Nanny's Steamed Cranberry Pudding

Name: Nanny's Steamed Cranberry Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1 cup milk; 2 cup fresh cranberries; 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

140 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy a traditional steamed cranberry pudding, a timeless dessert that brings a nostalgic taste of tart cranberries sweetened with a rich, buttery sauce.

Prep

20 min

Cook

120 min

Total

140 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Steamed cranberry pudding is a cherished dessert that brings together the tartness of cranberries with a moist, cake-like texture. This traditional treat is often enjoyed during festive occasions and is a staple in many Canadian households. This version of the pudding stays true to its roots, using simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting and heartwarming dish. The steaming process ensures the pudding remains moist, while the cranberries provide bursts of tangy flavour throughout. Whether you're looking to recreate a childhood memory or trying this classic for the first time, Nanny's Steamed Cranberry Pudding is sure to delight.

Instructions

Prepare the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Pro tip: Sifting the dry ingredients helps avoid lumps.

Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, beat the sugar and softened butter together until light and fluffy.

Pro tip: Use room temperature butter for best results.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the egg to the butter mixture, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.

Pro tip: Do not overmix to keep the pudding tender.

Fold in cranberries

Gently fold in the fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare the pudding basin

Grease a 1.5-litre (6-cup) pudding basin. Spoon the batter into the basin and cover tightly with a layer of greased parchment paper and foil.

Pro tip: Ensure the parchment paper is greased to prevent sticking.

Steam the pudding

Place the pudding basin in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add boiling water to come halfway up the side of the basin. Steam for about 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water hasn’t boiled away.

Pro tip: Keep the water at a gentle simmer to avoid splashing.

Prepare the sauce

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Serve the pudding

Allow the pudding to cool slightly before inverting onto a serving plate. Drizzle with sauce and serve warm.

Pro tip: Reheat any leftover sauce gently on the stovetop.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh cranberries for a tarter flavour; dried ones will be sweeter.
Ensure the pudding basin is well-greased to prevent sticking.
Cover the basin tightly with foil to avoid water seeping into the pudding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is steamed cranberry pudding?

Steamed cranberry pudding is a traditional dessert made by steaming a batter filled with cranberries until it becomes a moist, cake-like pudding.

How long does it take to steam cranberry pudding?

It takes about 2 hours to steam cranberry pudding. Ensure you have enough water in the pot throughout the steaming process.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but the flavour will be sweeter and less tart compared to using fresh cranberries.

How do I store leftover steamed cranberry pudding?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

What sauce goes best with cranberry pudding?

A rich vanilla or hard sauce complements the tartness of the cranberry pudding beautifully.

Is Nanny's steamed cranberry pudding a Canadian recipe?

Yes, this version of steamed cranberry pudding is based on a traditional Canadian recipe often enjoyed during the holidays.

What is the best way to reheat the pudding?

Reheat the pudding by steaming it for about 30 minutes, or microwave individual portions with a splash of water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the steamed cranberry pudding warm, ideally with a generous drizzle of vanilla or hard sauce. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can prepare the pudding a day in advance and reheat it by steaming for about 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.