The holiday season is all about celebrating traditions, spreading cheer, and indulging in delicious desserts. One timeless treat that deserves a spot on your holiday table is the Easy Mini Christmas Puddings with Sherry and Fruit Mince. These delightful individual puddings are the perfect way to enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of Christmas in a simple and crowd-pleasing format. They’re moist, packed with fruity goodness, and topped with festive garnishes that will make everyone smile. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a fun, easy dessert project, these mini puddings are a must-try.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Christmas Puddings
- Quick and Simple: By using store-bought Christmas cake, you save time and effort without compromising on flavor.
- Rich and Festive Flavor: The combination of fruit mince, sherry, and spiced cake creates a traditional holiday taste with minimal prep work.
- Portion-Perfect: These mini puddings are ideal for individual servings, making them easy to plate and share.
- Customizable: Add your own twist by swapping out ingredients or garnishes to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly Option: Skip the sherry for a family-friendly version everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients for Easy Mini Christmas Puddings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Store-bought Christmas cake | 500g, crumbled |
| Milk | ½ cup (125ml) |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Fruit mince | ⅓ cup (85g) |
| Pedro Ximenez sherry (or another sweet dessert wine) | ¼ cup (60ml) |
| Custard (for serving) | As desired |
| Glace cherries (for garnish) | 1 per pudding |
These ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mini Christmas Puddings
1. Prepare the Cake Mixture
- Begin by placing the crumbled Christmas cake in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the milk, eggs, fruit mince, and sherry to the bowl.
- Using a wooden spoon, mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be moist and slightly sticky.
2. Portion the Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease a muffin tin or mini pudding molds generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Press the mixture down gently with the back of a spoon to ensure it’s compact and evenly distributed.
3. Bake the Puddings
- Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- The puddings are done when they’re set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the molds from the oven and allow the puddings to cool for 5–10 minutes before gently turning them out onto a wire rack or plate.
4. Garnish and Serve
- To serve, place each mini pudding on a dessert plate.
- Top with a generous spoonful of warm custard.
- Finish by adding a glace cherry on top of each pudding for a festive, classic touch.
Tips for Perfect Mini Christmas Puddings
- Choose the Right Cake: Use a store-bought Christmas cake with plenty of fruit and spices for the best flavor.
- Compact the Mixture: Pressing the mixture into the molds helps the puddings hold their shape.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent the puddings from drying out.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Replace the sherry with orange juice or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Customize Garnishes: Swap glace cherries for sugared cranberries or edible gold flakes for a modern twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Pudding)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Sugars | ~22g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on the specific brand of ingredients used.
FAQs About Mini Christmas Puddings
1. Can I make these puddings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the puddings a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
2. Can I freeze the puddings?
Absolutely. Once cooled, wrap each pudding tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up before serving.
3. What is fruit mince?
Fruit mince is a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes alcohol, commonly used in Christmas baking. You can find it in jars at most grocery stores.
4. Can I use homemade Christmas cake?
Of course! If you have leftover homemade Christmas cake, it’s a great way to use it up in this recipe.
5. What if I don’t have mini pudding molds?
You can use a standard muffin tin or ramekins as an alternative. Just make sure to grease them well.
6. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to mix in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or candied peel for added texture and flavor.
Why These Puddings Are Perfect for the Holidays
Mini Christmas puddings are an excellent addition to your holiday dessert menu. Their individual portions make them easy to serve, while the rich flavors and festive garnishes add a touch of holiday magic. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can customize them to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
Whether it’s the aroma of the baking puddings filling your kitchen or the joy on everyone’s faces as they dig into their desserts, these mini puddings are sure to create lasting holiday memories.
Time to Make These Festive Puddings!
Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring these Easy Mini Christmas Puddings with Sherry and Fruit Mince to life. They’re simple, festive, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer. Happy baking! 🎄
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Easy Mini Christmas Puddings with Sherry and Fruit Mince: A Festive Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 mini puddings
Description
These Easy Mini Christmas Puddings with Sherry and Fruit Mince are the perfect festive dessert. Packed with fruity flavor, a hint of sherry, and holiday spices, they’re moist, rich, and ready to impress. Serve these individual puddings with warm custard and a glace cherry for a traditional Christmas treat that’s both simple and elegant.
Ingredients
- 500g store-bought Christmas cake, crumbled
- ½ cup (125ml) milk
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup (85g) fruit mince
- ¼ cup (60ml) Pedro Ximenez sherry (or another sweet dessert wine)
- Custard, for serving
- Glace cherries, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled Christmas cake, milk, eggs, fruit mince, and sherry.
- Stir well with a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated, forming a moist and slightly sticky mixture.
2. Preheat and Portion
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease a muffin tin or mini pudding molds thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spoon the mixture into the molds, filling each one about three-quarters full. Press the mixture gently to compact it.
3. Bake the Puddings
- Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the puddings are set.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Allow the puddings to cool in the molds for 5–10 minutes, then gently remove them and place them on a wire rack.
4. Serve
- Plate each mini pudding individually and top with a generous drizzle of warm custard.
- Garnish with a glace cherry on top for a festive, traditional finish.
Notes
- Alcohol-Free Version: Replace the sherry with orange juice or apple juice for a kid-friendly and non-alcoholic alternative.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the puddings 1–2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
- Custom Garnishes: Sugared cranberries, edible gold leaf, or even whipped cream are great alternatives to glace cherries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
