Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. This rich and fruity pudding is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home. With its unique blend of flavors and a luscious apple juice butter sauce, this recipe will surely impress your guests and become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Fruity: The combination of sultanas, prunes, and mixed fruits makes each bite bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive appearance, this pudding is simple to make with readily available ingredients.
• Perfect for Celebrations: This traditional dessert is ideal for festive occasions like holidays or family gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to substitute fruits or spices according to your taste preferences.
• Decadent Sauce: The apple juice butter sauce adds a rich finish that enhances the pudding’s flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create this scrumptious Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Pudding basin
• Parchment paper
• Foil
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
• Pudding basin: This specific bowl shape helps the pudding steam evenly for the perfect texture.
• Whisk: A whisk is crucial for blending ingredients smoothly, especially when incorporating air into the mixture.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Pudding

• 1 cup sultanas
• ½ cup chopped prunes
• ¼ cup candied citrus peel
• ¼ cup glace fruit mix
• ½ cup glace mixed cherries
• 1 apple
• 1 carrot
• zest and juice of 1 orange
• 3 tbsp apple juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ginger
• ½ tsp allspice
• ¼ tsp cloves
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg

For the Apple Juice Butter Sauce

• extra apple juice (for serving)
• icing sugar (for garnish)
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream

How to Make Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sultanas, chopped prunes, candied citrus peel, and glace fruit mix. Cut the glacé cherries in half and add them to the bowl. Peel and grate the apple and carrot, then mix them in as well. Add the zest and juice of one orange along with three tablespoons of apple juice. Stir thoroughly and cover; let it rest for at least one hour or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Basin

Cut a small circle of parchment paper to fit inside the bottom of your pudding basin. Spray it with non-stick spray and place it at the bottom. Cut another large circle of parchment paper to cover the top of the basin.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisk together until evenly blended before setting aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until crumbly. Add an egg and mix until smooth. Incorporate the prepared fruit mixture into this blend using a spatula until well combined.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated. Spoon this batter into your prepared pudding basin and smooth out the top.

Step 6: Secure the Pudding

Cover the top of your pudding basin with the parchment circle you prepared earlier. Then cover tightly with foil and secure it around the edges using string.

Step 7: Steam Cook

Fill a large pot with water up to two-thirds full. If your basin has a flat bottom, elevate it slightly using a canning lid or folded aluminum foil. Place your pudding basin inside carefully. Cover with a lid and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 3 to 4 hours. Check occasionally to ensure water levels remain adequate.

Step 8: Check Doneness

Insert a thermometer through the foil into the center of your pudding; it should read around 200°F when done. Remove from heat after checking but allow cooling in its basin for only five minutes before removal.

Step 9: Unmold Your Pudding

Cut away string from foil covering; remove both carefully from your pudding basin using a spatula around edges if needed. Invert onto an upside-down serving plate gently shaking if necessary for release.

Step 10: Make Apple Juice Butter Sauce

While steaming continues on your pudding if desired! Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat; whisk in sugar until combined (it may appear gritty). Pour in heavy cream while whisking continuously until boiling occurs—then remove from heat adding remaining apple juice before serving!

Step 11: Serve & Enjoy!

Dust icing sugar atop if preferred! Serve warm alongside deliciously rich apple juice butter sauce drizzled generously over each slice—enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Serving Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is a delightful experience that enhances the flavors of this festive dessert. Here are some creative serving suggestions to help you impress your guests.

Classic Presentation

• Serve the plum pudding warm on a decorative plate, drizzled generously with the apple juice butter sauce for a classic look.

Icing Sugar Dusting

• Lightly dust the top of the pudding with icing sugar just before serving. This adds an elegant touch and enhances visual appeal.

Accompanying Fresh Fruits

• Pair the pudding with fresh fruits like sliced oranges or berries. Their acidity balances the sweetness of the pudding beautifully.

Creamy Ice Cream

• Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream alongside the pudding. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm pudding.

Festive Garnishes

• Use sprigs of mint or edible flowers as garnishes. They add color and freshness to your dessert presentation.

Sipping Pairings

• Serve with a glass of hot apple cider or spiced tea. The warm beverages complement the richness of the pudding and create a cozy atmosphere.

How to Perfect Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Perfecting your Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce can elevate your dessert game. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh fruits and quality spices make a big difference in flavor. Opt for premium dried fruits for added richness.
• Soak overnight: For deeper flavor, soak your dried fruits in apple juice overnight before mixing them into the batter.
• Check water levels: While steaming, keep an eye on the water level in your pot to prevent it from running dry, which could lead to uneven cooking.
• Avoid overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Cool slightly before serving: Allow the pudding to cool for about five minutes after steaming; this helps maintain its shape when unmolding.
• Reheat sauce gently: If you’ve made your apple juice butter sauce ahead of time, reheat it slowly over low heat to avoid separation.

Best Side Dishes for Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Enhance your meal by pairing Traditional Plum Pudding with complementary side dishes that will delight everyone at your table. Here are some excellent options:

1. Spiced Apples: Sauté sliced apples in cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, flavorful side that echoes the spices in your pudding.
2. Bread Sauce: A creamy bread sauce adds richness and a comforting texture, making it an ideal companion.
3. Roasted Nuts: Serve a bowl of mixed roasted nuts for added crunch and savory contrast against the sweet pudding.
4. Caramelized Pears: Prepare pears sautéed in brown sugar until golden, providing a sweet note that pairs wonderfully.
5. Custard Sauce: A creamy vanilla custard can be poured over each slice of pudding for extra indulgence.
6. Cranberry Compote: A tart cranberry compote offers bright flavors that cut through the richness of the dessert.
7. Vanilla Yogurt: Serve dollops of vanilla yogurt on the side for a lighter option that still provides creaminess.
8. Steamed Greens: Consider light steamed greens like kale or spinach as a refreshing contrast to balance out all sweetness on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the Soaking Step: Not allowing the dried fruits to soak can lead to a dry pudding. Make sure to let them sit for at least an hour or overnight for better flavor and moisture.
• Incorrect Measurements: Using inaccurate ingredient amounts can ruin your pudding. Always measure ingredients precisely for the best results.
• Underestimating Cooking Time: Removing the pudding too soon may result in a soggy center. Ensure you cook it for 3 1/2 to 4 hours for optimal texture.
• Ignoring Temperature Checks: Not checking the internal temperature can lead to undercooked pudding. Use a thermometer and aim for about 200°F in the center.
• Forgetting to Grease Properly: If you skip greasing, your pudding may stick to the basin. Be generous with non-stick spray and use parchment paper.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Allow the pudding to cool completely before covering.

Freezing Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat wrapped pudding for about 20 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Steam over simmering water in a covered pot for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce?

Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is a rich dessert made with dried fruits, spices, and served with a creamy apple juice sauce.

How long does it take to prepare?

The preparation time is about 60 minutes, but soaking the fruits beforehand is essential for optimal flavor.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

You can use plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture to create a vegan version of this pudding.

How do I serve Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce?

Slice the pudding and serve warm drizzled with apple juice butter sauce. Dust with icing sugar if desired.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different dried fruits or spices based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is a festive treat that offers rich flavors and textures. With its versatility, you can easily adapt it by swapping out fruits or adding your favorite spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress at any gathering!