Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of a traditional Figgy Pudding. This classic British dessert is moist, fruity, and spiced to perfection. Made with fresh figs, dried fruits, and warm spices, it's the perfect treat for the holiday season. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly heavenly dessert experience. This recipe takes a little time to prepare but is definitely worth the effort. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of comfort and nostalgia.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh figs, chopped
- 1 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup prunes, chopped
- 1 cup currants
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup brandy
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh figs, dried figs, dried cranberries, raisins, prunes, and currants. Mix well.
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour, bread crumbs, milk, brandy, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter over the fruit mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Grease a 9-inch round pudding mold or a heatproof bowl with butter. Pour the figgy pudding mixture into the mold and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Place a steamer basket or rack in a large pot and fill with about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.
- Carefully place the pudding mold in the pot on top of the steamer basket or rack. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 3 hours, adding more water as needed to maintain the level.
- After 3 hours, remove the mold from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Remove the foil and invert the pudding onto a serving plate.
- Serve the figgy pudding warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Figgy pudding is a traditional Christmas dessert in many English-speaking countries.
The term 'figgy pudding' is often used to refer to any type of Christmas pudding.
It is traditionally made on Stir-up Sunday, which falls on the last Sunday before Advent.
Figgy pudding is often served flambéed with brandy and topped with a sprig of holly for decoration.
The English Christmas carol 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' includes the line, 'Now bring us some figgy pudding.'