While other desserts have come and gone over the years, a good Christmas pudding is one of those Christmas dinner essentials we'd all miss if it wasn't there on the 25th.
This sweet dried-fruit pudding is believed to have originated in medieval England, but it was cookery writer Eliza Acton who wrote the first recipe which she called 'Christmas pudding.'
While you might have your own Christmas pudding recipe that you like to make every year, December is a hectic time of the year so you'd be forgiven for hitting the shops to pick up a ready-made version instead. But the real question is, what is the best Christmas pudding in 2023 you can buy?
The honest answer is that there are actually lots of delicious options out there, which means you have plenty of choices, whatever your budget. To help you narrow things down, we've shortlisted the best Christmas pudding to buy in 2023.
Best Christmas pudding 2023
www.bettys.co.uk
Also available in a larger size, this rich, fruity pudding starts with plump, juicy fruits - golden glacé cherries, citrus peel and vine fruits - flaked almonds and mixed spices, all soaked overnight in brandy and Yorkshire ale.
groceries.morrisons.com
It's currently not available to buy online so you'll need to try your luck in store, but this Christmas pudding is made with plump vine fruits, pecan nuts, walnuts and almonds and laced with cider, rum and sherry. It's then traditionally steamed to create a deliciously moist texture before being matured for 18 months with cognac.
www.daylesford.com
Made by hand on the farm to a family recipe in a traditional sphere shape, this Daylesford Christmas pudding is plump with soaked fruit, almonds and a hearty splash of stout and rum.
www.harveynichols.com
This traditional-style Christmas pudding from Harvey Nichols is crammed full of juicy sultanas, glacé cherries, almonds, pecans, brandy, port and more! It can be microwaved or steamed.
www.tesco.com
This wonderfully rich, moist Christmas pudding has been made by experts with more than 100 years of expertise in making Christmas puddings. Made with Cognac, Amontillado sherry and oak-aged French brandy and ruby port for a deeper flavour, it has then been matured for 12 months for a beautiful explosion of flavours.
www.fortnumandmason.com
Handmade at every stage, Fortnum & Mason's St James Christmas Pudding is filled with delicious dried fruits and a well-judged quantity of Pusser's Full-Strength Navy Rum alongside their very own Cognac.
www.biscuiteers.com
This Christmas pudding is generously flavoured with walnuts, port and brandy. It also comes with a traditional pudding basin, so you can cook yours the old-fashioned way.
www.sainsburys.co.uk
For a delectable vegan twist to the festive classic, this pudding is bursting with rich flavours. The plant-based delight combines succulent fruits, aromatic spices, and a luscious texture. Perfect for those seeking a cruelty-free holiday treat this Christmas.
www.waitrose.com
Infused with the essence of Sicilian oranges and the warmth of whisky, this premium pudding boasts a perfect balance of flavours. A festive centrepiece, it promises a luxurious, boozy twist on the traditional Christmas dessert.
www.ocado.com
Crafted with care and aged for a year, this pudding is a symphony of rich, matured flavours. Packed with vine fruits, cherries, and almonds, it promises a decadent and indulgent experience for a memorable Christmas celebration.
Is it better to steam or microwave Christmas pudding?
The choice between steaming and microwaving Christmas pudding depends on personal preference and time constraints.
Steaming is the traditional method for a rich and moist texture. It requires a longer cooking time, usually a couple of hours, but allows the flavours to meld and develop.
Microwaving is a quicker alternative, taking a fraction of the time, typically around 10-15 minutes. While it may lack the depth of flavour achieved through steaming, microwaving is convenient for those with limited time. However, the texture may be slightly different, and it's essential to follow the specific instructions provided with the pudding to ensure proper cooking.
How to light a Christmas pudding
Lighting a Christmas pudding is a festive tradition that adds a touch of spectacle to the holiday meal. Here's a simple guide to help you light a Christmas pudding:
Prepare the pudding
Ensure that your Christmas pudding is heated and ready to serve. It should be warm but not piping hot.
Warm the spirit
Warm the brandy or spirit slightly. This can be done by placing it in a small saucepan and gently heating it. Do not bring it to a boil; you just want it warm.
Pour the spirit
Pour the warm brandy or spirit over the Christmas pudding. Make sure to cover the top and sides evenly.
Ignite
Using a long lighter or matchstick, carefully ignite the brandy-soaked pudding. Hold the flame just above the pudding, and it should catch fire.
Serve immediately
Once the flames subside, quickly serve the Christmas pudding. The flambé adds a dazzling touch and enhances the overall flavour.
Tips
• Exercise caution when working with an open flame. Keep long hair, loose clothing, and flammable items away from the flambé process.
• Do not pour an excessive amount of spirit, as it can create a larger flame than necessary.
• Be ready with a fire extinguisher or a damp cloth nearby, just in case.
• If the pudding doesn't catch fire initially, add a bit more warm spirit and try again.
What is most commonly served with Christmas pudding?
The choice is entirely yours and it all comes down to personal preference but traditionally, Christmas pudding is served and enjoyed with brandy sauce, brandy butter or custard.
If you're not a big fan of a Christmas pudding and fancy something a little different, there are plenty of Christmas dessert ideas to try that are equally as festive at this time of year.
If you’d like to try your hand at making some great Christmas recipes try the Delicious Christmas Recipes on our Yours Members site.
Features & Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert has been a journalist since 2015 and has worked across a variety of specialist and lifestyle brands both in print and online. Specialising in travel content and product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases, her favourite being gadgets for the home.