When it comes to comforting, indulgent desserts, nothing beats the classic appeal of Fruit and Nut Pudding. Warm, gooey, and bursting with the richness of dried fruits and crunchy nuts, this traditional dessert is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or just when you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Unlike overly sugary treats, this pudding gets its sweetness from natural sources like dates, raisins, and honey. It’s the perfect balance of texture and flavour, offering both crunch and chewiness in every bite. Whether served warm with custard or chilled with ice cream, Fruit and Nut Pudding is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
🛒 Ingredients for Fruit and Nut Pudding
Here’s what you’ll need to serve 6–8 portions:
🍞 Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- ¼ tsp salt
🍇 Fruits and Nuts:
- ½ cup chopped dates
- ½ cup raisins or sultanas
- ½ cup chopped figs or apricots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup almonds or cashews
🥛 Wet Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange or lemon
👨🍳 How to Make Fruit and Nut Pudding – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish or pudding mold with butter and line the base with parchment paper.
Step 2: Soak the Fruits
- In a bowl, soak chopped dates, raisins, and figs in warm milk for 15–20 minutes.
- This softens the fruits and makes them extra juicy in the pudding.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs/flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in chopped nuts and orange zest.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat eggs lightly and add to the soaked fruit mixture.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Combine this wet mixture with the dry ingredients and fold gently until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
There’s something timeless and heart warming about Fruit and Nut Pudding. With its rich, moist texture and bursts of sweetness and crunch, it brings back memories of festive meals and family gatherings. Whether you serve it warm on a chilly night or chilled during summer, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
So next time you’re in the mood for a homemade sweet treat, try this wholesome, easy pudding and let it become a new family favourite.
