Delicious and Easy Newfoundland Figgy Duff Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite Newfoundland desserts: Figgy Duff. This traditional recipe has been passed down for generations, and it’s a classic Canadian dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter treat or a sweet addition to your summer barbecue, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Figgy Duff is a steamed pudding that contains figs, raisins, and a delicious blend of spices. It’s also commonly called “Figgy Pudding” or “Christmas Pudding,” making it a perfect treat for the holiday season. However, this dessert is so delicious that it can be enjoyed all year round!

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Figgy Duff is often served as part of a traditional meal called “Jiggs Dinner.” But don’t worry, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this delicious dessert. It’s easy to make, and with my detailed instructions and tips, you’ll be able to create a perfect Figgy Duff in no time!

So, put on your apron, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on this classic Canadian dessert. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been a favorite for generations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Newfoundland Figgy Duff
Newfoundland Figgy Duff

Are you looking for a traditional, hearty dessert to warm you up on cold winter nights? Look no further than this Newfoundland Figgy Duff Recipe! This classic Canadian dessert has been passed down for generations and is a beloved part of Newfoundland and Labrador cuisine.

What makes this recipe so special? For starters, it contains figs, which give it a unique flavor and texture. But it’s not just the figs that make this pudding so delicious – it’s also the combination of warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and ginger, as well as the sweetness of molasses and brown sugar.

This Figgy Duff Recipe is easy to make, with simple ingredients like flour, hot water, and baking soda. And while it may be a traditional Newfoundland recipe, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Not only is this dessert delicious, but it’s also versatile. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of rum sauce for a decadent treat. Or, for a more savory option, pair it with a classic Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner.

So why should you try this recipe? Because not only is it a classic and beloved part of Newfoundland cuisine, but it’s also a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a holiday treat or just a cozy dessert on a cold night, this Figgy Duff Recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredient List

 A slice of heaven on a plate!
A slice of heaven on a plate!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!

Before we get started with the recipe, let’s gather all of the ingredients we need. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 2 cups hot water

Notes:

  • You can use any type of raisins you like, but we recommend using golden raisins for a sweeter flavor.
  • If you can’t find molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a similar flavor.
  • Make sure the water is hot before adding it to the mixture.

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before we start with the recipe, let’s prepare the ingredients first. In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of allspice, and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. Add 1 cup of brown sugar and mix well.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of molasses. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, along with 1 cup of hot water. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Raisins

Fold in 1 cup of raisins, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Steam the Pudding

Grease a pudding mold or a heat-proof bowl with butter. Pour the mixture into the mold or bowl and cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the mold or bowl in a large pot with enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the mold or bowl. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Step 5: Serve

Once the pudding is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, invert the pudding onto a plate and serve warm with hard sauce or your favorite sauce.

Optional Step 6: Make a Rum Sauce

For a delicious rum sauce, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a small saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of rum, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve the sauce over the warm pudding.

Optional Step 7: Add Blueberries

For a twist on the traditional Newfoundland Figgy Duff recipe, add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the mixture before steaming the pudding. This will give the pudding a sweet and tangy flavor that everyone will love.

Now that you know how to make this delicious Newfoundland Figgy Duff pudding, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking!

Substitutions and Variations

 Can't resist a warm bowl of Figgy Duff!
Can’t resist a warm bowl of Figgy Duff!

While the Newfoundland Figgy Duff is a classic Canadian dessert, there are several ways to make it your own. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:

– Blueberry Duff: Replace the raisins with fresh blueberries for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

– Molasses Pudding: If you’re looking for a richer and darker flavor, you can substitute molasses for the brown sugar.

– Christmas Pudding: Add some chopped candied fruit and peel to the mixture to make it more festive for the holidays.

– Steamed Pudding: Instead of baking the Figgy Duff in the oven, you can steam it in a pudding basin for a traditional English dessert.

– Bread Pudding: You can turn any leftover Figgy Duff into a bread pudding by cutting it into cubes, soaking it in a mixture of milk and eggs, and baking it in a dish until it’s golden and crispy.

– Rum Sauce: For a decadent finishing touch, serve the Figgy Duff with a drizzle of warm rum sauce made with butter, sugar, and dark rum.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making this traditional Newfoundland dessert your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a Figgy Duff that’s uniquely yours.

Serving and Pairing

 A traditional Newfoundland dessert you'll fall in love with.
A traditional Newfoundland dessert you’ll fall in love with.

This traditional Newfoundland Figgy Duff recipe is a comforting and hearty dessert that is perfect for serving on a cold winter night. It is best enjoyed warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of hard sauce.

If you want to take this dessert to the next level, you can serve it with a side of blueberry compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tartness of the blueberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the figgy duff, while the creaminess of the ice cream adds a nice contrast to the dense texture of the pudding.

This dessert is also a great option to serve as part of a traditional Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner, which typically includes boiled vegetables, salt beef, and pease pudding. The figgy duff is a sweet and comforting addition to this hearty meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you are looking for a festive dessert to serve during the holiday season, this figgy duff recipe is a great alternative to the more traditional Christmas pudding or rum sauce. Its rich molasses flavor and fragrant spices make it a perfect match for a warm cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine.

Overall, this classic Canadian dessert is versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you choose to serve it with whipped cream, blueberry compote, or as part of a Jiggs Dinner, this figgy duff is sure to become a new family favorite.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 A perfect treat for cold winter nights.
A perfect treat for cold winter nights.

One of the best things about Newfoundland Figgy Duff is that it can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy schedules or when hosting a large gathering. You can prepare the pudding up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

To store the pudding, allow it to cool completely and then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the pudding in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The pudding will become denser as it sits, which some people actually prefer. To reheat the leftovers, you can either microwave individual portions or reheat the entire pudding in the oven.

When reheating the pudding, it’s important to add a bit of liquid to prevent it from drying out. You can add a splash of milk or water to the pudding before reheating it. Another option is to make a simple rum sauce to pour over the pudding, which adds a delicious flavor and moisture.

Overall, Newfoundland Figgy Duff is a versatile dessert that can be made ahead of time and stored easily. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in, this traditional Newfoundland dessert is sure to please.

Tips for Perfect Results

 Taste the sweetness of Newfoundland in every bite.
Taste the sweetness of Newfoundland in every bite.

If you are looking for tips and tricks to make the perfect Newfoundland Figgy Duff, look no further! As a chef, I have learned some helpful tips during my experience that can make a huge difference when making this traditional dish. Here are some tips to ensure your Figgy Duff turns out perfect every time.

First, it is important to mix the dry ingredients together thoroughly. Make sure to sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and ground ginger together to ensure that there are no lumps in the mixture. This will help to evenly distribute the ingredients and prevent any clumps from forming in the batter.

When adding the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, make sure to mix gently and avoid over-mixing. Over-mixing can cause the mixture to become tough and dense, which will affect the texture of the final product. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.

When adding the raisins or figs, it is important to soak them in hot water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the mixture. This will help to plump them up and prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pudding while cooking.

When cooking the Figgy Duff, it is important to use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure that the steam stays inside the pot. This will help to cook the pudding evenly and prevent it from becoming dry.

To serve the Figgy Duff, it is traditional to slice it into rounds and serve it with hard sauce. Hard sauce is made by creaming together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, and then adding a splash of rum or brandy. This sauce complements the sweetness of the Figgy Duff and adds a nice richness to the dish.

By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Newfoundland Figgy Duff that will impress your family and friends. So get into the kitchen and start cooking this classic Canadian dessert!

FAQ

Before we wrap up this Newfoundland Figgy Duff Recipe article, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that you may have regarding this traditional Canadian dessert. These questions cover some common concerns and doubts that you might have while preparing or serving figgy duff, so keep reading to get all the answers you need!

What is the difference between figgy pudding and Christmas pudding?

One of the classic desserts in the English culinary tradition is figgy pudding, which is typically made with alcohol and dried fruit. It may be referred to as Christmas pudding or plum pudding and is often likened to a cake rather than a soft, custard-like pudding. In some circles, it is also affectionately known as “pud.”

Is figgy pudding actually pudding?

Figgy pudding is a type of steamed dessert that is popular in Britain, especially during the Christmas season. It is made using a mixture of suet (raw beef or mutton fat), eggs, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, spices, dried fruits, and brandy. This combination of ingredients results in a cakelike dessert that is rich in flavor and texture.

Are there actually figs in figgy pudding?

When it comes to Christmas desserts, “Figgy pudding” is a classic choice that may surprise some with its lack of actual figs and its different form compared to what Americans consider as “pudding”.

Why do they call it figgy pudding?

Figgy pudding, an iconic English dessert, typically contains figs, hence the name. It is often confused with plum pudding, which actually contains raisins instead of plums – as the term “plums” was once used to describe raisins. While figgy pudding is comparable to American fruitcake, it has its own distinct variations in flavor and texture. The history of figgy pudding dates back to medieval times and has been a staple in British cuisine for centuries.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, if you are looking for a dessert that is both delicious and steeped in tradition, look no further than Newfoundland Figgy Duff. This easy-to-make recipe has been passed down through generations of Newfoundlanders and is a classic Canadian dessert that deserves more recognition. With its warm spices and sweet molasses, Figgy Duff is the perfect treat to enjoy on a cold winter’s day, or as a sweet ending to a family feast. So, why not give it a try? You might just discover a new favorite dessert that will become a tradition in your family for years to come.

Newfoundland Figgy Duff Recipe

This recipe was in a Newfoundland magazine called "Downhomer", I have not made it but I do like traditional recipes. Sounds delicious. In the instructions it says " pour into a pudding bag and cook with Jigg’s dinner for one hour" It also gives an alternate method which I have put into the recipe since I don’t know Jigg’s or what he is having for dinner 🙂

  • 3 cups fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon hot water
  • 1/2 cup flour
  1. Soak the bread crumbs in water for a few minutes. Squeeze out the water.
  2. Combine the crumbs, raisins, sugar & spices, mix with a fork.
  3. Pour hot water over the soda.
  4. To the crumb mixture add molasses, melted butter & soda.
  5. Add flour & mix well.
  6. Pour into a cleaned, greased tomato can, cover with foil and secure with an elastic band, place can into a large pot of boiling water that comes 3/4 way up the can. Steam for 1 1/2 hours until the pudding looks firm.
Dessert
Newfoundland cuisine
< 4 Hours, Canadian, Dessert, Healthy, Inexpensive, Stove Top

[custom-related-posts title=”Recommended Recipes Just For You” none_text=”None found” order_by=”date” order=”ASC”]