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. With its rich blend of fruits and spices, this pudding is perfect for holiday celebrations or family dinners. The unique apple juice butter sauce adds a luscious touch that elevates the dessert to new heights, making it a standout at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of sultanas, prunes, and spices creates a deep, satisfying taste.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or simple family gatherings; this pudding fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and clear steps, even novice bakers can succeed.
• Serve Warm or Cold: Enjoy it straight from the steamer or chilled with a drizzle of sauce for a refreshing twist.
• Impress Your Guests: The visually stunning presentation will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Pudding basin
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan
• Thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Pudding basin: Holds the pudding during steaming, ensuring it cooks evenly.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your mixture for a lighter texture.
• Thermometer: Ensures your pudding reaches the optimal temperature for perfect doneness.

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 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 mixing bowl. Peel and grate the apple and carrot before adding them as well. Pour in the zest and juice of one orange along with 3 tablespoons of apple juice. Stir everything together well, cover it up, and let it sit for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for deeper 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. Place this parchment circle at the bottom and spray again. Set aside another larger circle of parchment paper to cover the top later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, along with all spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg). Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Butter and Sugar

In another large mixing bowl, blend together ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup brown sugar until crumbly. Add in one egg and beat until smooth. Fold in your prepared fruit mixture along with any juices.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients from step three into your wet mixture. Stir until you have a smooth batter before spooning it into the prepared pudding basin. Smooth out the top before covering it with your parchment circle followed by foil tightly secured around edges using string.

Step 6: Steam Your Pudding

Fill a large pot with several inches of water. If necessary use a canning lid or ring of aluminum foil under your pudding basin so it’s not resting completely on the bottom. Place it into boiling water that comes two-thirds up its sides. Cover with a lid; reduce heat to maintain gentle simmering for about 3.5 to 4 hours while checking water levels occasionally.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

After steaming time has elapsed, check if your plum pudding is done using a thermometer inserted through foil top; temperature should reach around 200°F. Remove from pot after cooling slightly but avoid letting it cool completely in its basin as it may stick.

Step 8: Unmold Your Pudding

Carefully cut off string then remove foil/paper tops gently running spatula around edges to loosen pudding from bowl before flipping onto serving plate upside-down.

Step 9: Make Apple Juice Butter Sauce

While pudding steams away beautifully make sauce by melting remaining butter over medium-high heat in saucepan; stir in granulated sugar until gritty look forms then add heavy cream bringing sauce up to boil while whisking regularly before removing from heat adding extra apple juice set aside until serving.

Step 10: Serve

Dust your beautiful plum pudding with icing sugar if desired then serve warm alongside delicious apple juice butter sauce drizzled over top! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Serving traditional plum pudding is a delightful experience, especially when paired with a luscious apple juice butter sauce. This dessert can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.

Warm with Sauce

• Serve the pudding warm, drizzled generously with the apple juice butter sauce for a rich and comforting flavor.

Chilled with Cream

• For a refreshing twist, serve slices of the pudding chilled alongside a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche.

Garnished with Icing Sugar

• Lightly dust the top of the pudding with icing sugar before serving to add a touch of elegance and sweetness.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Pair the pudding with fresh fruit such as sliced apples or berries to balance the richness and add freshness to each bite.

How to Perfect Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

For an exceptional traditional plum pudding experience, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Select high-quality dried fruits and spices for deeper flavors in your pudding.
• Soak Overnight: Letting the fruit mixture soak overnight enhances its flavor and ensures a moist texture.
• Check Water Levels: Regularly monitor the water level in your steaming pot to keep the pudding cooking evenly without drying out.
• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the pudding to rest after cooking helps it set properly and makes for easier slicing.
• Reheat Gently: If serving leftovers, reheat gently in the microwave or steamer to avoid drying out the pudding.

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

Enhance your dessert experience by pairing traditional plum pudding with delightful side dishes that complement its flavors.

1. Custard: A warm vanilla custard adds creaminess that pairs beautifully with fruity notes.
2. Ice Cream: Rich vanilla bean ice cream offers a cool contrast to the warm pudding.
3. Fruit Compote: A tart berry compote brightens up each slice and adds textural variety.
4. Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the pudding for indulgence.
5. Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel sauce provides a decadent touch that complements the spices in the pudding.
6. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and nutty flavors that contrast well with the soft texture of the pudding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure your Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce turns out perfectly by avoiding these common mistakes.

• Skipping the soaking step: Not allowing the fruit mixture to soak can result in a pudding that lacks depth of flavor. Soak for at least one hour or overnight for the best taste.
• Not preparing the basin correctly: If you skip greasing and lining the pudding basin, it may stick and be hard to remove. Always grease and line with parchment paper for easy release.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense pudding. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Ignoring water levels during steaming: If the water level drops too low while steaming, your pudding might not cook evenly. Check regularly and add more water as needed.
• Not checking for doneness: Failing to check the internal temperature could leave you with an undercooked pudding. Use a thermometer; it should read 200°F for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your traditional plum pudding in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

• Wrap the pudding tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate; heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
• Stovetop: Steam over simmering water for about 10–15 minutes, keeping it covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce.

What is Traditional Plum Pudding?

Traditional plum pudding is a rich dessert made from various dried fruits, spices, and flour, usually steamed for hours to achieve its unique texture.

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

Serve warm slices drizzled with the apple juice butter sauce. Dust with icing sugar for an elegant touch!

Can I make Traditional Plum Pudding ahead of time?

Yes! The pudding can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving.

What can I substitute if I don’t have allspice?

If you don’t have allspice on hand, you can use a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg instead.

Final Thoughts

This Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is not just a delightful dessert but also offers endless customization options! You can add different dried fruits or adjust spices according to your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy this festive treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion!

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Traditional Plum Pudding with Apple Juice Butter Sauce

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 8

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Traditional Plum Pudding with Apple Juice Butter Sauce. This delightful dessert is a perfect blend of rich dried fruits, aromatic spices, and a luscious apple juice-infused butter sauce that elevates its appeal. Ideal for holiday gatherings or family dinners, this pudding not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also creates a memorable dining experience. Serve it warm for that cozy feel or chilled for a refreshing twist; either way, it’s bound to impress your guests!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup sultanas
• ½ cup chopped prunes
• ¼ cup candied citrus peel
• 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
• extra apple juice (for serving)
• icing sugar (for garnish)
• ½ cup butter for sauce
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Combine sultanas, prunes, candied citrus peel, grated apple and carrot in a bowl. Add orange zest and juice along with apple juice. Let it sit for at least an hour.
2. Prepare your pudding basin by lining it with parchment paper and greasing it.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
4. Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until crumbly; beat in egg. Fold in the fruit mixture.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until smooth; transfer into the prepared basin.
6. Steam for about 3.5 to 4 hours until cooked through (check temperature reaches 200°F).
7. For the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in sugar until gritty; add heavy cream and bring to boil while whisking.
8. Dust pudding with icing sugar before serving alongside warm apple juice butter sauce.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Traditional

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg