Steamed Carrot Pudding is one of those desserts that immediately brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to the table. With its sweetly spiced aroma, plush moist crumb, and bursts of raisin and nut throughout, this traditional British treat transforms humble ingredients into something truly celebratory. Whether you’re craving a taste of classic holiday fare or seeking a new favorite for family gatherings, this pudding never disappoints—it feels like a warm, edible hug with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Steamed Carrot Pudding is its simplicity—every ingredient plays a crucial role in building its flavor, texture, and signature golden hue. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re just a few steps away from a dessert that’s sure to wow.
- Grated carrots: Lend natural sweetness, moisture, and a vibrant color to the pudding.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the structure, ensuring the pudding holds together beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-rich sweetness that enhances every bite.
- Raisins: Burst with chewy sweetness to contrast the soft crumb.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: Bring a nutty crunch and depth of flavor—choose your favorite or go halfsies!
- Baking soda: Helps the pudding rise and stay tender as it steams.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses a cozy, aromatic spice note that pairs perfectly with carrots.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers subtle warmth for a rounded spiced flavor.
- Ground ginger: Adds a whisper of zing that perks up every bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the flavors shine.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Provides rich moisture and flavor—make sure it’s cooled slightly before mixing.
- Large eggs, beaten: Bind everything together for a pudding that slices beautifully.
- Milk: Keeps the cake tender as it steams—whole milk gives a luxuriously soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of fragrant, familiar sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Steamed Carrot Pudding
Step 1: Prepare Your Pudding Mold
Start by greasing your pudding mold or a heatproof bowl thoroughly. This ensures your pudding comes out with ease and its beautiful structure stays intact. Set aside, and keep the lid or some foil handy—it’ll lock in the steamy magic soon!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first distributes the spices evenly and helps avoid clumps so every bite tastes just right.
Step 3: Add Carrots, Raisins, and Nuts
To the dry mixture, stir in the grated carrots, raisins, and chopped nuts. This evenly disperses these delicious pieces throughout the batter for unbeatable texture and flavor in every slice of Steamed Carrot Pudding.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This smooths out any eggy bits and ensures the richness is well-mixed—no pockets of plain milk or egg here!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. The goal here is to avoid over-mixing, which keeps the pudding tender and soft rather than tough. The batter will be thick and luscious.
Step 6: Fill and Cover the Mold
Spoon the batter into your prepared mold, smoothing the top. Cover tightly with foil to prevent condensation from soaking in. This is the secret to that perfectly moist, cakelike texture unique to Steamed Carrot Pudding.
Step 7: Steam the Pudding
Nestle your filled mold into a large pot and carefully add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the mold. Bring the water to a simmer, cover the pot with a snug lid, and steam gently for about 2 hours. Check occasionally to keep the water level steady; add more as needed so the pudding steams evenly all the way through.
Step 8: Test and Cool
Once the time is up, insert a toothpick into the center—the pudding is ready when it comes out clean. Let the pudding cool a bit before turning it out onto a plate; this brief rest helps it firm up for the perfect slice.
How to Serve Steamed Carrot Pudding
Garnishes
A warm slice of Steamed Carrot Pudding loves the company of a silky vanilla custard, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a generous dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle more chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Sometimes even a few curls of orange zest make it positively irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream, or alongside stewed fruit such as apples or pears if you crave more fruity brightness. If you’re feeling fancy, serve with a shot of hot espresso—it balances out the warm spices beautifully for a satisfying contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in ramekins for sweet mini puddings, or slice the pudding and layer it in a trifle glass with whipped cream and candied ginger. Feeling playful? Cut the cooled pudding into bars and dip in chocolate for a special twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any extra servings tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making a slice of Steamed Carrot Pudding just as delightful—if not better—on the second day!
Freezing
Want to save a batch for a future craving? Slice and individually wrap pieces before freezing for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently at room temperature, so it retains its lovely texture and subtle flavors.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-pot taste, reheat slices by steaming them for 5–10 minutes, or pop them into the microwave in 30-second bursts (covered to keep in moisture). The pudding is just as warm, soft, and comforting as when first made.
FAQs
Can I make Steamed Carrot Pudding without nuts?
Absolutely! If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply skip the nuts or substitute them with extra raisins or some chopped dried apricots for an equally tasty and textured pudding.
What can I use if I don’t have a pudding mold?
No need to stress—a sturdy heatproof bowl covered tightly with foil works perfectly for Steamed Carrot Pudding. Just make sure your bowl fits comfortably in your steaming pot with enough headroom for the pudding to rise a bit.
How do I know when my pudding is done steaming?
Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your pudding is ready. If it seems a little wet, steam for an additional 10–15 minutes and check again.
Can I customize the spices in Steamed Carrot Pudding?
Go for it! While cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are classic, feel free to add cloves, cardamom, or even a pinch of allspice for your own spin. The beauty of this pudding is how easily it adapts to your favorite flavors.
Is Steamed Carrot Pudding suitable for special diets?
It’s vegetarian as written, and you can even use a plant-based milk and vegan butter substitute to make a dairy-free version. If you prefer to avoid refined sugar, swap out with coconut sugar, though the flavor will shift slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the coziness of Steamed Carrot Pudding that makes any occasion feel extra special. If you’ve never tried a traditional steamed dessert, let this be the one to win you over—soft, spiced, and satisfyingly homey. I can’t wait for you to share this pudding with your favorite people; it’s a classic for good reason!
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Steamed Carrot Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this classic British dessert with a twist – Steamed Carrot Pudding. Moist and flavorful, this pudding is loaded with grated carrots, raisins, and nuts, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: Grease a heatproof pudding mold or bowl.
- Steam the Pudding: Transfer batter to the mold, cover tightly with foil. Steam for about 2 hours until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve: Cool slightly before unmolding. Serve warm with custard, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Mix in grated carrots, raisins, and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Notes
- This pudding can be made ahead and reheated by steaming or microwaving slices.
- For extra flavor, add 2 tablespoons of rum or orange zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
