The Sweet, Sticky Story of Figgy Pudding and Its Christmas Connection
Few holiday traditions are as intriguing as figgy pudding, that famous dessert mentioned in carols and steeped in nostalgia. But what exactly is figgy pudding, how did it become part of Christmas, and what makes it so special? Join us for a delicious journey into the history, quirks, and allure of figgy pudding—complete with an easy-to-follow, historic recipe at the end!
What is Figgy Pudding, Anyway?
Figgy pudding, also known as Christmas pudding or plum pudding in some circles, is a dense, decadent dessert filled with dried fruits, spices, suet (a type of animal fat), breadcrumbs, and often a splash of brandy. It’s traditionally steamed for hours, giving it a sticky, pudding-like texture, and is usually served warm with cream or custard. The “figgy” in the name is sometimes misleading, as early versions of figgy pudding didn’t always contain figs. Instead, it was often packed with raisins, currants, or prunes. Historically, the term “fig” could mean any dried fruit, hence the name!
Medieval Beginnings: From Frumenty to Figgy Pudding
Figgy pudding has its roots in medieval England, where its predecessor, "frumenty," was popular. This dish was a type of porridge made from boiled grains mixed with spices, meats, and sometimes dried fruit. It was a savory affair, thick and hearty, meant to nourish families in the cold winter months. By the 15th century, sugar and spices became more accessible, and frumenty gradually transformed into a sweeter, more dessert-like dish. The tradition of a rich, spiced dessert for Christmas solidified around this time as people began to view it as a special seasonal treat.
Figgy Pudding Finds Its Festive Place
By the 17th century, figgy pudding as we know it had started to resemble a traditional Christmas treat. Early on, it was reserved for holidays and celebrations because of the ingredients it required—sugar, spices, and dried fruits were all expensive and thus considered luxurious. When Christmas festivities were revived after Puritan rule ended in England, figgy pudding’s popularity grew. Its warm, rich flavors made it a perfect dessert for cold winter nights, and it became a favorite at holiday feasts.
Figs, Fruits, and a Dash of Confusion
Despite the name, figgy pudding didn’t always contain figs. Instead, it was often made with raisins, currants, and prunes. The use of “fig” might have been more of a nod to dried fruits in general, as the recipe evolved with whatever was available. Figs were sometimes added, but the name stuck even when they weren’t. This flexible use of fruit allowed the pudding to evolve with local ingredients while staying true to its spiced, fruity core.
The Victorian Love Affair with Figgy Pudding
The Victorian era was the golden age of figgy pudding, thanks in part to Queen Victoria’s fondness for plum puddings and the widespread popularity of Charles Dickens’s novels, which helped to idealize the traditional British Christmas. In A Christmas Carol, Dickens’ vivid descriptions of a holiday meal with figgy pudding helped cement its image as an essential Christmas dessert. The pudding represented family warmth, tradition, and holiday cheer, which made it inseparable from Victorian Christmas celebrations.
Why Figgy Pudding Fell Out of Favor
Over the centuries, figgy pudding’s popularity waned, partly because of its changing tastes and time-consuming nature. By the 20th century, quicker and easier desserts took over holiday tables. The dense, steamed pudding couldn’t compete with lighter, more convenient options—especially as more people began to work longer hours and cooking traditions shifted toward modern convenience.
A Revival for Modern Times
Figgy pudding is experiencing a revival today as people seek out classic, “vintage” recipes to bring old-world charm to their tables. Its nostalgic value and warm, spiced flavors make it an appealing centerpiece for modern holiday celebrations, especially for food lovers interested in culinary history. Specialty stores and holiday markets often offer figgy pudding mixes, allowing anyone to experience a taste of history.
Figgy Pudding and Pop Culture
The line “Oh, bring us some figgy pudding” from the carol We Wish You a Merry Christmas has immortalized the dessert in pop culture. For centuries, kids and adults alike have sung about this elusive dessert, making it an enduring part of Christmas lore. While the demand for figgy pudding might be lighthearted, its place in Christmas songs has kept it in the hearts and minds of Christmas revelers around the world.
Classic Figgy Pudding Recipe to Make at Home
Ready to experience the tradition of figgy pudding for yourself? This simple, old-fashioned recipe brings the taste of Victorian Christmas to your table.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried figs, chopped
1 cup raisins
1 cup currants (or dates), chopped
1/2 cup suet (or vegetable shortening for a vegetarian option)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup brandy (optional)
Instructions:
Soak the Fruit: Combine chopped figs, raisins, currants, and brandy in a bowl. Let it sit for about 1 hour to allow the fruits to absorb the brandy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir in the suet or shortening.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add milk and eggs to the soaked fruit, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Prepare the Pudding Basin: Grease a pudding basin or heatproof bowl with butter, pour in the batter, and cover with parchment paper, securing it with a string.
Steam the Pudding: Place the basin in a large pot and add enough water to come halfway up the sides. Cover the pot, bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Steam for 2–3 hours, adding water as necessary.
Serve Warm: Turn the pudding out onto a plate and serve with cream, custard, or a splash of brandy. Enjoy!
This homemade figgy pudding is perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of historical flavor to their holiday season. It’s a little taste of Victorian England that brings festive warmth and a side of nostalgia to any Christmas celebration.
*Some links are affiliate links which we receive a commission from.
