Steamed Carrot Pudding is one of those magical, old-fashioned desserts that instantly transports you to cozy holiday gatherings and the gentle hum of kitchen conversations. Tender, warm, and aromatic with a medley of spices, this pudding showcases the sweet essence of carrots, balanced by earthy potatoes, plump raisins, and just a hint of crunch from chopped nuts. Whether you serve it with a drizzle of custard or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s a celebration of comfort and nostalgia—perfect for impressing guests or spoiling your family on a chilly evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Steamed Carrot Pudding is how the simplest pantry staples come together to create a dessert with extraordinary flavor and texture. Each ingredient has a purpose here—some adding moisture, others lending spice, sweetness, or a delightful bite.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the pudding, holding everything together beautifully.
- Baking soda: Gives a gentle lift and lightness to the finished dish, ensuring it’s not too dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides that signature warmth and spiced aroma every pudding needs.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- Salt: Just a touch enhances all the sweet, spicy flavors and keeps everything in balance.
- Brown sugar (packed): Offers moisture and caramel notes for a rich, satisfying sweetness.
- Suet or unsalted butter (finely chopped): Traditional suet gives a classic texture, while butter is equally delicious and vegetarian-friendly.
- Grated carrots: The star ingredient—bringing natural sweetness, color, and that moist crumb.
- Grated raw potato: Helps keep the pudding incredibly tender and soft throughout steaming.
- Raisins: Little bursts of chewy sweetness tucked inside every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and added flavor complexity—totally your choice!
- Milk: Loosens the batter and ensures the final pudding is nice and moist.
- Vanilla extract: A splash rounds out the flavors and brings a fragrant, homey aroma.
How to Make Steamed Carrot Pudding
Step 1: Prepare Your Mold
Start by generously greasing a 4-cup pudding mold or any heat-safe bowl you have on hand. Proper greasing is key to easy unmolding and a gorgeous presentation once your Steamed Carrot Pudding is ready to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This simple step ensures all the powders are evenly distributed, so every bite is perfectly spiced and rises evenly as it steams.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Fat
Add the packed brown sugar and your finely chopped suet or unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a fork or your fingertips to blend everything until the mix looks crumbly—like a streusel topping. This creates those irresistible tender pockets in the pudding.
Step 4: Fold in Fruits and Vegetables
Now, bring on the goodness. Stir in the grated carrots, potato, raisins, and, if you’re feeling fancy, the chopped walnuts or pecans. These add texture, natural sweetness, and moisture that define Steamed Carrot Pudding’s signature crumb.
Step 5: Finish the Batter
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, folding just until a thick, cohesive batter forms. Don’t overmix—just enough to pull everything together smoothly. This ensures the pudding stays delightfully soft and fluffy after steaming.
Step 6: Fill and Cover the Mold
Spoon the batter into your prepared mold, smoothing the top for even cooking. Cover it tightly with foil or a fitted lid. This is a classic step for steamed puddings, keeping all that precious moisture locked in as it cooks.
Step 7: Steam the Pudding
Place your filled mold inside a large pot that has a rack or some crumpled foil at the bottom to keep it elevated above the water. Carefully add enough hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the mold. Cover the pot and keep the heat low to medium—steam gently for 2 and a half to 3 hours, checking occasionally and adding more water if needed. Your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of spices and sweetness.
Step 8: Rest and Unmold
Once the steaming time is up, carefully lift out the mold and let it rest, covered, for about 10 minutes. This short wait helps the pudding firm up slightly for the perfect unmolding moment. Run a knife around the edge, then invert onto a plate. Ta-da! Your beautiful Steamed Carrot Pudding is ready to enjoy warm.
How to Serve Steamed Carrot Pudding
Garnishes
Crowning your Steamed Carrot Pudding with the right garnishes turns it into a true showstopper. A drizzle of warm custard, silky hard sauce, or a generous cloud of whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the warmly spiced dessert. If you love an extra pop of color, scatter on a sprinkle of grated orange zest or a few extra toasted nuts right before serving.
Side Dishes
This comforting, sweet pudding pairs beautifully with fresh seasonal fruit—think orange segments, sliced pears, or poached apples. For a full-on holiday feast, serve it alongside a strong cup of tea or coffee to cut through the richness, or pair it with tangy yogurt for a lighter touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Have fun making Steamed Carrot Pudding your own. Try serving it in individual ramekins for elegant, perfectly portioned desserts at a dinner party. Or go rustic: unmold the pudding onto a large platter and slice at the table for a family-style vibe. You can even try layering slices with whipped cream and berries in parfait glasses for show-off trifle-style treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Steamed Carrot Pudding (lucky you!), let it cool completely before wrapping it well in plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. It will stay lovely and moist in your fridge for up to 4 days—making it a dreamy companion to your morning coffee or an impromptu holiday snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice or portion the pudding and freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its rich flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Bring back that just-steamed magic by gently steaming leftovers for about 10 minutes, or microwaving slices with a damp paper towel draped over them. Steamed Carrot Pudding reheats beautifully, staying soft and luscious every time.
FAQs
Can I make Steamed Carrot Pudding without a pudding mold?
Absolutely! Any heat-safe bowl or even large ramekins will work in a pinch. Just be sure to grease them well and cover tightly with foil for the steaming process.
What’s the best substitute for suet?
If you don’t have suet or want a vegetarian option, unsalted butter is an excellent substitute. Coconut oil can also work, adding a subtle extra flavor to your pudding.
Does the potato flavor stand out?
Not at all—the grated potato melts into the pudding during steaming, acting as a natural moisture booster and binding agent, without being noticeable in taste or texture.
Can I make this pudding gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your baking soda and other labels if allergies are a concern.
How do I know when Steamed Carrot Pudding is done?
The pudding will feel firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it still feels wet or raw in the middle, steam for an additional 10–15 minutes and test again.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert packed with nostalgia, warmth, and a little twist of showmanship, Steamed Carrot Pudding is sure to make you—and your loved ones—smile. This is one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again, not just for holidays, but for any moment that calls for something truly special. Give it a try, and let it become part of your family’s delicious traditions!
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Steamed Carrot Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of a classic Steamed Carrot Pudding. This traditional British-American dessert is rich in spices, fruits, and nuts, creating a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup suet or unsalted butter (finely chopped)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup grated raw potato
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Mold: Grease a 4-cup pudding mold or heat-safe bowl.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in brown sugar, suet or butter, carrots, potato, raisins, and nuts. Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- Steam the Pudding: Spoon batter into the mold, cover, and steam for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Serve: Unmold the pudding after resting for 10 minutes. Serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
- This dessert is a holiday favorite.
- For a lighter version, use apples instead of potatoes.
- Leftovers can be reheated by steaming or microwaving with a damp paper towel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: British-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
