It’s the season for pretending Christmas pudding is a crowd favourite - even as half the table eyes off the pavlova instead. Still, tradition’s tradition, so we haul out Nan’s recipe, soak it in enough brandy to fuel a bushfire and set it alight like we mean it.
Nothing says "Merry Christmas” quite like flaming dessert in 35-degree heat. Whether it’s homemade, store-bought, or sneakily microwaved, the trick is confidence. Smile, serve it proudly and pudding your best foot forward - because in an Aussie Christmas, enthusiasm (and ice cream on the side) covers a multitude of sins.
Here are five pudding recipes with a twist to add a new spin to Christmas dessert:
A delightful twist on tradition - these mini chocolate Christmas puddings are rich, moist and decadently dark. Each bite reveals the warmth of cocoa and festive spices, perfectly balanced by a silky caramel sauce that drizzles like golden satin. A luxurious finale for any Christmas feast, both nostalgic and indulgent.
A celebration of Aussie Summer flavours - this lamington ice cream pudding layers creamy vanilla and chocolate swirls with bursts of juicy strawberries and raspberries. Coated in rich dark chocolate and sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes, it’s a cool, decadent twist on a classic, bringing festive nostalgia with every luscious spoonful.
Bright, fragrant and full of festive cheer, these lemon, lime and coconut steamed puddings bring sunshine to the Christmas table. Soft and fluffy with a tropical twist, they’re drenched in a glossy citrus syrup that adds zing and sparkle - a refreshing, golden finale to a rich holiday feast.
Warm and wonderfully aromatic, these gingerbread puddings capture the essence of Christmas. Infused with golden syrup, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, they’re soft, comforting and irresistibly festive. Served with a dollop of spiced cream, each spoonful offers a balance of sweetness and heat - a nostalgic dessert that wraps the season in cosy indulgence.
Glowing with festive warmth, this golden steamed pudding is rich, buttery and irresistibly soft. Its delicate sweetness pairs perfectly with velvety eggnog custard, infused with nutmeg and a hint of brandy. Together, they create a luxurious Christmas dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent - pure comfort in every spoonful.
