Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is a delightful dessert that brings joy to any gathering. This rich and flavorful pudding features a symphony of dried fruits, warm spices, and a luscious apple juice butter sauce that perfectly complements its texture. Whether it’s a festive occasion or simply a comforting treat, this recipe will impress your family and friends with its traditional charm and delectable taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of sultanas, prunes, and spices creates a deep, satisfying taste.
• Festive Appeal: Ideal for holiday celebrations or special occasions, making it a showstopper on any dessert table.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or cold, with the delicious apple juice butter sauce enhancing each bite.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Make Ahead: Perfect for planning ahead; the pudding can be prepared in advance and served later.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce, having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Pudding basin: Essential for shaping your pudding while it steams to perfection.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the mixture for a light texture.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients gently and ensuring even distribution.

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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 Apple Juice Butter 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 bowl. Peel and grate the apple and carrot. Add these along with the zest and juice of one orange and 3 tbsp of apple juice. Stir well to combine. Cover and set aside for at least 1 hour; refrigerating overnight enhances flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Basin

Cut a small circle of parchment paper that fits inside the bottom of your pudding basin. Spray it well with non-stick spray before placing it at the bottom. Cut another larger circle of parchment to cover the top.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine softened butter with brown sugar. Beat until crumbly then add an egg. Continue beating until smooth. Fold in the prepared fruit mixture gently using a spatula.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture gradually. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Fill Pudding Basin

Spoon your pudding batter into the prepared basin. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Place the smaller parchment circle on top followed by foil tightly secured around edges using string.

Step 7: Steam Cook

Fill a large pot with water so that it comes two-thirds up the side of your pudding basin. Place over medium heat until simmering gently for about 3 ½ to 4 hours. Check water level occasionally.

Step 8: Check Doneness

Insert a thermometer through foil into pudding’s center; it should read about 200°F when done. Let cool slightly before removing from basin.

Step 9: Unmold Pudding

Remove string from foil; take off foil and parchment carefully. Invert onto an upside-down plate while gently shaking so it releases smoothly.

Step 10: Prepare Apple Juice Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter before adding granulated sugar whisking until gritty but blended. Add heavy cream while whisking then bring to boil.

Step 11: Finish Sauce

Remove from heat; stir in additional apple juice before serving warm or chilled (reheat if necessary).

Step 12: Flame (Optional)

If desired for effect, use warm apple juice in a ladle over flame to drizzle onto pudding before serving!

Step 13: Serve

Dust lightly with icing sugar if preferred before enjoying your Traditional Plum Pudding alongside rich apple juice butter sauce!

How to Serve Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Serving Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce elevates this classic dessert into a delightful experience. The rich flavors of the pudding paired with the sweet and creamy sauce create a memorable treat suitable for any occasion.

Warm with Extra Sauce

• Serve the pudding warm, drizzled generously with the apple juice butter sauce for a comforting taste that enhances its flavors.

Topped with Icing Sugar

• A light dusting of icing sugar on top adds a decorative touch and sweetness that balances the richness of the pudding.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Pairing slices of fresh fruit like oranges or apples can add a refreshing contrast to the dense pudding.

Served with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream provides creaminess that complements the texture of the pudding.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Scoop some vanilla ice cream alongside for a delightful temperature contrast and additional sweetness.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include slices of plum pudding on a dessert platter featuring various treats, allowing guests to sample different flavors.

How to Perfect Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

To achieve the best results when making Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all fruits and spices are fresh for optimal flavor.
• Soak Fruits Overnight: For enhanced flavor, soak your dried fruits in apple juice overnight before mixing.
• Check Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your pudding reaches 200°F for perfect doneness.
• Steam Carefully: Maintain a gentle simmer while steaming to prevent overcooking or drying out the pudding.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving; it helps maintain its shape and texture.
• Reheat Sauce Properly: If storing the sauce, reheat gently and whisk well to combine before serving.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Traditional Plum Pudding can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these options:

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm compote made from apples cooked with cinnamon adds warmth and pairs well with pudding.
2. Roasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted nuts provide texture and contrast against the soft pudding.
3. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the pudding nicely.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Light cookies offer a sweet yet mild companion that doesn’t overpower the main dish.
5. Chocolate Truffles: Rich chocolate truffles can complement the fruity flavors of the plum pudding beautifully.
6. Cheese Board: A selection of mild cheeses balances sweetness and adds sophistication to your dessert table.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits provides brightness and freshness as an accompaniment.
8. Shortbread Biscuits: Buttery shortbread biscuits are great for dipping into puddings or enjoying alongside them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the fruit mixture to sit for at least an hour helps the flavors meld. Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful pudding.

• Not greasing the basin properly: If the pudding basin isn’t well-greased, your pudding may stick. Always use non-stick spray and parchment paper to ensure easy removal.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the pudding dense. Gently fold ingredients until just combined to achieve a light texture.

• Ignoring water levels during steaming: If the water level in your pot drops too low, it can lead to uneven cooking. Check frequently and add more water as needed.

• Cooling completely in the basin: Letting the pudding cool fully in its basin can make it difficult to remove. Cool for just a few minutes before inverting onto a plate.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The pudding can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Slice and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a steamer over simmering water for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce:

Can I make Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day or two before serving. Just store it properly in the refrigerator and reheat when ready.

How do I know when my plum pudding is done?

Insert a thermometer into the center; it should read around 200°F (93°C) when cooked through.

What is the best way to serve Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce?

Serve warm, drizzled with freshly made apple juice butter sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Can I customize the fruits used in this pudding?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add dried fruits according to your preference, like raisins or figs.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the butter sauce?

You can use coconut cream or any plant-based cream alternative if you want a lighter version.

Final Thoughts

Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is not only rich in flavor but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. This delightful dessert allows for personalization, so feel free to adjust fruits or spices based on your taste. Give it a try and enjoy this comforting treat!