While other desserts have come and gone over the years, a good Christmas pudding is one of those Christmas dinner essentials we'd all miss if it wasn't there on the 25th. This sweet dried-fruit pudding is believed to have originated in medieval England, but it was cookery writer Eliza Acton who wrote the first recipe which she called 'Christmas pudding.'
While you might have your own Christmas pudding or mince pie recipe that you like to make every year, December is a hectic time of the year so you'd be forgiven for hitting the shops to pick up a ready-made version instead. But the real question is, what is the best Christmas pudding in 2024 you can buy?
Best Christmas puddings at a glance
• Editor's choice: Daylesford Organic Christmas Pudding - view at Daylesford
• Our supermarket fave: Tesco Finest Christmas Pudding - view at Tesco
• Premium pick: St James Christmas Pudding - view at Fortnum & Mason
The honest answer is that there are actually lots of delicious options out there, which means you have plenty of choices, whatever your budget. To help you narrow things down, we've shortlisted the best Christmas pudding to buy in 2024. We're sure they will be perfect for a post-roast dessert.
Best Christmas pudding 2024
Editor's choices
www.daylesford.com
Made by hand on the farm to a family recipe in a traditional sphere shape, this Daylesford Organic Christmas Pudding is plump with soaked fruit, almonds and a hearty splash of stout and rum.
Customers have given this family recipe a respectable 4/5 star rating. Many reviews say their pud was beautifully presented and delicious. One said: "This is the best Christmas pudding we have ever had!"
Pros
- Made by hand on the farm to their family recipe
- Plump with soaked fruit, almonds and some rum
- It's an award-winning Christmas pudding
Cons
- Not allergen-free and suitable for veggies
Our supermarket fave
www.tesco.com
This wonderfully rich, moist Christmas pudding has been made by experts with more than 100 years of expertise in making Christmas puddings. Made with Cognac, Amontillado sherry, oak-aged French brandy and ruby port for a deeper flavour, the Tesco Finest Christmas Pudding has then been matured for 12 months for a beautiful explosion of flavours.
Customers found it really lovely - but recommend cutting the harshness with cream pr ice cream for the best experience. It's said to be packed with delicious fruit, nuts and festive spices. Plus, the alcohol balance is said to be "perfect". However, it was not to everyone's taste...
Pros
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Wonderfully rich and moist
- Guarantees a deep flavour
Cons
- Some found it a little too nutty or alcoholic
Premium pick
Fortnum & Masonwww.fortnumandmason.com
Handmade at every stage, Fortnum & Mason's St James Christmas Pudding is filled with delicious dried fruits and a well-judged quantity of Pusser's Full-Strength Navy Rum alongside their very own Cognac. Their puds are crafted by a family-run pudding specialist, trading since 1939. Wowsers.
Pros
- Handmade at every stage
- Delicious dried fruit
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Not gluten-free and vegan - but, this option is available at F&M
Best vegan Christmas pudding
Fortnum & Masonwww.fortnumandmason.com
For a delectable vegan twist to the festive classic, this Gluten-Free & Vegan St. James Christmas Pudding is bursting with rich flavours. The plant-based delight combines succulent fruits, aromatic spices, and a luscious texture. Perfect for those seeking a cruelty-free holiday treat this Christmas.
Pros
- Inspired by their classic St James pud - but, with a twist
- Still as delicious - but, free from dairy, gluten and nuts
- Makes a delicious pud regardless of dietary requirements
Cons
- Not alcohol-free
Best alcohol-free pick
Harvey Nicholswww.harveynichols.com
This traditional-style Harvey Nichols Gluten + Alcohol Free Christmas Pudding is crammed full of juicy sultanas, glacé cherries, almonds, pecans and more! It can be microwaved or steamed. If you don't drink or have a family member who is a coeliac, this pudding is perfect. Nobody misses out!
Pros
- Alcohol and gluten-free to be enjoyed by many
- It can be microwaved for an easy serve
- Brimming with sweet and spicy festive flavours
Cons
- Unspecified if suitable for vegans
Best Christmas pudding for chocolate lovers
Harvey Nicholswww.harveynichols.com
Infused with vine fruits, cherries and pieces of decadent Belgian chocolate this premium pudding boasts a melting chocolate core. Complete with a perfect balance of flavours, it's the perfect non-traditional festive centrepiece; it promises a dreamy twist on the traditional Christmas dessert.
Pros
- A heavenly twist on a delicious pudding
- With pieces of decadent Belgian chocolate
- Can be microwaved or steamed for ease
Cons
- Not gluten or dairy-free
Recommended
M&Swww.ocado.com
Crafted with care and perfectly aged, this M&S Collection Perfectly Matured Christmas Pudding is a symphony of rich, matured flavours. Packed with vine fruits, cherries, and almonds, it promises a decadent and indulgent experience for a memorable Christmas celebration. And, lots of booze.
Customers said this is a lovely pudding - with great flavour and a nice texture. One customer says they've tried lots - and this is one they love. However, one customer wanted more pudding.
Pros
- A symphony of rich, mature flavour
- Packed with Christmas-style booze
- Perfectly matures for the best taste
Cons
- One customer wanted more
Is it better to steam or microwave Christmas pudding?
The choice between steaming and microwaving Christmas pudding depends on personal preference and time constraints.
Steaming is the traditional method for a rich and moist texture. It requires a longer cooking time, usually a couple of hours, but allows the flavours to meld and develop.
Microwaving is a quicker alternative, taking a fraction of the time, typically around 10-15 minutes. While it may lack the depth of flavour achieved through steaming, microwaving is convenient for those with limited time. However, the texture may be slightly different, and it's essential to follow the specific instructions provided with the pudding to ensure proper cooking.
How to light a Christmas pudding
Lighting a Christmas pudding is a festive tradition that adds a touch of spectacle to the holiday meal. Here's a simple guide to help you light a Christmas pudding:
Prepare the pudding
Ensure that your Christmas pudding is heated and ready to serve. It should be warm but not piping hot.
Warm the spirit
Warm the brandy or spirit slightly. This can be done by placing it in a small saucepan and gently heating it. Do not bring it to a boil; you just want it warm.
Pour the spirit
Pour the warm brandy or spirit over the Christmas pudding. Make sure to cover the top and sides evenly.
Ignite
Using a long lighter or matchstick, carefully ignite the brandy-soaked pudding. Hold the flame just above the pudding, and it should catch fire.
Serve immediately
Once the flames subside, quickly serve the Christmas pudding. The flambé adds a dazzling touch and enhances the overall flavour.
Tips
• Exercise caution when working with an open flame. Keep long hair, loose clothing, and flammable items away from the flambé process.
• Do not pour an excessive amount of spirit, as it can create a larger flame than necessary.
• Be ready with a fire extinguisher or a damp cloth nearby, just in case.
• If the pudding doesn't catch fire initially, add a bit more warm spirit and try again.
What is most commonly served with Christmas pudding?
The choice is entirely yours and it all comes down to personal preference but traditionally, Christmas pudding is served and enjoyed with brandy sauce, brandy butter or custard.
If you're not a big fan of a Christmas pudding and fancy something a little different, there are plenty of Christmas dessert ideas to try that are equally as festive at this time of year.
Features & Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert has been a journalist since 2015 and has worked across a variety of specialist and lifestyle brands both in print and online. Specialising in travel content and product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases, her favourite being gadgets for the home.