22+ Decadent & Delicious Christmas Pudding Recipes for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Fresh off the news of festive food fiascos, one question persists: what’s the quintessential Christmas dish? While turkey, roast beef, and mince pies are all staples on the holiday table, there’s one dessert that reigns supreme – Christmas pudding. This rich, dense cake is a must-have for any self-respecting Christmas celebration, but have you ever wondered where it originated from?

Before diving into its history, take a glance at our other festive recipes, such as our expertly crafted Christmas coffee recipes and an assortment of scrumptious Christmas side dish recipes that pair perfectly with our Christmas pudding recipes.

TRADITIONAL BRITISH CHRISTMAS PUDDING

TRADITIONAL BRITISH CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Taking centre stage at many traditional British Christmas gatherings is the iconic Christmas pudding, a make-ahead dessert that’s steeped in history and filled to the brim with succulent dried fruits. Also known as plum pudding, this sweet treat is typically steamed to perfection before being set ablaze when served, creating a spectacular visual effect that never fails to impress guests at family gatherings and holiday dinners.

PUDDING COOKIES WITH SPRINKLES

PUDDING COOKIES WITH SPRINKLES

Bring on the festive fun with these scrumptious soft and chewy Christmas sprinkle pudding cookies! They’re not only quick and easy to make, but they also require no chill time, making them perfect for your next holiday party. The secret ingredient that sets them apart is instant vanilla pudding mix, which gives the cookies a rich, velvety texture and an incredible vanilla flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings or a delicious addition to your holiday dessert table, these Christmas sprinkle pudding cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. For more festive cookie recipes, check out our related post on the Best Christmas Cookie Recipes.

CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY PUDDING

CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY PUDDING

Making the perfect dessert for a festive holiday gathering, A Couple Cooks brings us this delightful Cranberry Pudding that’s essentially a rich, tender molasses cake smothered in a velvety butter sauce. It embodies all the classic qualities of a traditional Christmas pudding.

SELF-SAUCING GINGERBREAD PUDDING

SELF-SAUCING GINGERBREAD PUDDING

Yearn for a sweet indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than our mouth-watering gingerbread pudding recipe! This delightful dish is elevated to new heights by the addition of a rich and luscious caramel and ginger sauce. From entertaining guests to cozying up on a weekend evening, this self-saucing pudding is sure to become a beloved family favorite in no time.

EGGNOG PUDDING

EGGNOG PUDDING

Renowned for its rich flavor and silky texture, Eggnog Pudding is the perfect treat for any occasion. This indulgent dessert can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or paired with your favorite fruit or cookies for a delightful twist. We particularly love to have it in place of traditional breakfast items like pancakes or waffles, adding a luxurious touch to our morning meals.

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EASY CHRISTMAS FIGGY PUDDING

EASY CHRISTMAS FIGGY PUDDING

Making a delicious figgy pudding from scratch is definitely achievable with this easy-to-follow traditional recipe. This classic Christmas dessert has been a crowd-pleaser for generations, and the best part is that it can be prepared either by steaming or baking. Whether you’re looking to create a mouthwatering treat for your family gathering or want to try something new, check out this figgy pudding recipe and discover how simple it is to make it at home!

CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE

CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE

Oozing with the warmth and aroma of spices, Christina Cucina’s Christmas pudding is elevated to new heights by a generous helping of brandy sauce. A simple yet impressive addition that requires minimal effort, this rich recipe has become a staple in many households and is sure to become a favorite for years to come.

ENGLISH CHRISTMAS PUDDING

ENGLISH CHRISTMAS PUDDING

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

Justifiably, when it comes to satisfying sweet cravings, few desserts stand out like the Sticky Toffee Pudding. With its rich caramel sauce coating a moist sponge cake, this indulgent treat is sure to become an instant favorite. It’s perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert.

NO-BAKE ROCKY ROAD CHRISTMAS PUDDING

NO-BAKE ROCKY ROAD CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Understanding the essence of a delightful dessert, Jane’s Patisserie offers a scrumptious and easy-to-make no-bake chocolate Rocky Road pudding. Perfect for the holiday season, this treat is ideal for those who crave something richly chocolatey without any hassle. Those looking for more festive and delicious no-bake desserts can find inspiration in our related post: Best Christmas No-Bake Desserts.

HOLIDAY EGGNOG RICE PUDDING

HOLIDAY EGGNOG RICE PUDDING

Known for its comforting and traditional Southern cuisine, Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen is proud to present a creative twist on a beloved dish: Holiday Eggnog Rice Pudding. This innovative dessert is a masterful blend of rich eggnog custard and warm spices, creating an intensely flavorful treat that can be savored at any temperature – whether enjoyed warm from the oven or chilled to perfection.

With its unique fusion of holiday flavors in one delicious DESSERT, it’s no wonder this pudding has become a new family favorite.

CRANBERRY BREAD PUDDING

CRANBERRY BREAD PUDDING

Making the most of your holiday celebrations, a delicious cranberry bread pudding recipe is a must-have treat. By combining traditional bread pudding flavors with the tangy sweetness of cranberries, this dessert is sure to impress guests and become a new family favorite. A classic dish elevated by the addition of tart cranberries and a rich vanilla sauce, perfect for serving at your next holiday gathering.

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SLOW COOKER GINGERBREAD PUDDING CAKE

SLOW COOKER GINGERBREAD PUDDING CAKE

Often associated with cozy winter nights and festive gatherings, a warm and comforting dessert is a must-have on any holiday menu. One such delightful treat that’s sure to become a new favorite is the Spiced Gingerbread Pudding Cake. The best part? It cooks to perfection in your slow cooker, freeing up your oven for other delicious dishes. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our collection of Best Christmas Slow Cooker Dessert Recipes.

CHRISTMAS ICE CREAM PUDDING

CHRISTMAS ICE CREAM PUDDING

Rest assured that this scrumptious Christmas Ice Cream Pudding recipe is a real showstopper, especially for those who are short on time. Simply combine store-bought vanilla and chocolate ice cream with some additional delicious flavors to create a truly fantastic Christmas dessert that’s sure to impress! The best part? This recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in no time at all.

APPLE BREAD PUDDING

APPLE BREAD PUDDING

Luscious aromas fill the air as you prepare Apple bread pudding, a delectable recipe that is remarkably easy to make and will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds. The perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors comes together in this dish, featuring crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, dried cranberries, and a rich cinnamon-infused custard that’s baked to golden perfection.

This convenient dessert can be whipped up in mere minutes or prepped ahead of time for an even more effortless meal, making it perfect for busy households.

RICE KRISPIE CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS

RICE KRISPIE CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS

Gather around for a delightful twist on traditional holiday desserts – these simple and festive Rice Krispie Christmas Puddings are the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. They’re quick to make, can be enjoyed as a last-minute treat or shared as thoughtful gifts with loved ones, making them an ideal solution for busy holiday seasons.

OLD-FASHIONED PLUM PUDDING

OLD-FASHIONED PLUM PUDDING

Yesterday, plum pudding was more than just a festive treat; it held a special place in the hearts of people around the world, especially during the holiday season. The association of plum pudding with Christmas can be attributed to Charles Dickens’ iconic novel A Christmas Carol, which has become an integral part of our cultural heritage.

Despite its widespread popularity, many individuals still go through their lives without ever experiencing the rich flavors and textures of this traditional dessert.

VEGAN CHRISTMAS PUDDING

VEGAN CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Magical treats are a staple of any holiday season, and vegan Christmas puddings are no exception. This delicious dessert features all the classic flavors of the traditional British steamed variety, but with a lighter and more refined twist that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palates.

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Made with plant-based ingredients and easy to prepare, this pudding can be cooked in advance or enjoyed immediately, making it the perfect treat for those who want to indulge in its rich flavors without the wait. Check out our related post for more vegan Christmas dessert recipes.

CHRISTMAS CARROT PUDDING

CHRISTMAS CARROT PUDDING

Packed with an assortment of colorful ingredients such as grated carrots, potatoes, and dried fruits like raisins and currants, this traditional carrot pudding is bound to delight family and friends alike. While preparing this dessert may take some extra time due to the steaming process, its enduring popularity stems from the fact that it’s a delightful treat that has withstood the test of time for generations – its rich flavors make every bite a joy!

RISALAMANDE (DANISH RICE PUDDING)

RISALAMANDE (DANISH RICE PUDDING)

Join the ranks of adventurous foodies this holiday season by incorporating a unique dessert into your celebrations. Risalamande, a creamy Danish rice pudding with almonds, offers a delightful twist on traditional treats. Its soft texture and flavorful cherry sauce combination will undoubtedly make it a standout at any festive gathering, elevating your holiday table to new heights.

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS PUDDING CAKE

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS PUDDING CAKE

Renowned for its unique blend of Italian desserts, the Quirk and The Cool presents a delightful twist on traditional holiday sweets. This show-stopping dessert combines the elegance of tiramisu with the whimsy of a classic trifle. Layers of panettone, infused with liqueur, are carefully interwoven with a rich mascarpone mixture that incorporates cream, eggs, sugar, and a touch of magic.

To add an extra layer of sophistication, glacé fruit, decadent chocolate, and crunchy pistachios are artfully arranged throughout the dessert.

MINI CHRISTMAS STEAMED PUDDINGS

MINI CHRISTMAS STEAMED PUDDINGS

Taking centre stage at any Christmas gathering is this delightful dessert – mini Christmas puddings that embody the spirit of the season. Teeming with fruit, spices, and all the festive trimmings, these bite-sized treats bring a refreshing twist to traditional pudding without compromising on quality or flavour. Time-saving is also a major advantage, as they’re ready in just a quarter of the time it takes to make their larger counterparts.

To elevate them to new heights, consider serving them with a rich brandy custard, a dollop of runny cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an unforgettable experience.

BREAD PUDDING

BREAD PUDDING

Just in time for the holiday season, Bread Pudding makes an appearance as a delightful dessert option. This classic treat requires minimal ingredients, including day-old bread, half and half, granulated sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract. The best part? It’s ready to be devoured in just 45 minutes after baking.

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