Name: Christmas Ice Cream Pudding with Dried Fruit Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 11 h 10 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 125 g blanched almonds, finely chopped; 125 g maraschino or glacé cherries; ⅓ cup mixed peel, chopped; 1 cup dried fruit (such as sultanas); ½ cup rum (or sherry or brandy; for non-alcoholic, substitute 1 tbsp vanilla essence + ¼ cup water); 1 tsp mixed spice; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp nutmeg; 1 ½ L vanilla ice cream, slightly softened; Chocolate sauce or melted chocolate (optional); Crushed nuts (for garnish); Maraschino or glacé cherries (for garnish)

If you’re looking for a festive dessert that’s both easy to make and totally dazzling, I’ve got just the thing for you—this Christmas Ice Cream Pudding with Dried Fruit Recipe is pure magic. Imagine the classic flavors of Christmas pudding meeting creamy vanilla ice cream, studded with jewels of dried fruit and nuts, all soaked in warming spices and a splash of rum. It’s show-stopping, ridiculously easy, and I promise it’ll be the hit of your holiday table. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through every step to nail this holiday crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly impressive: Just 10 minutes of prep for a dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Traditional yet refreshing: A modern twist on Christmas pudding with creamy ice cream and rich dried fruit flavors.
Customizable to your liking: Swap dried fruits, nuts, or alcohol choices to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
Perfect for make-ahead: The pudding freezes beautifully, making holiday prep smoother for you.

The image shows a rounded creamy dessert with a light beige color and small bits mixed inside, sitting on a clear glass dish. The top half of the dessert is covered with melted dark chocolate that flows down the sides unevenly. On top of the chocolate layer, there are three bright red strawberries and three glossy red cherries arranged closely together, all lightly dusted with white powdered sugar. The dish is placed on a shiny silver tinsel decoration with a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Ice Cream Pudding with Dried Fruit Recipe lies in its blend of spiced, soaked fruits and creamy, dreamy ice cream. Each ingredient has a purpose—from the crunch of almonds to the warmth of cinnamon. Shopping for quality dried fruits and good vanilla ice cream will really elevate your pudding.

Blanched almonds: Finely chopped for texture; toast lightly if you want an extra nutty kick.
Maraschino or glacé cherries: I prefer glacé cherries for that authentic, glossy Christmas color and sweetness.
Mixed peel: Adds that classic citrus zing; if you can’t find it, chopped dried apricots make a great substitute.
Dried fruit: Sultanas or your favorite soft dried fruits soak up the rum beautifully.
Rum (or substitute): Brings warmth and depth; you can swap for sherry, brandy, or a non-alcoholic mix of vanilla and water.
Mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg: These spices bring the festive aroma and that unmistakable Christmas pudding flavor.
Vanilla ice cream: Slightly softened so it blends well with the fruity mix—use your favorite brand for best results.
Chocolate sauce, crushed nuts, extra cherries for garnish: Elevate the presentation and add indulgent finishes.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Christmas Ice Cream Pudding with Dried Fruit Recipe is how adaptable it is. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to fit my family’s tastes and dietary needs, and I encourage you to make it your own too.

Alcohol-Free Version: I discovered swapping rum for vanilla essence and a bit of water works wonders—still flavorful without the booze, perfect if kids are around.
Nut-Free Adaptations: If you or your guests avoid nuts, leave out the almonds and add extra dried fruits or candied ginger for texture.
Different Ice Cream Flavors: Try spiced pumpkin or cinnamon swirl ice cream for a twist that screams holiday cozy.
Extra Boozy: For adult-only gatherings, soak the dried fruit overnight in brandy for an even richer taste.

How to Make Christmas Ice Cream Pudding with Dried Fruit Recipe

Step 1: Soak Your Dried Fruits and Nuts for Maximum Flavor

Start by combining your finely chopped almonds, cherries, mixed peel, dried fruit, and spices in a large mixing bowl. Pour over the rum (or your chosen substitute) and stir everything together. This soaking process is where the magic happens—those fruits soak up the boozy warmth and spices, infusing the pudding with deep festive notes. Cover and pop it in the fridge for 2-3 hours. I like to stir it once or twice during this time so all the bits get evenly coated.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pudding Basin Like a Pro

Line an 8-cup pudding basin or large bowl with foil, pressing out wrinkles to ensure the pudding sets nicely. This lining helps the ice cream pudding keep its shape during freezing and makes unmolding a breeze. Trust me, skipping lining led to me hacking at my pudding once and the shape wasn’t nearly as neat!

Step 3: Mix the Ice Cream into the Fruity Goodness

Take your slightly softened vanilla ice cream and fold it gently into the soaked fruit mixture. The ice cream needs to be soft enough to blend but not melted; think of it like spreading butter on warm toast—not sloppy, not rock hard. Mixing thoroughly ensures every spoonful has that perfect balance of creamy cold with fruity bursts.

Step 4: Freeze Until Firm and Ready to Impress

Spoon the mixture into your lined pudding basin, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 6-8 hours—overnight is even better. This step sets everything beautifully. Before serving, you can unmold and drizzle with chocolate sauce, sprinkle crushed nuts, and top with extra cherries to wow your guests.

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Ice Cream Pudding with Dried Fruit Recipe

Softening Ice Cream Properly: I learned the hard way that ice cream too hard won’t mix well; leave it out for about 15 minutes so it’s pliable but not melting.
Choosing Your Alcohol: I recommend rum for a classic profile, but swapping in brandy or sherry adds a lovely twist—taste your soaking liquid before mixing!
Mixing Technique: Gently fold the ice cream into the fruit rather than stirring vigorously to keep nice texture.
Freezing Time: Freezing overnight guarantees the pudding holds its shape perfectly when unmolded—don’t rush this step.

How to Serve Christmas Ice Cream Pudding with Dried Fruit Recipe

A close-up of a dome-shaped dessert with a rich light brown ice cream base that has small darker bits mixed in. The ice cream is topped with a thick, glossy dark chocolate layer that drips gently down the sides. On top of the chocolate layer, there are two bright red strawberries and three shiny red cherries with stems, arranged in the center. A light dusting of powdered sugar is sprinkled over the chocolate. The background has a clean white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for presentation, especially at Christmas. I like to drizzle rich chocolate sauce or melt a little chocolate ‘ice magic’ over the pudding right before serving. Top it with a handful of crushed toasted nuts for crunch and finish with a few maraschino or glacé cherries for that classic festive look. These simple touches make the pudding feel extra special without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or even a spoonful of brandy butter if you want to stick with traditions. For something lighter, fresh minted fruit or a compote of winter berries bring a fresh contrast to the creamy richness. I like to serve it alongside warm mulled cider or a cozy cup of coffee to keep the festive vibes flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I layered the pudding mixture and ice cream in a clear trifle bowl to show off the colors, making it even more festive visually. Another fun idea is to freeze the pudding in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned desserts—each guest gets their own little showstopper. No matter how you serve it, the key is to keep that beautiful texture and balance of fruit and ice cream in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), wrapping the pudding tightly in plastic wrap and foil prevents freezer burn and flavor loss. I store mine in the coldest part of the freezer to keep the ice cream texture just right.

Freezing

Freezing this pudding works like a charm—it retains its creamy texture and fruit flavors without becoming icy. Just make sure it’s sealed well to avoid absorbing any freezer odors. I typically freeze it for up to two weeks before serving for best freshness.

Reheating

Since it’s an ice cream pudding, you don’t reheat it like a traditional pudding. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, so it softens slightly and the flavors open up, making it easier to slice and enjoy without melting too fast.

FAQs

Can I make the Christmas Ice Cream Pudding without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can replace the rum with a mix of vanilla essence and water—about 1 tablespoon of vanilla and 1/4 cup of water—to keep the spirits without the booze. The pudding still tastes rich and festive.
How far in advance can I prepare this pudding?

This pudding is perfect for making a day or two ahead of time. The soaking step can be done earlier, and once assembled, it freezes well for up to two weeks, making holiday hosting stress-free.
Can I substitute the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free option?

Yes! I’ve tried using coconut milk-based ice cream, and it works wonderfully. Just make sure it softens enough to mix well with the fruit.
What’s the best way to unmold the pudding?

Run a warm knife or cloth around the edges of the foil-lined basin, then gently invert it onto your serving plate. A slight wiggle will help the pudding release easily.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries, or dates—you’ll discover your own favorite festive combos that suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Ice Cream Pudding with Dried Fruit Recipe has become a special tradition in my family—it’s one of those desserts that brings people together, every bite full of warmth, spice, and sweet nostalgia. I love how quick it is to put together, freeing up more time to enjoy the holiday hustle without sacrificing flavor or wow factor. If you’re ready to impress your guests with something deliciously different but utterly comforting, give this pudding a try—I know you’ll adore it as much as I do!