Christmas Pudding Recipes Worth Celebrating

The Best Christmas Pudding
Photo: The Spruce Eats

Although it's a British tradition, Christmas pudding is a concept we can get used to. Historically, it's said that it was introduced by Prince Albert in the Victorian era. Much like the fruitcakes we know and love in the South, traditional Christmas pudding recipes include dried fruits and warm spices. Also called figgy pudding or plum pudding (hence the fruit ingredients), it doesn't resemble the creamy version that comes to mind when you hear the word. Instead, Christmas pudding is more of a cake, which is actually steamed instead of baked in the oven. Traditionally, it is made on "Stir Up Day," the Sunday before advent. Every member of the house must take a turn stirring the recipe, while making a wish for the coming year while doing so. Some families include a silver sixpence in the recipe for good luck. Traditional recipes are true labors of love, because they require ample resting and steaming time. These recipes are true make-ahead desserts that are filled with tradition and history.We have good news, though. If you're not into fruitcake, British tradition, or steaming a cake for hours on end, we also gathered some of our favorite American pudding recipes. From festive gingerbread to flavorful coconut to the classic chocolate, pudding recipes can take any form you like. Whether you go traditional or try something new, the whole family will be happy if you include a pudding in the dessert lineup.

01 of 24

Mary Berry’s Christmas Pudding

Mary Berry’s Christmas Pudding
BBC

Recipe: Mary Berry’s Christmas Pudding

Although we’re not versed in traditional British recipes, we trust Mary Berry to give us an incredible one to try.

02 of 24

Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding

Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding
Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding

Make this classic pudding the day before your event and let it chill overnight in the fridge.

03 of 24

Holiday Gingerbread Pudding

Holiday Gingerbread Pudding
Oxmoor House

Recipe: Holiday Gingerbread Pudding

Your guests won’t believe this festive dessert came together entirely in your slow cooker.

04 of 24

Café Brûlot Bread Pudding

Café Brûlot Bread Pudding
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Café Brûlot Bread Pudding

Coffee lovers, here’s the dessert you can serve at every luncheon this season.

05 of 24

Raspberry Panna Cotta

Raspberry Panna Cotta
Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Raspberry Panna Cotta

Garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary, this red and white dessert is ideal for Christmastime.

06 of 24

Coconut Pudding

Milk Punch Tres Leches Cake
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Coconut Pudding

Dreaming of a white Christmas? This snowy dessert will look beautiful on your table.

07 of 24

Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding

Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding
Christopher Testani

Recipe: Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding

If you find yourself with ripe bananas this holiday season, make this incredible pudding instead of banana bread.

08 of 24

Spiced Caramel-Apple Bread Pudding

Spiced Caramel-Apple Bread Pudding
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Spiced Caramel-Apple Bread Pudding

Caramel and apple are one of our favorite flavor combinations for fall and winter, and this bread pudding showcases them both perfectly.

09 of 24

Traditional Christmas Pudding

Traditional Christmas Pudding
Supergolden Bakes

Recipe: Traditional Christmas Pudding

With this traditional Christmas pudding recipe, your family will have plenty of good luck in the new year.

10 of 24

Berry Bread Pudding

Berry Bread Pudding
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Berry Bread Pudding

The luscious raspberry sauce that tops this bread pudding recipe will look festive for Christmas.

11 of 24

Lemony Rice Pudding with Figs and Saba

Lemony Rice Pudding with Figs and Saba
Photo: Squire Fox

Recipe: Lemony Rice Pudding with Figs and Saba

This beautiful recipe puts tired “figgy pudding” to shame.

12 of 24

Caramel-Pecan-Pumpkin Bread Puddings

Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Bread Puddings
Jim Franco

Recipe: Caramel-Pecan-Pumpkin Bread Puddings

We can’t think of a recipe that combines more of our favorite flavors for the holidays.

13 of 24

Café Con Leche Custard Cups

Café Con Leche Custard Cups
Jennifer Davick, Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey, Buffy Hargett / Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns, Normal King

Recipe: Café Con Leche Custard Cups

You can make this recipe a day ahead to lighten your load on the day you’re hosting.

14 of 24

Praline Bread Pudding

Praline Bread Pudding
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Praline Bread Pudding

You’ll want to eat the decadent praline sauce with a spoon, and we don’t blame you.

15 of 24

Banana Brownie Sticky Toffee Puddings

Banana Brownie Sticky Toffee Puddings
Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Banana Brownie Sticky Toffee Puddings

To be so pretty and delicious, this recipe has a surprisingly short ingredient list. Bonus: The sauce is delicious atop ice cream, so save any extra you have.

16 of 24

White Chocolate Panna Cotta With Dark Chocolate Sauce

White Chocolate Panna Cotta With Dark Chocolate Sauce
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: White Chocolate Panna Cotta With Dark Chocolate Sauce

This creamy dessert will look beautiful on your holiday table, and it can be made a day in advance.

17 of 24

The Best Christmas Pudding

The Best Christmas Pudding
The Spruce Eats

Recipe: The Best Christmas Pudding

This traditional Christmas pudding recipe needs to be made ahead, which will save you time on the day you serve it.

18 of 24

Creole Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Creole Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Creole Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Celebrate a Creole Christmas with this boozy bread pudding that’s to die for.

19 of 24

Chocolate Pudding

Chocolate Pudding
Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Chocolate Pudding

This easy, crowd-pleasing chocolate pudding recipe has two twists you can try this season—chocolate-espresso and raspberry-chocolate.

20 of 24

Apple Bread Pudding

Apple Bread Pudding
Helen Norman

Recipe: Apple Bread Pudding

Cinnamon-raisin bread is the base for this pretty holiday dessert.

21 of 24

Buttermilk Panna Cotta With Zinfandel-Poached Figs

Buttermilk Panna Cotta With Zinfandel-Poached Figs
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Buttermilk Panna Cotta With Zinfandel-Poached Figs

Figs are perfect for the holidays, and this creamy panna cotta is beautiful for parties. Bonus: It can be made up to two weeks in advance.

22 of 24

Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread Pudding with Apple Brandy-Caramel Sauce

Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread Pudding with Apple Brandy-Caramel Sauce
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread Pudding with Apple Brandy-Caramel Sauce

Use one loaf of Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread for the bread pudding, and give another as a hostess gift.

23 of 24

Cornbread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel

Cornbread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel
Photo: Brian Woodcock

Recipe: Cornbread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel

Drizzle Whiskey Caramel over pies and ice cream throughout the holiday season.

24 of 24

Brown Butter Gingerbread Figgy Puddings

Brown Butter Gingerbread Figgy Puddings
Sincerely Tori

Recipe: Brown Butter Gingerbread Figgy Puddings

These beautiful mini figgy puddings are topped with an indulgent brown butter glaze.

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