Christmas Pudding with Citrus & Spice Recipe

In a large bowl, combine the dried mixed fruit, orange juice, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the fruit to soak up the juices.

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).

Add the breadcrumbs, applesauce, dark brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, baking powder, salt, and melted butter to the bowl with the fruit mixture. Stir well to combine.

Grease a 6-inch (15 cm) pudding basin or oven-safe bowl with butter.

Pour the pudding mixture into the greased basin, pressing it down firmly.

Cover the basin with aluminum foil and place it in a roasting pan. Fill the pan with enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basin.

Carefully transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 4 hours.

Remove the basin from the oven and let it cool slightly before removing the foil.

To serve, carefully invert the pudding onto a serving plate. Serve warm with custard or whipped cream.