Introduction
Ever find yourself craving something cozy and festive but also a bit fancy—without having to wrestle with a ten-pound pudding or a sugar crash? Enter Christmas Pud Ice Cream, your new best friend for those lazy evenings when you want holiday vibes without the holiday hustle.
It’s like your favorite Christmas pudding decided to crash a vegan ice cream party, and spoiler alert: it’s the life of it. Rich, creamy, and packed with all the sneaky festive flavors you love, this treat will have you questioning why you ever thought plant-based desserts were boring. Plus, choosing plant-based milk alternatives not only enhances the flavor but also aligns with a compassionate and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 125g cashews, soaked for 30 minutes in hot water (nutty goodness)
- 400ml/1 can full fat coconut milk
- 100g chocolate spread
- 2tbsp cocoa powder
- 50g coconut sugar, or other fine sugar (sweet stuff alert)
- 260g dried fruit, we used 100g sultanas, 80g cherries, 50g chopped apricots and 30g cranberries
- 60ml brandy or orange juice
- 30g blanched almonds, finely chopped
This Christmas Pud Ice Cream lineup is basically a festive party in a bowl, with cashews and coconut milk playing the creamy heroes.
Whether you’re vegan, flexitarian, or just here for the yum, these ingredients bring the jolliest vibes—because who says holiday treats can’t be plant-powered and deliciously cheeky?
For a nutritious boost, you can incorporate almonds which add crunch and healthy fats to the mix.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this Christmas Pud Ice Cream party started! You’ll want to grab 125g of cashews and soak them in hot water for about half an hour. This little soak is like a spa day for your nuts, making them super soft and ready to blend into a silky smooth base.
Once your cashews are feeling relaxed, toss them into a blender with a whole can (400ml) of full-fat coconut milk, 100g of chocolate spread, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 50g of coconut sugar. Whiz it all up until the mixture is as smooth as a plant-based Santa Claus sliding down the chimney – velvety and rich.
Pour this decadent concoction into a bowl and pop it into the freezer overnight. Patience, my friend, good things come to those who freeze.
Now, while your ice cream base is chilling out, it’s time to treat the fruit! Grab 260g of dried fruit—think sultanas, cherries, apricots, and cranberries—and soak them in 60ml of brandy or orange juice. This soak isn’t just for show; it plumps up the fruit, making each bite juicy and bursting with festive cheer.
When the ice cream has set enough to be a little soft but still firm, stir in the soaked fruit along with 30g of finely chopped blanched almonds. This is where the magic happens—fruit and nuts playing together in a winter wonderland of chocolatey goodness.
Scoop the mixture into a big bowl or some cute little molds, then give it another chill for about four hours. When it’s ready, scoop it out, sprinkle with a little cocoa and edible dust, and maybe garnish with holly or mint for that extra Christmas-y vibe.
For an added twist, you could even incorporate fresh herbs like zesty lemon coriander to give your festive treat a unique, vibrant note.
Vegan, festive, and downright delicious—what’s not to love?
Bonus Tips
- Feeling fancy? Swap that brandy for a splash of vegan rum and pretend you’re on a tropical island, not just in your kitchen.
- Don’t be shy—add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base for that sneaky festive warmth without the holiday fruitcake drama.
- For extra crunch, toast your almonds before mixing them in—because even plant-based pud deserves a little sizzle.
Why You’ll Love It
This Christmas Pud Ice Cream is like the festive fairy godmother of vegan treats—charming, rich, and ready to dazzle without a single dairy drama. It’s the kind of dessert that sneaks in holiday cheer while keeping things invigoratingly plant-powered.
Plus, it’s flexible enough to let you swap in your favorite fruits or spirits, making every batch a little holiday remix. Trust me, it’s the cool cousin of Christmas pudding who actually wants to hang out all year round.
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values for one serving.
Calories: 350
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 18 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs.
