Delicious Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding Recipe
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by juliarecipez
As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen becomes a sanctuary of warmth and delicious scents. This Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding, a delightful creation by the talented Julie Prior, will not only fill your home with a festive aroma but also your heart with comfort. Imagine cutting into a slice of this rich, moist pudding, only to be met with the zesty brightness of clementines and the sweet tartness of cranberries these flavors come together in perfect harmony, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Prepping this pudding is easier than you might think, transforming the traditional recipe into a modern classic that enchants every gathering. With the simple soaking process enhancing each ingredient’s flavor, this dessert stands out as a festive centerpiece on your table. So gather your loved ones and bring a little extra sweetness to your celebrations with a dish that embodies the spirit of the season!
Why is this Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding special?
Irresistible flavor: The rich chocolate and bright clementine create a delightful blend that dances on your taste buds.
Effortlessly child-friendly: Kids will love this decadent twist on a festive classic, making it the perfect treat for family gatherings.
Time-saving preparation: With just a few simple steps and some soaking time, you can easily master this pudding ahead of your holiday celebrations.
Versatile ingredients: Feel free to swap fruits or even add nuts for a personal touch, ensuring everyone at the table finds something they love.
Moist and decadent texture: Each slice offers a cake-like consistency with just the right amount of fruity goodness, making it hard to resist reaching for seconds.
Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding Ingredients
For the Pudding Base
- Mixed Fruit 85g adds sweetness and texture; consider dried figs or raisins as substitutes.
- Dried Cranberries 85g provides tartness and moisture; other berries like cherries can work.
- Zest and Juice of 2 Clementines enhances flavor with a fresh citrus note; oranges can be used in a pinch.
- Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon adds acidity to balance sweetness; lime can be a suitable alternative.
- Softened Butter 100g creates a rich, tender base; vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Dark Muscovado Sugar 100g contributes deep caramel notes; brown sugar can substitute if necessary.
- Self-Raising Flour 50g provides structure; all-purpose flour with a leavening agent is an option.
- Cocoa Powder 1 tbsp adds chocolate flavor; omit if not desired or replace with carob powder.
- Mixed Spice 1 tsp brings warmth; pumpkin spice can serve as a replacement.
- Eggs (beaten) 2 binds ingredients; flax eggs or chia seeds could be used for a vegan version.
- Eating Apple (peeled, cored, and grated) 1 adds moisture and sweetness; pears can replace for a different flavor.
- Fresh White Breadcrumbs 50g offers texture; gluten-free breadcrumbs for sensitivity.
- Glacé Cherry (roughly chopped) 50g sweet with a chewy texture; raisins could stand in as a substitution.
- Dark Chocolate Chips 85g provides rich chocolate flavor; any good quality chocolate can be used.
For Cooking and Serving
- Greaseproof Paper necessary for lining the pudding basin to prevent sticking.
- String used to tie down the foil covering on the pudding basin securely.
This Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding will surely become a cherished recipe at your holiday gatherings!
How to Make Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding
Soak the mixed fruit, cranberries, and clementine zest and juice in a bowl for 3 days. Stir daily and cover to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the basin: Butter a 1-litre pudding basin generously and line it with greaseproof paper to ensure easy removal after cooking.
Mix the softened butter and dark muscovado sugar together until pale and fluffy. Sift in the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and mixed spice, then mix in the beaten eggs, grated apple, soaked fruits, and remaining ingredients until well combined.
Fill the pudding basin with the mixture, smoothing the top. Cover it tightly with greaseproof paper and foil, securing it with string to prevent any water from seeping in during cooking.
Cook the pudding by placing the basin in a large saucepan on a trivet and filling the pan halfway with hot water. Simmer for approximately 2 hours, checking that the water doesn’t boil away too much as the pudding cooks.
Optional: Serve warm with a generous drizzle of custard or cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
This Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding is perfect for preparing in advance, making your holiday meal planning a breeze! You can soak the mixed fruit and cranberries in the clementine juices up to 3 days before assembling the pudding, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Additionally, you can prepare the pudding mixture and fill the basin up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just be sure to cover it tightly with greaseproof paper and foil to maintain moisture and prevent any water from seeping in while cooking. When ready to serve, simply steam the pudding for about 2 hours until warmed through, and enjoy a delightful dessert that s just as delicious as if made fresh on the day!
Expert Tips for Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding
Proper Soaking: Ensure to soak the fruits for a full 3 days to intensify the flavors and ensure even distribution in the pudding mixture.
Even Mixing: Mix all components thoroughly to prevent any dry patches or uneven texture in the chocolate and clementine Christmas pudding.
Cover Tightly: When wrapping the pudding basin, make sure to cover it tightly with both greaseproof paper and foil, preventing any water from seeping in during cooking.
Water Level Check: Regularly check the water level in the saucepan while the pudding cooks, and top up with boiling water as needed to maintain consistent steaming.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking can lead to a dry texture, while proper cooking ensures rich, moist pudding.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding
Room Temperature: Keep the pudding at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped in cling film or foil to maintain its moisture.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This helps retain the pudding’s delightful flavors while keeping it fresh.
Freezer: You can freeze the chocolate and clementine Christmas pudding for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, steam the pudding for about 1 hour or microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. This will revive its rich, moist texture.
What to Serve with Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding?
Transform your festive gathering into a heartwarming feast by pairing this delightful pudding with complementary flavors and textures.
Warm Custard: A classic pairing, smooth and creamy custard enhances the chocolate and clementine flavors for a comforting experience.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a touch of decadence, balancing the rich pudding with its fluffy texture.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or clementine ice cream offers refreshing contrasts, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth moment with each bite.
Clementine Sorbet: For a zesty twist, serve a scoop of clementine sorbet to brighten up the rich chocolate tones.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the pudding amplifies the chocolate richness, creating a truly indulgent dessert.
Fresh Berries: A selection of fresh berries brings a bright pop of color and a burst of tartness to contrast the sweetness of the pudding.
Mint Tea: Pair your dessert with a soothing cup of mint tea to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing finish.
Spiced Red Wine: Mulled wine, with its warm spices, enhances the festive spirit and pairs beautifully with the flavors of the pudding.
Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by making this dessert uniquely yours with these delightful twists!
Citrus Swap: Use tangerines or mandarins instead of clementines for a fresher burst of flavor. Each offers a slightly different sweetness, bringing new life to your pudding.
Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to add a satisfying crunch. The texture contrast pairs beautifully with the moist pudding, making every bite exciting!
Berry Boost: Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries for a deeper, sweeter flavor. This swap elevates your dessert’s tartness while still keeping it fruity and festive.
Spice It Up: Enhance the mixed spice blend with a pinch of cardamom or allspice for an exotic twist. These warm notes will deepen the holiday aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Vegan Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or chia seeds and use plant-based butter for a completely dairy-free version. Everyone will want a slice, regardless of dietary restrictions!
Chocolate Variation: Swap dark chocolate chips with white or milk chocolate for a different sweetness level. Imagine the contrast of creamy chocolate melting into the rich pudding heavenly!
Syrupy Sweetness: Drizzle in some maple syrup for a tantalizing caramel-like flavor. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and enhances the pudding’s moistness.
Zesty Lemon: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for an extra zing that balances the rich chocolate. This bright note will cut through the sweetness and refresh the palate.
Chocolate and Clementine Christmas Pudding Recipe FAQs
How can I select ripe clementines for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for clementines that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch, with a vibrant orange color. Avoid any that have dark spots or are too wrinkled, as these may be overripe.
How should I store leftover chocolate and clementine Christmas pudding?
You can keep this delightful pudding at room temperature for up to 2 days if it s tightly wrapped in cling film or foil. If you want to extend its freshness, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze this pudding? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your chocolate and clementine Christmas pudding for up to 1 month! First, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, followed by a layer of foil. For easy reheating, slice individual portions before freezing.
What should I do if my pudding isn t cooking evenly?
If you notice uneven cooking, check that the water levels in your saucepan are sufficient always ensure the water level is halfway up the pudding basin. If needs be, you can rotate the pudding midway through cooking. Additionally, make sure that the pudding is properly covered to prevent water seepage.
Is this pudding suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions?
Very! This chocolate and clementine Christmas pudding can easily be customized to accommodate dietary needs. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter, and for a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs or chia seeds. Additionally, ensure you use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary.
What is the best way to serve this pudding?
I often recommend serving it warm with a generous drizzle of custard or cream, as it adds an indulgent touch that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the chocolate and clementine. Enjoy the festive spirit!