1 Oz Plum Pudding contains only 84 calories, making it an excellent low-calorie option for dessert. This traditional British dessert doesn't sacrifice flavor for its lower calorie count. Keep reading to find out more about this delicious treat!

Although it's called plum pudding, it actually doesn't contain any plums at all. Instead, it's made with a blend of dried fruits, spices, and other ingredients that are steamed to create a dense, moist cake-like dessert. Despite being low in calories, 1 oz of plum pudding contains a good source of nutrients including fiber and vitamin C.

In this article, we'll dive into the details of how plum pudding is made, its history, nutritional benefits, and variations you can try, among other things.

What is Plum Pudding?

Plum pudding is a traditional British dessert also known as Christmas pudding. It's made with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and other ingredients that are steamed to create a dense, moist cake-like dessert. Despite being called plum pudding, it doesn't actually contain any plums. Plum pudding is typically served warm and topped with brandy butter or cream. It's often associated with Christmas and other festive holidays in the UK. Some variations of plum pudding also include alcohol, such as brandy, rum, or sherry, which can enhance the flavor profile.

Why is Plum Pudding a Low-Calorie Option?

Despite its rich flavor, plum pudding can be a surprisingly low-calorie dessert option due to the way it's made. The ingredients, such as dried fruits and spices, are nutrient-dense and high in fiber, which can help contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety. Additionally, the dessert is typically steamed rather than baked, which can help reduce the calorie count. One ounce of plum pudding contains approximately 84 calories, making it a guilt-free treat!

How is Plum Pudding Made?

Plum pudding is made by mixing together a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel, with breadcrumbs, flour, and a blend of spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The mixture is then moistened with eggs, suet, and alcohol, such as brandy or rum. Once the ingredients are fully combined, the mixture is transferred to a greased pudding basin or mold and steamed for several hours. The finished product is a dense, moist cake-like dessert that's typically served warm.

Ingredients Used to Make Plum Pudding

The ingredients used to make plum pudding can vary depending on the recipe, but typically include a mixture of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel, as well as breadcrumbs or flour to bind the ingredients together. Other common ingredients include suet, eggs, sugar, and a blend of warm spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Some variations of the recipe also include alcohol, such as brandy or sherry.

History of Plum Pudding

Plum pudding has a long history dating back to medieval times when it was known as 'plum porridge'. The recipe evolved over time to include dried fruits, bread crumbs or flour, eggs, and suet, eventually becoming the plum pudding we know today. The dessert became particularly popular in Victorian England and is now a traditional Christmas dessert in many parts of the UK. During Victorian times, it was customary to hide a small silver coin or trinket inside the pudding, with the person who found it said to have good luck in the coming year.

Nutritional Benefits of Plum Pudding

Despite being a dessert, plum pudding contains several nutrients that can benefit your health. For example, the dried fruits used in the recipe are high in fiber, which can help promote digestive regularity and feelings of fullness. Additionally, the spices used in the recipe, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, are rich in antioxidants that can help support overall health and potentially reduce inflammation in the body. However, due to the high sugar content, it's recommended to enjoy plum pudding in moderation.

Plum Pudding Variations You Can Try

While the traditional recipe for plum pudding is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to mix things up. For example, you can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the recipe to add a crunchy texture. You can also experiment with different varieties of alcohol to infuse the dessert with unique flavors. For example, using rum instead of brandy can add a warm, spicy note to the finished pudding. Additionally, you can try stirring in some dark chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.

Serving Plum Pudding: Tips and Ideas

Plum pudding is typically served warm and topped with brandy butter, cream, or a sweet sauce, such as caramel or chocolate. You can also try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool contrast to the warm pudding. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try flambéing the pudding by lighting some brandy on fire and pouring it over the top of the dessert. This makes for an impressive presentation and a deliciously caramelized flavor.

Plum Pudding versus Other Desserts: A Comparison

Compared to other desserts, plum pudding is a relatively low-calorie option, making it a great choice if you're watching your waistline. For example, a slice of apple pie can contain upwards of 400 calories, while a serving of ice cream can pack in over 200 calories. Additionally, while it's still a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation, plum pudding contains several nutrients, such as fiber and antioxidants, that other desserts may not have. However, it's important to note that some varieties of plum pudding may contain alcohol, which can increase the calorie count.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plum Pudding

Q: Does plum pudding contain plums? A: No, despite its name, plum pudding doesn't actually contain any plums. It's made with a mixture of dried fruits, such as raisins and currants, instead. Q: Can I make plum pudding ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make plum pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Q: Is plum pudding vegan-friendly? A: Traditional plum pudding recipes call for suet, which is an animal product, so it's not vegan-friendly. However, there are vegan variations of the recipe that use plant-based suet or omit it altogether.