Microwave Christmas Pudding - Strive This Vacation Traditional!

If you’re looking for an easy way to make a classic Christmas dessert, try this recipe for Microwave Christmas Pudding and you’ll be ready to enjoy in less time!

Save time by skipping the boiling and steaming. Just microwave it!

Microwave Christmas Pudding

You may not be very familiar with Christmas Pudding (or you might know it as plum pudding or figgy pudding). You might just know it from singing Christmas carols. But it’s a classic holiday dessert with an English history!

What’s in Christmas Pudding?

This dessert is traditionally served in Britain and Ireland. The plum in the plum pudding name refers to dried fruit and not just plums. The most commonly used ones in the past were raisins and currants. But when dried fruit became more plentitful in England in the 19th century, it started being used and Christmas pudding took a turn more towards the sweet.

But enough history! You don’t have to know the full history to enjoy this delicious treat!

This is less of a pudding and more of sponge. It’s dark, dense, and sticky — almost like a fruitcake.

The traditional ingredient list is very long and includes everything from zest from oranges to brandy. It also takes 7 hours or more to make.

But making Christmas Pudding in the microwave is the faster way to try this traditional holiday dessert!

Ingredients & Equipment

For this recipe, we’ve simplified the ingredient list so you still get the flavor of plum pudding. Here is your shopping list:

• Whole berry cranberry sauce
• Butter (soften)
• Brown sugar (you can use light or dark brown sugar) 
• Eggs
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Mixed dried fruit
• Apple (peel and grate)

Full measurements are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

You’ll also need the following equipment from your kitchen:

Instructions

This makes 6 servings. It takes 10 minutes prep time and then 9 minutes of cook time. You will then need to let it rest for 10 minutes. 

But in less than 30 minutes you will have a microwavable Christmas pudding!

Grease a medium microwave safe bowl with nonstick cooking spray.

Spoon half the cranberry sauce into the bottom of the bowl.

In a separate bowl, stir together the butter, brown sugar, eggs, plain flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until smooth.

Fold in the mixed dried fruit and grated apple.

Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared bowl over the top of the cranberry sauce.

Press a piece of parchment paper over the top of the pudding to cover it.

Cook in the microwave oven on medium power for 9 minutes, until the pudding is set. (Depending on the power of your microwave, you may need to shorten your cooking time. You just want to cook until the pudding is firm.)

Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then flip the pudding over onto a serving dish and top with remaining cranberry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This version of plum pudding is a sweet variety, not savory. You can try topping it with a vanilla cream custard sauce or melted brandy butter. 

It’s also delicious served with hot chocolate or mulled wine for a very festive experience.

Leftovers & Storage

This figgy pudding recipe is best enjoyed right after cooking but it can be made ahead or saved for later. 

If you make it ahead, store it in the refrigerator. To reheat, microwave it uncovered at 30% power until warmed. Or you can mix up the recipe the day before and then microwave it fresh the next day.

FAQs

Do I need to make my Christmas pudding ahead of time?

If you’re following a traditional recipe, they might recommend that you make your pudding on Stir-up Sunday. That is the last Sunday before Advent. Then you allow it to mature until Christmas.

With this recipe you can make your pudding the day before or even the day of your Christmas dinner!

If you do make this recipe ahead of time, I recommend only doing it the day before. I also recommend stopping before microwaving and waiting until the day of to cook and let the pudding rest before serving.

Can you microwave Christmas Pudding instead of steaming?

Yes, you can microwave your pudding and it will save you a lot of time. However, you may find that steaming gives you a bit of a better texture. It will have a more traditional taste and texture. 

But if you’re looking to try this for the first time or you’re just short on time, this easy recipe is a great one to start with!

More Christmas Dessert Recipes

Looking for more easy Christmas desserts? Try some of these with your family or at your holiday party!

Microwave Christmas Pudding

Learn how to make microwave Christmas pudding in minutes and add this classic dessert to your traditions.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time9 minutes mins

Rest Time10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Instructions

• Grease a medium microwave safe bowl with nonstick cooking spray.

• Spoon half the cranberry sauce into the bottom of the bowl.

• In a separate bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, eggs, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until smooth.

• Fold in the mixed dried fruit and apple.

• Pour the mixture into the prepared bowl over the top of the cranberry sauce.

• Press a piece of parchment paper over the top of the pudding to cover it.

• Cook in the microwave on high power for 9 minutes, until the pudding is set.

• Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then flip the pudding over onto a serving dish and top with remaining cranberry sauce.