dried cherries
• Raisins
• Almond milk
• Lemon zest and juice
• Allspice
• Maple syrup
• Spelt flour
• Vegetable shortening
• Chopped pecans
• Dairy free breadcrumbs

Instructions:

• Begin by soaking the dried cherries and golden raisins, in milk and lemon juice
• Mix them together with lemon zest, allspice, maple syrup spelt flour, vegetable shortening chopped pecans and dairy free breadcrumbs.
• Steam this mixture for 5 hours using a basin.
• Afterwards let it cool down then store it.

Here are some hacks and tips to try out:

• Give plant-based milks such as almond, oat or soy a go.
• If you don't have maple syrup, agave syrup can be a substitute.

5. Eggless Plum Cake Recipe

Indulge in rum-free eggless plum cake loaded with dried fruits and enjoy this festive feast anytime.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup chopped mixed dried fruits (plums, raisins, apricots)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C and line an 8-inch round cake pan.

Soak the chopped dried fruits in orange juice for 30 minutes.

Sift the flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt together. Add ground cinnamon, nutnmeg, and cloves.

Whisk yogurt, oil, brown sugar , and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine wet and dry mixtures and fold in soaked dried fruits.

Pour the batter in baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes. Take out and let cool then serve.