As we deck the halls and belt out ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’, one phrase often goes unnoticed – bringing me some figgy pudding. But what’s behind this festive treat? For centuries, figgy pudding has been a beloved winter dessert, despite its misleading name. It bears little resemblance to traditional puddings, yet remains a staple of holiday celebrations. In the spirit of spreading cheer, I’ll share multiple recipes for you to try and decide which one becomes your new go-to for the season.
Whether you’re looking to impress loved ones or simply add some festive flair to your gatherings, these figgy pudding recipes are sure to bring joy. So, let’s get baking – and next time you sing along with ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’, you’ll know exactly what this delightful treat is all about.
Figgy Pudding Cobbler
Inspired by her beloved peach cobbler recipe, the creator decided to pay homage with a twist – substituting juicy figs for peaches. For those unfamiliar with figgy pudding, this recipe serves as an ideal introduction, allowing you to dip your toes into the world of sweet and savory fusion.
Christmas Figgy Pudding
This traditional figgy pudding recipe stands out to me because of the unique approach taken by its creator – they provide a comprehensive history of figgy pudding before sharing the actual recipe. The end result is a delightful, moist cake infused with the sweetness of figs and complemented by a rich toffee sauce. As someone fortunate enough to have fig trees in their own backyard, I’m particularly enthusiastic about putting my bounty to good use on this recipe.
What the Heck is Figgy Pudding?
I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of figgy pudding, and now that I’ve finally learned its secrets, I’m thrilled to share my newfound understanding. This traditional recipe, which yields a rich and decadent cake, takes a unique approach by eschewing traditional sauces in favor of a light and airy whipped cream topping.
The Chocolate Figgy Pudding
Despite its name, this dessert is not your typical pudding – it’s actually a rich and moist fruit cake. While it may share some characteristics with puddings, such as its creamy texture, it’s far from the sweet treats often associated with that term in American culture. Instead, this traditional recipe takes on a life of its own by incorporating the deep flavor of added chocolate, as well as the option to mix in nuts or raisins for an even bolder taste experience.
Warm Sticky Figgy Pudding
Imagine you’re already hooked by the sweet allure of our previous treat, but eager for more. Well, you’re in luck because this traditional figgy pudding recipe is about to become your new favorite holiday indulgence. What sets it apart? A rich cream and brown sugar sauce that adds a velvety texture and a deep caramel flavor. And if that’s not enough, we’re taking it up a notch by adding scoops of creamy ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and finishing it off with a plump fig.
It’s a match made in heaven! The question is, why haven’t we been enjoying this delightful dessert every Christmas season?
Crock Pot Figgy Pudding
The allure of slow-cooked goodness is undeniable. For those familiar with my blog, it’s no secret that I hold the humble crockpot in high esteem – so much so that even traditional desserts like figgy pudding can be effortlessly recreated using this trusty appliance. The result? A sweet treat that requires minimal effort to achieve, almost as if a Christmas miracle has unfolded.
Christmas Pudding with Brandy Custard
Christmas pudding, also affectionately known as figgy pudding, is a cherished Irish tradition. This beloved recipe has been passed down through generations, and its rich flavors are perfectly complemented by a dollop of brandy custard. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or just looking to spice up your holiday celebrations, giving this classic dessert a try is an adventure worth taking.
The Bundt Figgy Pudding
When preparing this figgy pudding recipe, simplicity is key. The traditional formula is employed, but the bundt cake form simplifies the baking process. Additionally, the author provides guidance on crafting a rich hard sauce, commonly referred to as rum or bourbon sauce, to complement the pudding. Furthermore, they offer insight into the historic practice of flaming the figgy pudding, a technique once used to serve this dessert.
Genius Kitchen Figgy Pudding
While many recipes featuring pudding share similarities, this particular recipe diverges slightly from its counterparts. One notable distinction is the inclusion of breadcrumbs, which may not be found in every variation. Moreover, this recipe stays true to tradition by presenting the pudding in a classic bundt cake form, complete with a rich and velvety hard sauce that adds an extra layer of depth and indulgence.
The Fruitier Figgy Pudding
This fruit-forward pudding takes its inspiration from traditional recipes by incorporating an assortment of dried fruits, including figs, currants, cranberries, and apricots. For those seeking a more intense fruit flavor profile with a hint of sweetness, this unique pudding recipe is definitely worth considering.
Brown Butter Gingerbread Figgy Pudding
Imagine a dessert that takes the classic pudding to new heights by incorporating the warmth of gingerbread or the nutty flavor of graham cracker crumbs instead of traditional bread crumbs. The result is a sweet and savory blend that’s sure to delight. To take it to the next level, a rich brown butter glaze is drizzled over the individual puddings, creating a visually stunning presentation that evokes the cozy atmosphere of Christmas morning.
Paleo Gluten and Dairy Free Figgy Pudding
For individuals dealing with food allergies or seeking to avoid specific ingredients, this figgy pudding recipe provides a welcoming solution. By substituting traditional all-purpose flour with coconut flour and swapping butter for ghee, this recipe offers a unique twist on the classic dish, making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Steamed Fig Pudding
When it comes to preparing pudding, the method can vary depending on the specific recipe. While some puddings are baked, others require a different approach – steaming. This unique cooking technique involves boiling the pudding in a way that’s similar to using a double-boiler, resulting in an outcome that’s just as intriguing as it is delicious.
Christmas Figgy Pudding
This figgy pudding recipe stands out because it offers a straightforward approach and flexibility. The author takes you through the process of steaming the pudding for a traditional flavor, while also providing instructions on how to bake it if that’s your preference. Unlike some recipes, this one doesn’t include a hard sauce. Instead, it suggests finishing the cake with powdered sugar or whipped cream, allowing you to add your own personal touch.
Figgy Pudding Trifle with Brandy
A creative spin on traditional pudding, this trifle starts with layers of soft sponge cake at the base. The next step involves topping these sponges with a harmonious blend of sweet figs, brandy-infused syrup, sugar, and warm allspice spices. To add richness and depth, custard is carefully poured over the mixture, followed by dollops of refreshing lemon double cream and finishing touches from candied lemon peel.
Newfoundland Figgy Duff
While this recipe may not seem related to figs at first glance, it’s interesting to note that raisins were once commonly referred to as ‘figs’. The origins of figgy pudding are unclear, but it’s possible that early recipes did feature figs or raisins. Regardless, this recipe is a traditional steamed or boiled pudding that’s distinct from modern desserts in its simplicity and reliance on basic ingredients like flour, sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a few other staples.
This recipe offers 16 different options for trying pudding, each with its own unique character. It’s a great way to connect with past traditions and bring some holiday cheer back into your celebrations. I hope you find this classic Christmas dessert to be a delicious addition to your holiday routine.
