When should I make Christmas pudding?

Traditionally on 'Stir-up Sunday', the last Sunday before Advent (late November). This gives the pudding at least 4 weeks to mature. Every family member should stir the mixture and make a wish. The pudding can be made up to a year in advance.

How long do I steam a Christmas pudding?

A 1-litre pudding needs about 6 hours of initial steaming. On Christmas Day, steam it again for 2 hours to reheat. Keep the water topped up regularly during steaming — never let the pan boil dry.

Can I use vegetable suet instead of beef suet?

Yes, vegetable suet works perfectly and makes the pudding suitable for vegetarians. The texture and flavour will be very similar. Atora makes both beef and vegetable shredded suet that are widely available.

How do I store Christmas pudding?

Once cooled, wrap in fresh greaseproof paper and foil. Store in a cool, dark cupboard. A properly made pudding with suet and alcohol will keep for up to a year. You can also freeze it for up to 2 years.

What is the best dried fruit mix for Christmas pudding?

A classic mix uses equal parts currants, sultanas, and raisins, plus some mixed peel and glace cherries. For extra richness, soak the fruit in brandy, rum, or stout overnight before mixing.

BakeCalcs

Christmas Pudding Calculator

Calculate ingredient quantities for Christmas pudding by basin size and number of puddings.

Basin Size

Select the basin size for your calculation

Number of Puddings

How We Calculate This

This calculator scales a traditional British Christmas pudding recipe by basin volume. The base recipe is for a 1-litre pudding basin and ingredients are scaled linearly by volume.

Base Recipe (1L Basin)

100g each: shredded suet, fresh breadcrumbs, dark brown sugar
350g mixed dried fruit (currants, sultanas, raisins, mixed peel)
50g self-raising flour, 5g mixed spice
2 large eggs, 30g black treacle, 75ml stout or ale

Steaming Guidelines

Cover with greaseproof paper and foil with a pleat to allow expansion
Steam over simmering water, topping up regularly
Steaming time increases with basin size
Re-steam for 2 hours on serving day

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.