Figgy Pudding Recipe

| Monday December 1, 2008

Every year we sing carols about Figgy Pudding but who actually knows what that is? Did you know it is actually really a cake? From all accounts, Figgy Pudding became popular in the 19th century. How it ended up becoming part of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" we have no idea.

If you are feeling extraordinarily festive this year and want to make something fun and kind of obscure, we tracked down a recipe that is sure to please. Unless you don't like dried fruits and nuts in your cake, which incidentally I don't. Anyhoo, enjoy!

Christmas Figgy Pudding

1/2 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1 cup molasses
2 cups dried figs (stems removed and finely chopped)
1/2 tsp grated lemon peel
1 cup buttermilk (this can be substituted for 1 cup of milk with 2 Tbls vinegar)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon (We like J.R Watkins 100% organic ground cinamon)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Garnish: 1 blob pure whipped cream per piece

Preparation:

In an electric mixer, cream the butter until fluffy. Add the eggs and molasses and beat again. Add the figs, lemon peel, buttermilk, and walnuts. Blend. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend completely but don't overdo it.

Grease and flour an 8X4 souffle dish and pour in the batter. Bake at 325 for 1 hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Spoon the pudding out onto plates or cut it into wedges. Garnish with the whipped cream.

Serves 12

Have you ever tried figgy pudding? Do you like it?

5 Comments

	on November 21, 2016 Deb said: mmmm think I would try that at home before I'd take to a Christmas dinner. Have a feeling there's going to be a select few who will like it-like fruitcake. I happen to love fruitcake but 99% of people don't.
	on December 08, 2008 MizzRobin 13,788 said: Very interesting! I never knew what figgy pudding was but always wondering. The ingredients don't sound too crazy so I think I can imagine what it would taste like! I will have to try this out sometime!
	on December 06, 2008 artist 7,013 said: Hmmm. Very interesting! I like molasses for its health benefits, and dried fruits and nuts are yummy too. Although it may be too experimental for a Christmas dinner for my family. Perhaps I will still test it out ... it's waayy better than fruitcake!
	on December 05, 2008 Ali de Bold STAFF said: From the ingredients I think it would taste similar to a carrot cake, though more molassesy. I don't like molasses and I don't like dried fruit and nuts in cake so... I won't be making this in my kitchen. However I'm sure if you brought it to a party you would score points for being so festive ;)
	on December 05, 2008 artist 7,013 said: Have any of you tried it? I have never heard of it before until it was posted here on CA! What does it taste like? I am thinking of which-kind-a dessert I should bring to Christmas dinner anyway....