Healthy Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding Recipe: Feast Without The Bloat.

As the festive season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to enjoy traditional Christmas flavors without derailing our health goals. This Healthy Glute Free Christmas Pudding recipe is the perfect solution, offering all the warmth and comfort of a traditional British Christmas pudding, but with a nutritious twist.

Whether you’re preparing for Christmas Day or celebrating Stir-up Sunday, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorite recipes for the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Gluten Free Christmas Pudding Recipe.

This healthy Christmas pudding recipe swaps out refined sugars and heavy ingredients for wholesome alternatives like pumpkin and apple purree and oat and almond flour, making it perfect for those watching their carb intake or looking for a healthier holiday indulgence. Here’s what’s good about these ingredients:

• Pumpkin Puree: Rich in fiber and vitamins, pumpkin replaces the traditional sweet potato, reducing the carb content while adding festive flavors.
• Oat Flour: A great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, oat flour provides a satisfying texture without the gluten.
• Almond Meal: Packed with protein and healthy fats, almond meal adds richness without the need for excessive animal fat.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that offers trace minerals and antioxidants, unlike dark brown sugar often used in traditional recipes.
• Coconut Oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds moisture and richness to the pudding, replacing butter or suet.

Ingredients for Your Healthy Gluten Free Christmas Pudding.

• 150g pumpkin puree
• 50g unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 50g oat flour
• 50g almond meal or almond flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 100g mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, and low-sugar cranberries)
• 2 tbsp brandy (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tbsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of sea salt

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, egg, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup until smooth. If you are using fresh pumpkin and apples, then you will need to peel them and use a food processor to puree them first. 
2. In a separate bowl, mix the oat flour, almond meal, baking powder, and all the spices.
3. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Stir in the mixed dried fruits, brandy (if using), and orange zest.
5. Grease a 1-pint pudding basin with coconut oil and line the bottom with a small circle of parchment paper.
6. Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared basin and cover it with a double layer of parchment paper and foil, securing it with a piece of string to create a string handle.
7. Place the pudding in a large saucepan with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the pot and steam over a gentle simmer for 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water level hasn’t dropped too low.
8. Once done, let the pudding cool slightly before turning it onto a serving plate.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your healthy Christmas pudding warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a healthier alternative to brandy butter or brandy sauce. If you’re feeling indulgent, a small scoop of vegan ice cream can be a delightful treat. For an extra festive touch, you could even flame the pudding with a little warmed brandy – just be careful and keep young children at a safe distance!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:

This healthy gluten free Christmas pudding can be made well in advance of the big day.

After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

It will keep for several weeks, and many say the flavors improve with time – some even make their pudding a year in advance!To reheat, steam the pudding again for about an hour, or use a microwave for a quicker option.

Always ensure the pudding is piping hot all the way through before serving.

Why This Healthy Christmas Pudding Works.

This  Christmas pudding proves that you can enjoy the flavors of the season without compromising your health goals. The combination of pumpkin puree and applesauce provides natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for added sugars. The mix of oat flour and almond meal creates a satisfying texture while keeping the carb content low.The warming spices – cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg – not only add depth of flavor but also bring potential health benefits. Cinnamon, for instance, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. 

By using a variety of dried fruits, we maintain the traditional festive flavor while controlling the sugar content. The addition of orange zest brightens the pudding with a burst of citrusy freshness, reminiscent of the lemon zest used in many traditional recipes.This Healthy Christmas Pudding is a testament to the fact that you can reinvent classic recipes to suit modern dietary needs without sacrificing taste. It’s the perfect way to indulge in holiday traditions while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. So this festive season, why not start a new tradition with this healthier take on a Christmas classic? Your taste buds – and your body – will thank you!