What is Figgy Pudding?
A beloved holiday classic in Britain, figgy pudding brings together plump raisins and currants, sweet figs, aromatic nutmeg and cinnamon, and a moist, spiced base that’s lightly infused with rum.
Originally enjoyed in medieval England, this pudding evolved into the iconic festive dish immortalised in the carol “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Today it stands as a celebration dessert—rich, flavorful, and beautifully suited to pairing with a fine tea and generous helpings of brandy butter or warm custard.
At Blue Moon Teas, we’re proud to offer this elegant treat as part of our holiday collection—perfect to serve at dinner or gift to loved ones seeking something memorable.
A Rich Tradition of Holiday Cheer
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The earliest roots of figgy pudding trace back to the 14th-century dish known as “fygey” (or “figge”), a sweet or savoury pudding made with figs, other dried fruits, suet, and sometimes meat.
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Around the 17th and 18th centuries in Britain, it evolved into what we recognise as the Christmas or plum pudding: rich in dried fruit, soaked in alcohol (rum, brandy) and traditionally steamed.
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The carol We Wish You a Merry Christmas (with the lyrics “Now bring us some figgy pudding …”) helped embed the pudding in popular Christmas culture.
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A delightful custom known as “Stir-Up Sunday” (the last Sunday before Advent) has families stirring the pudding mixture together, often each person making a wish for the year ahead—a charming way to bring together the ritual of holiday preparation.
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The flavours are deeply festive: rich dried fruits, warming spices, and often a touch of rum. These evoke the sense of cosy gatherings, winter evenings, and celebration.
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Figgy pudding makes a memorable centrepiece dessert — visually and flavour-wise — especially when served with a flourish (a pour of warmed brandy, even a flame, and a rich sauce or brandy butter). Serving Suggestions & Pairings.
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Classic topping: Serve warm with a generous dollop of brandy butter, hard sauce, or custard. Historically, the rich butter-and-brandy combo made the pudding's extra indulgence even more festive.
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Tea pairing: With its bold, spiced flavours and rich fruit base, figgy pudding pairs beautifully with a robust black tea — perhaps your own blends or the festive sampler you offer. The tea helps balance the richness and finishes the meal on a comforting note.
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Post-dinner indulgence: After the main holiday meal, serve the pudding with a warmed brandy or rum sauce, and complement it with a hot cup of tea to enjoy as guests linger and chat.
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Gift or dessert-upgrade idea: If giving as a gift (or serving as part of a set), consider including a small pot of brandy butter or a premium tea sampler alongside the pudding—makes for a memorable, elevated gift.