Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding with Amaretto
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes (plus soaking)Add an Italian twist to your traditional Christmas pudding with sweet red fruits and a splash of amaretto. This festive dessert is perfect for a holiday gathering. Make sure to prepare the fruit a day ahead and check that your pudding basin fits inside your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Dried Fruits
200g dried mixed fruit
100g bag of dried berries and cherries (or 50g dried cherries, 25g dried cranberries, 25g dried blueberries)
100g glacé cherries, quartered
Liquids & Flavors
Zest and juice of 1 medium orange
50ml amaretto
50ml brandy
Dry Ingredients
100g dark muscovado sugar
1 tsp ground mixed spice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Freshly grated nutmeg
100g vegetarian suet
50g blanched almonds, roughly chopped
85g self-raising flour
65g fresh white breadcrumbs
Other
2 medium eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium Bramley apple (225g), cored and grated
Butter (for greasing)
Steps
1. Prep the Fruit
Combine dried fruits, glacé cherries, orange zest and juice, amaretto, brandy, sugar, and spices in a large bowl. Mix well, cover, and leave to soak overnight (or up to two days).
2. Prepare the Basin
Grease a 1-liter pudding basin with butter. Line the base with baking paper.
Create a pleated lid: Place a 30cm square of baking paper on a similar-sized foil sheet. Grease the paper side, fold both together with a 3cm pleat in the middle.
3. Mix the Pudding
Add eggs, grated apple, suet, almonds, flour, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt to the soaked fruit. Mix thoroughly.
4. Assemble the Pudding
Scrape the mixture into the prepared basin and level the top. Cover with the pleated foil and baking paper (buttered side down), securing tightly with string. Add a string handle for easy lifting.
5. Cook the Pudding
Place the basin in the slow cooker. Pour boiling water around the basin until it reaches halfway up the sides. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 10 hours.
6. Cool & Store
Remove the pudding from the slow cooker and allow it to cool completely. Replace the foil and paper wrapping with fresh ones for storage. Store in a cool, dark place or the fridge.
7. Reheat & Serve
To serve, reheat the pudding in the slow cooker for 4 hours on low. Serve with whipped cream spiked with a touch of amaretto.
No Slow Cooker?
Steam the pudding for 4 hours in step 5. To reheat, steam for 1½ hours.
This recipe will delight your guests with its rich flavor and unique twist. Enjoy with loved ones during the festive season!