For most families, the plum pudding has been a consistent part of festive days. In fact, its story stretches back hundreds of years, beginning as a thick, savory “plum porridge.” Then, it slowly evolved into the dense, fruit-packed centerpiece we now bring out during winter celebrations.
It’s special because it combines both tradition and comfort. There’s slow steaming, the spiced scent, and the anticipation as it’s turned out of its basin. Yet today, cooks love nudging tradition into something new.
Whether melted, soft, or crunchy, chocolate is becoming a popular addition to plum pudding among both home bakers and chefs. That’s primarily because it gives the pudding a deeper, more luxurious edge that plays beautifully with boozy fruit. The old warmth remains, but now it feels a little more indulgent and a little more modern.
The Essential Building Blocks: Fruit, Spice, and Time
A good plum pudding begins long before it reaches the table. You mix raisins, currants, cherries, and bits of citrus peel. Then let them drink up some brandy (or another preferred spirit) until they soften and darken.
This slow soak builds the pudding’s backbone. When you fold the fruit into a batter of suet or butter, breadcrumbs, eggs, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, the mixture comes together nicely.
Here’s the catch: traditional steaming is what gives plum pudding its unmistakable character. Hence, patience matters. Hours of gentle heat help everything meld into a firm, fragrant dome.
Many traditional bakers allow the pudding to rest for several days before serving. This lets the flavors mellow and deepen naturally. That lingering richness is why the dessert feels timeless, even as years pass.
Chocolate-Plum Twists: Where Tradition Meets Indulgence
A plum pudding is great as it is, but the real fun begins when you add chocolate. Here are some deliciously creative ways of doing that:
Self-Saucing Chocolate and Plum Pudding
When you want something cozy but not too fussy, a self-saucing chocolate plum pudding works wonders. You stir together a simple batter, scatter slices of plum over it, and then pour a glossy Cadbury chocolate mixture across the top. The oven does the rest.
As it bakes, the sauce sinks to the bottom, settling into a rich, molten layer that waits under the fluffy pudding like a hidden surprise. Each spoonful gives you warm fruit, soft crumb, and decadent chocolate. The best part is that it’s something you can pull together on a chilly night without planning days in advance.
The Plum Pudding Bombe: A Modern Showstopper
The plum pudding bombe is perfect for cooks who love a little dessert theatrics. You freeze a custard base mixed with brandy-soaked fruit and then shape it into a smooth dome. Once it sets, you pour warm Cadbury chocolate over the chilled surface, letting it crack and set into a thin shell.
When it arrives at the table, it’s all shiny. And when the spoons dive in, it’s cool and creamy inside, whereas the chocolate adds a gentle bite outside. It honors the essence of a festive plum pudding but breaks all the rules in the best way.
Lighter, Balanced Interpretations
Today’s versions focus on cozy, indulgent flavors without being too sweet. They use the natural sugars in fruit, dark chocolate for richness, and are baked instead of steamed. The result is a dessert that’s both satisfying and nicely balanced.
These versions still celebrate the classic pairing of chocolate and plum but shift the focus toward clean, bold flavors rather than heavy richness. It’s a reminder that festive desserts can feel indulgent without being over the top.
Bringing It to the Table: Finishing Touches
A festive plum pudding deserves a bit of ceremony, doesn’t it? So serve the bombe straight from the freezer or bring the warm, steamed pudding to the table with a pitcher of cream or custard.
If you enjoy old-fashioned theatrics, briefly warm a splash of brandy, pour it over the pudding, and ignite it for a quick blue flame. Chocolate, in any form, may not replace the history of this dessert, but it can definitely add a new layer of joy. In the end, whether traditional or with a modern twist, a plum pudding on the table is more than dessert; it’s a centerpiece for sharing warmth and joy.
