Classic figgy pudding with amaretto butter recipe

Christmas just isn't Christmas without a figgy pudding, and this classic figgy pudding with amaretto butter is the best recipe we've ever tried. Sweet, sticky, and rich, with a generous glug of amaretto, this pud is a delicious end to your Christmas meal, or a great treat to serve to friends after a night of carol singing

Ingredients

• 250g sultanas
• 250g dried figs, chopped
• 250g dried apricots, chopped
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 100ml amaretto
• 3 medium eggs
• 75g light muscovado sugar
• 75g softened butter, plus extra to grease
• 75g toasted flaked almonds
• 50g self-raising flour
• 75g fresh white breadcrumbs
• 1tsp ground cinnamon
• 1tsp ground coriander
• 1tsp ground ginger

To serve:

• 150g softened butter
• 4tbsp amaretto
• 4tbsp icing sugar
• Edible gold stars and sparklers, to decorate

Method

1. In a food container, mix dried fruit, citrus zest and juices and amaretto. Soak overnight or up to 2 days.
2. Whisk together the eggs, sugar and butter, then stir in the fruit, almonds, flour, breadcrumbs and spices. Spoon into a greased 2-pint basin. Cover with a sheet of pleated baking paper, then a sheet of foil. Tie round the rim with soaked string, then attach a second length to form a handle.
3. Sit an upturned saucer in a large saucepan and put the pudding on top. Pour in boiling water to halfway up the basin. Cover and simmer very gently for 5 hrs, topping up with boiling water if necessary. Serve immediately or cool and store in the fridge for up to a week.
4. Whisk the butter, amaretto and sugar until light. Chill until ready to use. Sprinkle with gold stars, dollop a spoonful of amaretto butter on the pud and light the sparklers to serve.