Christmas pudding is an integral part of festive celebrations, but as loved as it is, some people find it too much, especially children. To solve this Christmas conundrum, we’ve brought you 12 top puds, from classic versions to lighter options and chocolate- and toffee-flavoured desserts.
For more advice on Christmas desserts and what to make on Stir-up Sunday, visit our Christmas Kitchen. We’ve answered every festive question and rounded-up all the Christmas recipes you’ll ever need. Read on to find our all-time greatest Christmas puddings to suit all tastes – and don’t forget to watch our handy video guide on how to light a Christmas pudding.
Classic Christmas pudding
Classic Christmas pudding recipe
Mandarin-in-the-middle Christmas pudding

Some people like to hide a coin in the middle of their pudding, but we prefer a juicy citrus fruit. Cooked until tender and drenched in orange liqueur syrup, the mandarin tucked in the centre of this pud is a true jewel in the crown of your Christmas table.Mandarin-in-the-middle Christmas pudding recipe
Last-minute Christmas pudding
Last-minute Christmas pudding recipe
Vegan Christmas pudding

With a just few simple swaps, you can transform a standard Christmas pudding into a vegan one. In this recipe, suet is left out completely, while butter is replaced with dairy-free margarine. The rest of the ingredients are much the same as a classic pud, making this a great crowd-pleaser that caters for everyone. Vegan Christmas pudding recipe
Free-from Christmas pudding
Cranberry, maple & pecan free-from pudding recipe
Guinness, treacle & ginger pudding
Guinness, treacle & ginger pudding recipe
Mix & match mini Christmas puddings
Mix & match mini Christmas puddings recipe
Brandy pudding
Cherry & pecan Christmas pudding
Cherry & pecan Christmas pudding recipe
Blitz-and-bake sticky toffee Christmas pud
Blitz-and-bake sticky toffee Christmas pud recipe
Chocolate & cherry Christmas pudding
Chocolate & cherry Christmas pudding recipe
Sticky orange & marsala pudding
The impressive finished effect of this Christmas pudding belies the fact it takes just 12 minutes to cook in the microwave. It’s made with breadcrumbs, dried fruit, spice and booze like a classic Christmas pudding, but self-raising flour and eggs make it lighter, like a traditional sponge basin pud.Sticky orange & marsala pudding recipe
What to serve with Christmas pudding
For some, a liberal glug of cold cream is all that’s needed, but others prefer brandy butter. Try our classic version spiked with vanilla, or mix things up with brandy butter ice cream. If a boozy accompaniment isn’t for you, go back to basics and smother it in homemade custard.
How to use up leftover Christmas pudding
Give surplus pudding a new lease of life in one of our genius leftover Christmas pudding recipes. Whether you fancy serving up Christmas pudding strudel, an iced mousse, impressive soufflés or epic cheesecake, we have the recipe for you.
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What’s your preferred Christmas pudding recipe? Leave a comment below…