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Festive Christmas Pudding Cupcakes with Vanilla Glaze

Moist, spiced Christmas pudding cupcakes topped with a silky vanilla glaze for a festive holiday treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cupcake Batter
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp ginger
  • 0.25 tsp cloves
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1.25 cups mixed dried fruit
  • 0.25 cup orange juice for soaking
Vanilla Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Soak mixed dried fruit in warm orange juice for 15 minutes, then drain.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
  4. In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, milk, and orange zest.
  5. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, then stir in soaked dried fruit.
  6. Fill cupcake liners and bake for 18–22 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed.
  8. Drizzle glaze over cooled cupcakes and decorate with cherries or holly leaves.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, soak the dried fruit overnight for maximum juiciness.