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As the holiday season approaches and twinkling lights adorn every corner, the craving for festive treats begins to stir. It was during one of those cozy December afternoons, with snowflakes gently falling outside, that I realized something was missing from our traditional celebrations: a gluten-free Christmas pudding that everyone could enjoy. This easy recipe effortlessly brings together just seven ingredients, letting the rich aromas of brandy and the warmth of spices fill your kitchen.

Imagine the satisfyingly moist texture and the delightful sweetness of alcohol-soaked fruits, all while adhering to gluten-free and dairy-free diets. This pudding not only serves as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table but is also a simple delight to prepare, perfect for those who seek a comforting yet indulgent dessert without the fuss. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s create a festive treat that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds!

Why is Gluten Free Christmas Pudding a Must-Try?

Unique Flavor: The combination of rich brandy and zesty orange creates an irresistible aroma that fills your home with holiday spirit.

Easy to Make: This straightforward recipe uses just 7 ingredients, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Perfect for All: Whether gluten-free, dairy-free, or just love festive treats, everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.

Moist and Delicious: Packed with alcohol-soaked fruits and spices, the pudding is moist and flavorful, reminiscent of traditional puddings.

Quick Preparation: You can prepare this pudding the same day, eliminating the hassle of long cooking times while still delivering a show-stopping dessert.

Impress your guests with a festive treat that brings the joy of Christmas to every table!

Gluten Free Christmas Pudding Ingredients

Discover essential elements for festive baking!

For the Pudding
• Gluten Free White Bread (2 slices, approx. 75g) – Provides structure and moisture; feel free to swap with any gluten-free bread of your choice.
• Good Quality Mincemeat (600g) – Adds sweetness and flavor; make sure it’s gluten-free for the best results.
• Zest of 1 Orange – Enhances flavor with bright citrus notes; can be easily substituted with lemon zest for a different twist.
• Brandy (2 tbsp) or Amaretto – Infuses the pudding with rich, aromatic flavor; for a non-alcoholic option, orange juice works well.
• Large Egg (1, beaten) – Binds the ingredients together beautifully; egg substitutes haven’t been tested for this recipe.
• Plain Gluten Free Flour (50g) – Acts as a thickener to achieve the perfect pudding texture; gluten-free all-purpose flour is a suitable alternative.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the pudding rise and get that delightful texture; ensure it’s labeled gluten-free.
• Mixed Spice (1 tsp) – Offers warm, festive flavors; you can use pumpkin spice mix or simply omit if you don’t have it on hand.

Get ready to create a delicious and festive Gluten Free Christmas Pudding that will warm hearts and bring smiles this holiday season!

How to Make Gluten Free Christmas Pudding

Prepare the Basin: Grease a 16cm pudding basin, then line the sides with a 2-inch wide strip of baking paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later.
Make Breadcrumbs: Blitz the gluten-free white bread in a food processor until it’s crumbly. This texture is essential to ensure your pudding is light and fluffy, so set the crumbs aside.
Mix the Fruits and Zest: In a mixing bowl, combine the good quality mincemeat, orange zest, and brandy (or Amaretto). Mix thoroughly until well integrated; this will be the flavor base for your pudding.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the beaten egg to the fruit mixture and stir well. In a separate bowl, mix together the plain gluten-free flour, baking powder, and mixed spice with the breadcrumbs. Then gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
Fill the Basin: Pour the mixture into the prepared lined basin. Cover it with a layer of pleated baking paper, then top it off with foil, securing everything in place with string to ensure no water enters.
Steam the Pudding: Place the basin in a large pot and cover it with water, ensuring the water level is halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam for about 3 hours, topping up the water as needed to maintain the level.
Serve with Style: Once cooked, invert the pudding onto a plate and dust it with icing sugar. For an elegant touch, serve it with a scoop of brandy butter or a generous drizzle of custard.

Optional: For a dramatic presentation, consider flambéing the pudding before serving for that wow-factor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Gluten Free Christmas Pudding?

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a table filled with festive dishes to celebrate the holiday spirit.

Brandy Butter: A rich, creamy topping that melts into the warm pudding, adding a decadent sweetness to each bite.
Custard: Its velvety texture and warmth beautifully complement the moist, spice-laden pudding, enriching the overall dessert experience.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of seasonal berries, like raspberries or blueberries, cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing burst of flavor.
Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free delight, this light and airy topping adds a subtly sweet and tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
Spiced Red Wine: A glass of mulled wine enhances the festive feel, with its warming spices echoing the flavors in the pudding.
Mixed Nuts: Roasted nuts provide a crunchy contrast, balancing the pudding’s soft texture while adding a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the pudding creates a lovely indulgence, mixing flavors that offer both sweetness and complexity.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream warms the heart, providing a delightful contrast to the pudding’s density while offering a cool contrast.
A Festive Cheese Board: Include some soft, tangy cheeses to serve with your pudding, creating a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Storage Tips for Gluten Free Christmas Pudding

Room Temperature: Keep your pudding at room temperature for up to 2 days, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or stored in an airtight container to maintain moisture.

Fridge: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: You can freeze the gluten-free Christmas pudding for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating: To enjoy it warm, defrost in the fridge overnight and steam or microwave until heated through. If steaming, add water to prevent drying and enhance flavor.

Expert Tips for Gluten Free Christmas Pudding

Check Ingredients: Ensure all your components, especially mincemeat and baking powder, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any surprises.

Measure Accurately: Use weighing scales for precise measurements; gluten-free baking requires accuracy to achieve the best texture in your pudding.

Steam Smart: Keep an eye on the water levels while steaming. Oversteaming can lead to a dry pudding, so add boiling water as needed.

Make Ahead: This pudding freezes beautifully! Make it in advance, let it cool, freeze, then defrost and steam before serving for optimal flavor.

Presentation Matters: For an elegant finish, dust the pudding with icing sugar and serve with custard or brandy butter for a festive touch.

Make Ahead Options

These Gluten Free Christmas Pudding options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holidays! You can prepare the pudding mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before steaming. Just follow the initial steps—grease the basin, mix the ingredients, and pour into the basin—then cover with pleated baking paper and foil. When you’re ready to serve, steam the pudding directly from the fridge, topping up water as needed. This way, you’ll have a delicious and stress-free dessert that tastes just as wonderful as if it were made fresh on the day, ensuring you can enjoy festive celebrations without a culinary rush!

Gluten Free Christmas Pudding Variations

Get creative with your pudding by exploring these delightful twists!

Lemon Zest: Swap orange zest with lemon for a brighter, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Alcohol-Free: Omit brandy or replace it with orange juice for a family-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
Nutty Surprise: Mix in chopped almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch that adds texture and flavor to each bite.
Dried Fruit Medley: Replace mincemeat with a blend of your favorite dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, and figs for a unique take.
Spice it Up: Use chai spice instead of mixed spice to infuse the pudding with a warm, aromatic twist that sings of the holidays.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some chocolate chips for a decadent surprise that brings a rich sweetness to the festive flavors.
Coconut Flour Substitute: For a different texture, replace part of the gluten-free flour with coconut flour, giving your pudding a tropical flair.
Chili Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder to the mix for a surprising heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet elements.

Gluten Free Christmas Pudding Recipe FAQs

What type of gluten-free bread should I use?
Absolutely! You can use any gluten-free white bread for this recipe. I often recommend a soft, high-quality brand to ensure the pudding has a delightful texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with other gluten-free breads for unique flavors!

How should I store any leftovers?
You can store your gluten-free Christmas pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to wrap it well to keep its moisture! If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing the pudding for up to 3 months. Just wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn.

Can I freeze the gluten-free Christmas pudding?
Yes, absolutely! Freezing is a great option for this pudding. To do so, let it cool completely after cooking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Follow with a layer of foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, steam it for about 1 hour or microwave it until it’s warm throughout.

What if my pudding is too dry after steaming?
No worries! If you discover your pudding is a bit dry, check the water levels during steaming next time. Make sure the water is steaming vigorously but also add boiling water as needed to ensure it doesn’t evaporate too quickly. If you feel it’s already overcooked, try serving it with a generous amount of brandy butter or custard to add moisture and flavor!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! This gluten-free Christmas pudding is perfect for those avoiding gluten. However, if you’re cooking for individuals with other dietary restrictions, be aware of the mincemeat; ensure it’s free from allergens such as nuts or dairy. The recipe is also dairy-free if you opt for non-dairy butter with your serving. Always check labels to confirm!

How can I enhance the flavors in my pudding?
You can definitely boost the flavors in your pudding! Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to give it a delightful texture. Alternatively, use a splash of your favorite fruit juice, like apple or cranberry, if you prefer to omit the alcohol. Mixing in more spices, like ground cinnamon or nutmeg, can also elevate this festive treat!