Prep:15 mins
Cook:60 mins
Total:75 mins
Servings:12 servings
- This figgy pudding features classic holiday spices and a rich molasses flavor.
- You can add brandy before serving the pudding for a festive twist or serve it with whipped cream.
You probably remember the term "figgy pudding" from the old Christmas song, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," in which the carolers demand the dessert, saying, "We won't leave until we get some!" You may not think figgy pudding is a real thing, but figgy pudding is an actual dessert that is still enjoyed today—and it's quite delicious and not too hard to make. This classic figgy pudding is the perfect Christmas dessert, but you can serve it for any holiday or special meal.
What Exactly Is Figgy Pudding?
Figgy pudding is a spice-like soufflé made with figs and walnuts. Some versions contain plums, but they aren't necessarily a must. Interestingly, in some cases, figs aren't used in it at all, though the recipe below contains figs. The cake is moist, delicious, and fairly easy to make.
Americans may not be as familiar with figgy pudding as British folks, as it is a common holiday dessert in Britain. In more recent years, it is served as a steamed cake that contains currants, raisins, and brandy. This little bit of brandy could be why it is still so popular.
What's the Difference Between Figgy Pudding and Christmas Pudding?
Figgy pudding, along with plum pudding, is one type of Christmas pudding. See our British Christmas Pudding recipe to learn all about the history of Christmas puddings and to try another delicious version of the holiday treat.
The Tradition of Figgy Pudding and Its 13 Ingredients
The dessert traditionally is served around Christmas and has quite a bit of Christian symbolism to tie in with the holiday. It contained 13 ingredients, which represented the 12 apostles and Jesus Christ. The cake was also adorned with a holly sprig on top to represent the crown of thorns Jesus wore in the Bible when he was crucified. Variations over the years have changed, but that is how it was originally prepared and presented.
This recipe is adapted from "The Frugal Gourmet Celebrates Christmas" by Jeff Smith.
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Ingredients
1) 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2) 2 large eggs
3) 1 cup molasses
4) 2 cups (about 1 pound) dried figs, chopped fine
5) 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
6) 1 cup buttermilk
7) 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
8) 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
9) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10) 2 teaspoons baking powder
11) 1 teaspoon salt
12) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13) 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
14) Whipped cream, for garnish
Steps to Make It
01 Gather the ingredients.
02 In a stand mixer, cream 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature) until it is fluffy.
03 Add the 2 eggs and 1 cup of molasses and beat again.
04 Add the 2 cups of figs (chopped fine), 1/2 teaspoon of lemon peel, 1 cup of buttermilk, and 1/2 cup of walnuts (chopped). Blend for 1 minute.
05 Add the 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Blend until everything is incorporated completely.
06 Grease and flour an 8 x 4-inch soufflé dish and pour in the batter.
07 Bake it in a 325 F oven for 1 hour. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 Spoon the pudding out onto plates or cut it into wedges. Garnish with whipped cream.
The Best 8 British Desserts for a Happy Christmas
Nutrition Facts (per serving) 306 - Calories 13g - Fat 44g - Carbs 5g - Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories 306
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 6g 29%
Cholesterol 53mg 18%
Sodium 433mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 44g 16%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 23g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 148 mg 11%
Iron 3 mg16 %
Potassium 523 mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)