Steaming Christmas Pudding: Slow Cooker Method

Yes, you can steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker. It is a great way to free up space on the hob and avoid the stress of constantly checking the water level in a steamer. You can even reheat the pudding in the slow cooker on Christmas Day.

How long to steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker.

There are a few different ways to steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker, but they all involve adding water to the slow cooker and cooking the pudding for an extended period. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Basin

Butter or grease a 1- or 2-litre pudding basin. Some recipes also suggest lining the basin with baking paper. Cover the basin with a lid, greaseproof paper, and foil, or a combination of these. Some cooks also recommend tying string under the rim of the basin to secure the coverings.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Fill the slow cooker with enough boiling water to come halfway or two-thirds of the way up the side of the pudding basin.

Step 3: Steam the Pudding

Place the pudding basin in the slow cooker and cook on a high setting for 8 to 13 hours. Check the water level periodically and top up as needed.

Step 4: Reheat the Pudding

To reheat the pudding on the day you plan to serve it, return it to the slow cooker set to low, and fill with water as before. Reheat for 3 to 5 hours.

Alternative Methods

Some cooks recommend preheating the slow cooker and then reducing the heat to medium after an hour. Others suggest cooking on low for the entire duration. One recipe recommends cooking on low for 10 hours and then reheating for 4 hours.

What type of bowl should I use to steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker?

When preparing a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker, it is important to use a bowl that fits comfortably inside the slow cooker without touching the lid. The size of the bowl will depend on the quantity of pudding you wish to make. For a large pudding, a 2-litre pudding basin can be used, while smaller quantities can be cooked in 1-litre or even 0.5-litre bowls.

The bowl material is also an important consideration. Plastic pudding basins with matching lids are a popular choice as they are convenient and easy to use. However, some people prefer to use ceramic or glass bowls, which require a homemade lid made of baking paper and foil. If using a plastic bowl, ensure it is suitable for steaming and does not come into direct contact with the base of the slow cooker to avoid melting.

When preparing the bowl, it is recommended to grease it with butter, especially if using a ceramic bowl. This will prevent the pudding from sticking to the sides. Cover the surface of the pudding mixture with a circle of greaseproof paper or baking parchment, then stack a sheet of parchment over a sheet of foil, folding a pleat in the middle to allow for expansion during cooking. Secure the lid with kitchen string and add a looped handle for easy removal.

Once the bowl is prepared and filled with the pudding mixture, place it inside the slow cooker and add enough boiling water to reach halfway up or two-thirds of the way up the sides of the bowl. This water bath method ensures even cooking and prevents the pudding from drying out.

What temperature setting should I use to steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker?

When steaming a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker, it is recommended to cook on a "high" setting for 13 hours. However, some recipes suggest cooking on a "low" setting for 8 to 12 hours.

It is important to preheat the slow cooker and then add enough hot water from a kettle to reach halfway up the side of the pudding basin. Check the pudding occasionally, and top up the water in the slow cooker if needed.

For reheating the pudding, it is suggested to use the slow cooker for 3 to 5 hours on a "'high'" setting.

How much water do I need to steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker. It is a good way to free up hob space and you don't have to worry about the water in the pan running dry.

To steam a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker, you will need to add water to the slow cooker before adding the basin containing the pudding. The amount of water you add will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the size of your pudding basin. The water should come halfway up the side of the pudding basin. You can add boiling water from a kettle to the slow cooker until it reaches this level.

You will need to check the pudding from time to time and may need to top up the water in the slow cooker about halfway through the cooking time.

How do I store a Christmas pudding after steaming it in a slow cooker?

Once you've steamed your Christmas pudding in a slow cooker, you'll need to let it cool to room temperature. Then, you can replace the greaseproof paper and foil and store the pudding in a cool, dark place until Christmas Day. If you've used a metallic steamer to cook your pudding, it's best to take it out of the mould and wrap it first in greaseproof or waxed paper, then in foil, before storing. This is because the sugar and fruit acids in the pudding could react with the metal over time.

If you've used a ceramic or plastic basin, simply replace the foil and greaseproof paper once the pudding is cool and store it in a cool, dark place. You can store your Christmas pudding for up to a year in advance, but it's recommended to make it at least three to four weeks before Christmas to allow the flavours to mellow, mingle and mature.

On Christmas Day, you can reheat your pudding in the slow cooker in the same way you cooked it, for around three to five hours.

Frequently asked questions