Hello — today I’m making my Gluten and Dairy Free Christmas Pudding and wanted to share the recipe again. I’ve been making this pudding every year for about ten years, and it’s always a family favourite.
The recipe is flexible so you can adapt it to your preferences. For a child-friendly version, you can replace the brandy with orange juice; this year I used spiced rum for a warming twist. You can also change the dried fruit mix — use all sultanas, or swap the cherries for cranberries, depending on what you have or prefer.
This pudding works well for anyone avoiding gluten and dairy without sacrificing rich, festive flavour. It stores and reheats nicely, making it a reliable choice for holiday preparations. For the best texture, pack the mixture firmly into your pudding basin and steam for the suggested time. Once steamed, allow it to cool, then wrap and store until you’re ready to reheat and serve.
When serving, warm a little dairy-free butter or a suitable sauce on the side. For an impressive finish, warm some dairy-free cream and pour it over the pudding, or flame with your preferred spirit if you wish to keep the traditional presentation.
Here are a few simple variations to consider:
- Alcohol-free: Replace brandy or rum with orange or apple juice.
- Fruit swaps: Use all sultanas, mix raisins and currants, or add cranberries instead of cherries.
- Spice levels: Increase cinnamon, nutmeg or mixed spice for a warmer profile.
- Serving ideas: Pair with dairy-free custard, cream, or a citrus glaze for contrast.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas — enjoy making and sharing this pudding with family and friends.
Fx
