Ultimate Christmas Pudding Date

Asked by Heather22. Answered on 13th March 2014

Full question

Hi. Made the Ultimate Christmas Pudding last November and gave it the first cook of 5 hours. We were going to cook it for the remaining 3 hours on Christmas day, but felt too full to eat it! It's still in my pantry. How long can I keep it for? Should I give it the remaining 3 hours? Many thanks!

Our answer

Nigella's Ultimate Christmas Pudding is intended to be eaten 6 weeks after it has been made. Christmas puddings have varied keeping times according to the amount of sugar and alcohol in the recipe. The conditions in which the pudding are kept are also important.

If the pudding has been stored in a cool, dry place and has been tightly sealed or wrapped then it may well still be fine, but you will need to use your own judgement to decide whether it is fit to eat. We suggest opening up the pudding and inspecting it. If there are any signs of white mould or decomposition then the pudding should be discarded. If the pudding smells fermented, sour or "off" then it should also be discarded. if you do decide to eat the pudding then it still needs its 3 hours second steaming.

If you find that you don't want to eat the Ultimate Christmas Pudding on Christmas day then we suggest that it is frozen as soon as possible after Christmas day. It will keep in the freezer for up to a year. Thaw the pudding for 24 hours in the fridge before steaming and eating it.