Christmas pudding is the British Christmas dessert made from dried fruit, breadcrumbs, suet, and spices, then steamed.
The dense pudding commonly contains raisins, sultanas, currants, citrus peel, flour, eggs, and warming spices. Brandy or another alcohol may be added, and some families prepare it weeks before Christmas so the flavors can develop during storage.
Its immediate predecessor was plum pudding, although “plum” historically referred to raisins rather than fresh plums. The modern Christmas association became especially strong in Victorian Britain, when seasonal customs were standardized and popularized.
Christmas pudding is traditionally reheated by steaming and may be flambéed with brandy before serving. Brandy butter, cream, or custard are common accompaniments. It differs from mince pie filling, which is a spiced fruit mixture rather than a steamed pudding.