Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. This recipe combines rich fruits and spices, creating a moist pudding that’s perfect for festive occasions or cozy family dinners. The addition of a velvety apple juice butter sauce elevates this dish, making it a standout dessert that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: This pudding is packed with sweet sultanas, prunes, and aromatic spices that create a depth of flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or cold, and serve it with the luscious apple juice butter sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a celebratory dinner, this traditional dessert fits right in.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this delicious treat without fuss.
• Impressive Presentation: The dramatic reveal of the pudding makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at your table.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in the kitchen. Having the right equipment not only makes the process smoother but ensures your pudding turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Pudding basin
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Pudding basin: Provides the necessary shape for steaming the pudding evenly.
• Whisk: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly and create a light texture in your pudding batter.

Ingredients

For the Plum 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 mixing bowl. Peel and grate the apple and carrot then add them along with the zest and juice of one orange. Pour in 3 tablespoons of apple juice and mix well. Cover this mixture and let it sit for at least one hour, or refrigerate overnight for best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Basin

Cut a small circle of parchment paper to fit inside the bottom of your pudding basin. Spray the basin generously with non-stick spray. Place the parchment circle on top of the spray and coat again with non-stick spray. Set aside another large circle of parchment to cover the top later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and all spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg). Set aside this dry mixture.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup softened butter with 1 cup brown sugar until blended. The mixture should appear crumbly. Add 1 egg to this mixture and continue beating until smooth and creamy. Fold in your prepared fruit mixture gently using a spatula.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add your dry ingredient mixture into the fruit batter gradually while stirring until everything is well incorporated. Spoon this pudding batter into your prepared basin smoothly on top.

Step 6: Covering Your Pudding

Place your parchment circle over the top of the pudding basin securely. Cover this with a large piece of foil pressed tightly around edges. Use string to tie it down tightly so that no steam escapes during cooking.

Step 7: Steam Your Pudding

Fill a large pot with water several inches deep. If needed, place a canning lid or ring under your pudding basin so it doesn’t rest directly on the bottom. Add enough water so it comes two-thirds up the side of the basin. Cover it with a lid over medium heat until water simmers gently; reduce heat further to maintain simmering for about 3½ to 4 hours.

Step 8: Check Doneness

To check if your plum pudding is done, insert a thermometer through foil into its center; it should read around 200°F when fully cooked. Once done, remove from pot carefully letting cool for about five minutes before attempting removal from basin.

Step 9: Unmold Your Pudding

Cut away string then carefully peel back foil & parchment top layer off pudding gently running spatula around edges as needed to loosen from basin sides. Invert onto serving plate upside down – it should release easily!

Step 10: Make Apple Juice Butter Sauce

While your pudding steams & cools slightly; melt remaining butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat; whisk granulated sugar into melted butter creating gritty mixture initially. Add heavy cream continuing to whisk as sauce comes up to boil regularly whilst stirring until smooth.

Step 11: Finish Sauce

Remove from heat adding reserved apple juice mixing well; allow cooling slightly until ready to serve! Note – can be made ahead stored refrigerated but reheat before use if solidified!

Step 12: Optional Flambé

If desired for dramatic presentation – ensure plate is heatproof; warm apple juice in ladle over gas flame lighting briefly before drizzling atop prepared plum pudding allowing flames extinguish naturally by themselves!

Step 13: Serve

Dust finished plum pudding lightly with icing sugar if preferred! Slice servings alongside warm apple juice butter sauce drizzled generously on each portion! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Serving Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce can elevate your dessert experience. This delightful dish can be enjoyed in various ways to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself.

Classic Serving

• Serve warm: The pudding is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to shine.
• Drizzle with sauce: Generously pour the apple juice butter sauce over the pudding for added richness.

Festive Garnishes

• Icing sugar dusting: Lightly dust the top with icing sugar for a beautiful presentation.
• Fresh fruit: Add slices of fresh apples or oranges on the side for a refreshing contrast.

Accompaniments

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm pudding perfectly.
• Whipped cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture.

How to Perfect Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

Perfecting your Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce ensures it tastes delightful every time. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh fruits and quality butter will enhance flavor and texture.
• Allow for soaking: Letting the fruit mixture soak overnight intensifies the flavors.
• Monitor cooking time: Ensure you keep an eye on the simmering time; overcooking can dry out the pudding.
• Check doneness: Use a thermometer to check that the center reaches 200°F for perfect doneness.
• Let it cool briefly: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before removing it from the basin for easier handling.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Traditional Plum Pudding can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Spiced Apples: Cook sliced apples in cinnamon and sugar for a warm, flavorful side.
2. Roasted Nuts: A mixture of roasted almonds and walnuts adds crunch and complements sweetness.
3. Caramelized Pears: Sweet, caramelized pears provide a rich contrast to the pudding’s texture.
4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes can create a comforting base when served alongside.
5. Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a savory element that balances sweetness.
6. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the pudding, adding brightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your pudding turns out perfectly.

• Bold fruit choice: Using dried fruits that are too old or not fresh can affect flavor. Always check the expiry dates and use fresh, high-quality fruits for the best taste.
• Bold mixing technique: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense pudding. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Bold steaming conditions: Not covering the pudding basin properly can result in a dry pudding. Ensure it is tightly sealed with foil and parchment to retain moisture.
• Bold timing issues: Undercooking can leave you with a soggy center, while overcooking may dry it out. Use a thermometer to check for doneness at around 200°F.
• Bold serving temperature: Serving the pudding too cold can mask its flavors. Warm it gently before serving with the apple juice butter sauce for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pudding in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

• Wrap the pudding tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover the pudding with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for about 30 seconds or until hot.
• Stovetop: Steam slices in a pot of simmering water for about 10 minutes, covered, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce.

Can I use different fruits in my plum pudding?

Yes! You can customize your pudding by using other dried fruits like figs or raisins, depending on your preference.

How do I know when my Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is done?

Check the internal temperature; it should reach around 200°F. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture or applesauce.

What can I serve with Traditional Plum Pudding?

The apple juice butter sauce pairs wonderfully, but you can also serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Traditional Plum Pudding with apple juice Butter Sauce is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it an appealing choice for gatherings or festive meals. Feel free to experiment with different fruits and spices to suit your taste!