How to Make Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding with Mary Berry
Savour the delightful flavours of a British Christmas with Mary Berry’s gluten-free pudding recipe. This festive treat caters to various dietary needs, serving up to 10 people. You can whip it up in 30 minutes, then let it cook for over 2 hours.
Mary Berry’s recipe is free from dairy, wheat, gluten, and soya. It also offers options for those avoiding eggs or nuts. The result? A moist, booze-soaked pudding packed with classic festive ingredients.
Raisins, currants, sultanas, and grated apple create a rich, fruity base. A hint of nutmeg adds warmth to this quintessential British dessert. You’ll enjoy every bite without sacrificing taste or texture.
Find the full recipe in Mary Berry’s festive feast collection. It’s sure to become a holiday favourite for years to come.
Understanding the Traditional Christmas Pudding
The traditional Christmas pudding is a beloved British holiday staple. It’s steeped in centuries-old customs and flavours. At its heart lies the ritual of Stir-up Sunday, observed on the last Sunday before Advent.
On this day, families gather to stir the pudding mixture. Each member takes a turn in order of age whilst making a silent wish.
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History of Stir-up Sunday
Stir-up Sunday’s origins date back to the Victorian era. It became an integral part of Christmas preparations. The act of stirring symbolises bringing the family together.
Each person’s contribution is thought to imbue the pudding with wishes. These are hopes for the coming year.
Why Choose a Gluten-Free Version
The traditional Christmas pudding is a cherished treat. However, those with gluten intolerance often miss out on this festive delight. A gluten-free Christmas dessert can be just as delicious and satisfying.
It allows everyone to enjoy the flavours of the season. No one needs to feel left out of the holiday celebrations.
Benefits of Mary Berry’s Adaptation
British baker Mary Berry has created a gluten-free Christmas pudding recipe. Her version caters to dietary needs whilst maintaining rich, moist texture. It keeps the traditional flavours that make the pudding a holiday favourite.
“Mary Berry’s gluten-free Christmas pudding is a true delight, allowing everyone to enjoy the flavours of the season without compromising on taste or texture.”
Essential Ingredients for Gluten Free Christmas Pudding Recipe Mary Berry
Mary Berry’s gluten-free Christmas pudding blends tradition with dietary needs. It uses carefully chosen ingredients to create a rich, moist, and flavourful festive delight. The recipe features dried fruits, spices, and alternative flours.
Key ingredients in Mary Berry’s gluten-free Christmas pudding include:
- 750g dried mixed fruit, such as raisins, currants, sultanas, prunes, and apricots or figs
- 25g mixed peel
- 50g flaked almonds or sunflower seeds
- 150g puréed fresh pear
- 2 teaspoons of mixed spice and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 25g gluten-free vegetable suet
- 2 large free-range eggs or 2 teaspoons of gluten-free baking powder
- Apple or pear juice, with optional brandy, sherry, Marsala wine, whisky, or Tia Maria to soak the fruit
- 100g gluten-free flour or a mix of gram and rice flour
These ingredients maintain the pudding’s traditional flavour while catering to gluten-free diets. The use of gluten-free flour and suet ensures a safe treat for those avoiding gluten.
Mary Berry’s recipe combines these elements to create a festive pudding for all. The result is a delicious dessert that honours tradition while meeting modern dietary needs.
Preparing Your Kitchen and Equipment
Crafting a traditional Christmas pudding requires the right tools. You’ll need a 2-pint pudding basin with a lid and a deep steamer pan. Gather baking paper, tin foil, and sturdy kitchen string too.
Required Cooking Tools
- A 2-pint pudding basin or a similar-sized bowl with a lid
- A deep steamer pan or a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid
- Baking paper and tin foil
- Kitchen string
Steaming Equipment Setup
Fill your pan with water to reach halfway up the pudding basin. If using a saucepan, place the basin on a saucer to protect it from direct heat.
Safety Measures for Pudding Preparation
When flaming the pudding, prioritise safety. Keep children and pets away from open flames. Ensure proper kitchen ventilation during the lengthy steaming process.
With the right setup, you’re ready to create a delectable Christmas pudding. It will surely delight your family and friends. For more guidance, check out the traditional Christmas pudding recipe.
You might also enjoy learning how to make Yorkshire pudding. It’s another tasty addition to your holiday feast.
Step-by-Step Mixing and Preparation Method
Soak dried fruits in alcohol for at least an hour. This infusion is key for a moist, flavourful pudding. The fruit soaking process enhances the overall taste.
Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. This includes gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, and suet. Mixing dry ingredients ensures even texture distribution throughout the pudding.
Add wet components to the dry mix. This includes eggs, treacle, and soaked fruit. Combine thoroughly to create a fruity batter.
- Soak the dried fruits, including currants, sultanas, and prunes, in a blend of Pedro Ximenez sherry and vodka for at least an hour.
- In a large bowl, mix together the gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, and vegan suet.
- Add the soaked fruits, along with eggs and treacle, to the dry ingredients.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly until a cohesive, fruit-laden batter is formed.
Grease the pudding basin and line the base with baking paper. Spoon the mixture into the basin evenly. Cover with pleated baking parchment and foil.
Secure the cover with string if using a traditional basin. This ensures proper steaming and cooking of your gluten-free Christmas pudding.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plain Gluten-free Flour | 85g |
| Mixed Dried Fruit | 350g |
| Vegan Suet | 100g |
| Grated Apple | 100g |
| Currants | 150g |
| Sultanas | 150g |
| Prunes, roughly chopped | 150g |
| Pedro Ximenez Sherry | 175ml |
| Vodka (for flaming) | 125ml |
Now, you’re ready for the next step: steaming and cooking techniques. These methods will help create a delightful gluten-free Christmas pudding. Your guests will love this new holiday tradition.
Steaming and Cooking Techniques
Steaming and cooking techniques are vital for the perfect gluten-free Christmas pudding. Mary Berry recommends traditional steaming for a moist, rich pudding bursting with festive aromas.
Traditional Steaming Method
Place the pudding in a heatproof bowl inside a pan of simmering water. The water should reach halfway up the bowl’s sides. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer for 6-7 hours, monitoring water levels. Top up as needed to prevent the pan from running dry.
Alternative Cooking Methods
The slow cooker offers a hands-off approach. Place the pudding in the cooker with water halfway up the basin. Cook on low for about 8 hours.
For reheating, use a microwave. Cover the pudding in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 4 minutes, let stand, then heat for 3-4 more minutes.
Testing for Doneness
Ensure your pudding is steaming hot throughout. Insert a skewer or toothpick into the centre; it should come out clean.
Serve the pudding warm. Add a drizzle of brandy, brandy butter, or generous helpings of custard or cream.
“The key to a perfect Christmas pudding is in the steaming. It’s a labour of love, but the result is well worth the effort.”- Mary Berry
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s gluten-free Christmas pudding recipe offers a delightful alternative for everyone. It keeps the rich flavours whilst catering to those with gluten sensitivities. This recipe shows that gluten-free Christmas traditions can be just as delicious.
You can prepare this pudding ahead of time, allowing flavours to develop. It’s a stress-free addition to any holiday celebration. With proper storage, the pudding lasts up to a year.
This recipe showcases culinary creativity and ingenuity. It embraces inclusive practices and celebrates diverse dietary needs. Mary Berry’s gluten-free Christmas pudding lets everyone enjoy the holiday season’s joys.
FAQ
What is the serving size of Mary Berry’s gluten-free Christmas pudding recipe?
The recipe serves 10 people.
How long does it take to prepare the pudding?
You can whip up this pudding in under 30 minutes.
Is the recipe free from any dietary restrictions?
This recipe caters to various dietary needs. It’s free from dairy, wheat, gluten, and soya. You can easily make it egg and nut-free too.
What is the tradition of Stir-up Sunday?
Stir-up Sunday happens on the last Sunday before Advent. Families gather to stir the Christmas pudding mixture and make wishes. Each family member takes turns stirring, starting with the oldest.
What are the key ingredients in Mary Berry’s gluten-free Christmas pudding recipe?
The recipe uses a variety of dried fruits and nuts. It includes raisins, currants, sultanas, prunes, and apricots or figs. Mixed peel, flaked almonds or sunflower seeds are also used.
Other ingredients include puréed fresh pear and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and mace. Gluten-free vegetable suet, eggs or baking powder, and fruit juice are added. The recipe calls for gluten-free flour or a mix of gram and rice flour.
What equipment is needed for making the pudding?
You’ll need a 2-pint plastic steamer bowl with a lid. A deep steamer pan or large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid is essential. Baking paper, tin foil, and string are also required.
How long does the pudding need to be steamed?
The traditional method involves steaming for 6-7 hours. Keep the water simmering and maintain its level. Alternatively, use a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
How do you test if the pudding is done?
Check that the pudding is steaming hot throughout.
How is the pudding served?
Pour warm brandy over the pudding and set it alight. Let the flames die down before serving. Enjoy with brandy butter, cream, or custard.
