Christmas Pudding Recipes Worth Celebrating

Credit: 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.

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Mary Berry’s Christmas Pudding

Credit: 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.

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Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding

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

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Holiday Gingerbread Pudding

Credit: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Holiday Gingerbread Pudding

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

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Café Brûlot Bread Pudding

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Café Brûlot Bread Pudding

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

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Raspberry Panna Cotta

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Raspberry Panna Cotta

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

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Coconut Pudding

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Coconut Pudding

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

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Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding

Credit: 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.

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Spiced Caramel-Apple Bread Pudding

Credit: 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.

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Traditional Christmas Pudding

Credit: Supergolden Bakes

Recipe: Traditional Christmas Pudding

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

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Berry Bread Pudding

Credit: Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Berry Bread Pudding

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

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Lemony Rice Pudding with Figs and Saba

Credit: Photo: Squire Fox

Recipe: Lemony Rice Pudding with Figs and Saba

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

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Caramel-Pecan-Pumpkin Bread Puddings

Credit: 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.

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Café Con Leche Custard Cups

Credit: 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.

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Praline Bread Pudding

Credit: 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.

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Banana Brownie Sticky Toffee Puddings

Credit: 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.