As the holiday season approaches, there’s a certain bliss in the air that begs for cozy traditions and festive flavors. Picture this: the comforting scents of rich spices, sweet dried fruits, and warm citrus zest swirling around your kitchen as a Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding bubbles gently away, ready to bring joy to your gatherings. This delightful dessert is not just a treat; it’s an experience, a cherished memory waiting to happen. What I love about this recipe is its simplicity—just toss your ingredients into a slow cooker and let time work its magic. Whether you’re hosting family or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this pudding is a lifesaver, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones. With options for vegetarian and alcohol-free versions, everyone can indulge without worry. So, let’s embrace the spirit of the season and create a dessert that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.

Why is this Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding Recipe perfect?

Simplicity: With minimal prep and easy steps, this recipe lets you enjoy the festive season without stress, perfect for busy hosts.
Rich Flavors: The blend of dried fruits, spices, and zesty citrus creates a luxurious taste that warms the heart.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this pudding is sure to impress family and friends alike—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Customizable: Create your own version with vegetarian or alcohol-free alternatives, so no one misses out on this holiday delight.
Make-Ahead: Prepare it weeks in advance and simply reheat on the big day, freeing up your oven for other delicious dishes.
Tradition: This pudding pays homage to classic holiday recipes, making it a nostalgic treat sure to spark cherished memories.

Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding Ingredients

For the Pudding
• Sultanas, Raisins, Currants – These dried fruits provide essential sweetness and delightful texture, creating the rich flavor profile that makes this Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding so special.
• Candied Peel – Adds a refreshing citrusy zing that balances the sweetness.
• Grated Apple – Infuses moisture and a hint of natural sweetness, enhancing the pudding’s overall flavor.
• Citrus Zests (orange, lemon) – Brighten up the taste with their vibrant notes; no substitutions needed here!
• Orange Juice – This tangy component introduces a lovely acidity that counterbalances the pudding’s sweetness; if preferred, you can substitute with non-alcoholic stout.
• Brandy – This classic ingredient brings depth of flavor; for those avoiding alcohol, consider strong coffee or non-alcoholic stout as alternatives.
• Dark Stout – Deep and rich, it elevates the flavor of the pudding; feel free to experiment with non-alcoholic stout or strong coffee as substitutes.
• Self-Rising Flour – Essential for providing structure; can be swapped with a mixture of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt if necessary.
• Salt – A pinch enhances overall flavor, ensuring all the ingredients shine through.

Optional Serving Suggestions
• Brandy Butter or Custard – Serve alongside for an indulgent finish that takes your pudding to the next level!

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding

Mix Fruits: In a large bowl, combine sultanas, raisins, currants, and candied peel. This mixture forms the sweet, fruity base of your pudding—make sure the fruits are well integrated!
Add Ingredients: Stir in grated apple, citrus zest, orange juice, brandy, and dark stout. Mix everything together until it’s evenly blended; the delightful aroma will already begin to fill your kitchen.
Soak Overnight: Cover the fruit mixture with a tea towel and let it soak for at least 12 hours. This soaking step is crucial for maximizing the flavors—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Combine Remaining Ingredients: The next day, mix in self-rising flour and a pinch of salt. Ensure everything is combined into a uniform batter—this will help create the perfect texture!
Prepare the Pudding Basin: Butter the pudding basin and line it with baking parchment. Fill it with the pudding mixture, pressing down firmly to eliminate air pockets that could disrupt cooking.
Cover and Secure: Create a slight gap in the center of the mixture and cover it with a layer of parchment and foil. Secure the cover tightly with kitchen string to prevent water from seeping in during cooking.
Slow Cook: Place the basin into your slow cooker, filling the pot with water halfway up the sides of the basin. Set the cooker to low and let it work its magic for 10 hours, checking the water levels occasionally.
Cool and Store: After cooking, allow the pudding to cool completely before storing it in a cool, dark place. This pudding can last for up to six months—perfect for holiday prep!
Reheat to Serve: When you’re ready to indulge, reheat in the slow cooker for about 4 hours. Then turn out onto a plate and drizzle it with warm triple sec before carefully flaming.

Optional: Serve with a dollop of brandy butter or custard for an extra indulgent touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding Variations

Get ready to switch things up and make this festive pudding your own!

Alcohol-Free: Replace brandy and dark stout with strong coffee or non-alcoholic stout; the flavors remain delightful.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Simply use vegetable stock instead of any meat-based broths or ingredients; this recipe is already largely plant-based!
Fruit Medley: Swap in dried figs, apricots, or dried cranberries for an exciting twist. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the batter for added warmth and a holiday spice kick; it’ll elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Nutty Goodness: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch; they create a wonderful textural contrast to the moist pudding.
Citrus Burst: Switch up the citrus zests—use grapefruit or lime to add a fresh twist! A little zing can elevate the entire dish.
Choco Delight: Fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a decadent chocolatey flavor; who doesn’t love a chocolatey holiday treat?
Extra Moisture: Add a tablespoon of applesauce to enhance moisture in the pudding while adding subtle sweetness—it’s a great way to incorporate more fruit!

What to Serve with Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding?

Indulging in this festive dessert creates a perfect opportunity to craft a memorable holiday meal.

Brandy Butter: This classic accompaniment adds a rich, creamy element that enhances the warm spices of the pudding.
Custard: A velvety custard offers a luscious contrast, perfectly complementing the pudding’s density and balancing sweetness.
Fresh Cream: Lightly whipped cream provides a delightful freshness, cutting through the richness and elevating every bite.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or spiced ice cream brings a chilled element that harmonizes with the warm pudding perfectly.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling this decadent sauce over your pudding adds a deliciously sweet layer that all chocolate lovers will appreciate.
Mulled Wine: Sip on this warm, spiced drink alongside your pudding, and enjoy the comforting flavors of the season.
Coffee or Espresso: The boldness of coffee balances richness and serves as an excellent palate cleanser after indulging in dessert.
Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad brings vibrant flavors and textures, cutting through the sweet richness of the pudding.
Nuts and Dried Fruit Platter: Pairing your pudding with a selection of nuts and dried fruits adds a variety of textures, enhancing the overall festive feel.

Make Ahead Options

These Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can soak the dried fruits (sultanas, raisins, currants, and candied peel) in the orange juice, brandy, and stout up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavors. After soaking, cover the mixture and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble. On the day of serving, you can mix in the remaining ingredients and prepare the pudding basin, ensuring it’s tightly covered before placing it in the slow cooker. Just remember to check the water levels during cooking, and when ready to serve, reheat it in the slow cooker for about 4 hours. This way, you maintain the pudding’s rich and delightful taste, making your holiday gatherings stress-free and memorable!

How to Store and Freeze Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding

Fridge: Store the pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing for best flavor retention.

Freezer: Wrap the pudding tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 6 months. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the taste intact.

Reheating: To enjoy again, simply place the frozen pudding back in the slow cooker on low for about 4 hours. It will warm up beautifully, ready to delight your holiday guests.

Make-Ahead: This Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding can be prepared well in advance, making your holiday entertaining a breeze!

Expert Tips for Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding

Soak Fruits Overnight: This essential step allows the dried fruits to plump up and meld their flavors, making your pudding irresistibly rich.
Seal Properly: Ensure your parchment and foil are tightly secured over the pudding basin to prevent water from seeping in, which can make the pudding soggy.
Check Water Levels: Regularly monitor the slow cooker’s water level during cooking. Insufficient water can lead to drying out the pudding, ruining your hard work.
Use Proper Flour: If substituting self-rising flour, remember to combine all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt for optimal structure in your pudding.
Create a Cooking Gap: Making a slight gap in the mixture allows for even cooking and prevents the pudding from rising too much, keeping that perfect dense texture.
Plan Ahead: Make this Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding weeks in advance, storing it in a cool, dark place until the big day; reheat for an easy, festive dessert!

Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding Recipe FAQs

What type of dried fruits should I use for the pudding?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using a combination of sultanas, raisins, and currants. This mix gives your Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding its rich flavor and sweetness. You can also swap in other dried fruits like cranberries or figs based on your personal preferences.

How should I store the Christmas pudding?
Store your pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days if you plan to consume it shortly. Be sure it’s completely cooled before sealing. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and it can last in the freezer for up to 6 months!

Can I freeze the Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the completely cooled pudding in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the slow cooker on low for about 4 hours until warmed through. This method preserves its delicious flavor and texture.

What can I do if my pudding sinks while cooking?
Very helpful question! If your pudding sinks, it may be due to not incorporating enough flour or too much liquid in the mixture. To avoid sinking, ensure you’re measuring accurately, follow the soaking process to allow flavors to meld, and maintain a slight gap in the mixture for even cooking. Regularly check your water levels to prevent drying out, too.

Is there a vegetarian or alcohol-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily make this pudding vegetarian by using strong coffee or non-alcoholic stout in place of brandy and dark stout. For the non-alcoholic version, the orange juice works perfectly, or you can simply use more stout to replace the alcohol completely, adjusting the liquid consistency as needed.

How long should I soak the dried fruits?
I recommend soaking the dried fruits overnight—at least 12 hours—to ensure they plump up and fully integrate into the pudding mixture. This soaking step is crucial for maximizing flavor and achieving that luxurious, moist texture that everyone loves in a Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding.