Understanding How many calories are in Christmas Pudding and custard?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

A single serving of Christmas pudding with custard can surprisingly contain well over 500 calories, or even more, depending on the recipe and portion size. Many are asking, "How many calories are in Christmas Pudding and custard?" to stay mindful of their festive food intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Christmas pudding and custard varies widely, influenced by ingredients like suet, sugar, and cream. The analysis details the calorie breakdown of traditional and lighter versions, offering actionable tips for managing your nutritional intake during the festive season.

Key Points

High Calorie Count: A traditional Christmas pudding and custard can easily exceed 500 calories per serving, influenced by ingredients like suet and sugar.
Ingredient Impact: Suet, sugar, and dried fruits are the main calorie contributors in the pudding, while full-fat milk and cream add significant calories to the custard.
Healthier Alternatives: Use ground almonds, apple puree, and low-fat dairy or plant-based milks to reduce fat and calories.
Mindful Portions: Smaller servings and mindful eating practices can help manage your calorie intake during the holidays.
Balanced Approach: Instead of completely restricting yourself, balance your plate with lean protein and vegetables before indulging in a smaller, healthier dessert.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making your own pudding and custard gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing for healthier substitutions.

Calorie Breakdown: Decoding Your Festive Dessert

For those watching their dietary intake, the rich, dense nature of Christmas pudding coupled with creamy custard can be a cause for concern. The total calorie count is not fixed but rather a sum of its high-energy ingredients. The numbers vary significantly depending on whether the dessert is a traditional homemade recipe, a store-bought version, or a reduced-fat alternative.

The Christmas Pudding Calorie Contribution

Traditional Christmas pudding is made with a dense mixture of dried fruits, suet, sugar, breadcrumbs, and brandy or other alcohol. All these components are calorie-dense:

Dried fruits: Raisins, sultanas, and currants are concentrated sources of natural sugar and carbohydrates. While they do offer some fiber and minerals, their primary contribution is energy.
Suet: This traditional ingredient, made from beef or mutton fat, is a major source of saturated fat and adds significant calories. Some modern recipes substitute butter or vegetable suet, which still contribute considerable fat calories.
Sugar: A large amount of sugar is necessary for sweetness and preservation. This adds a substantial number of empty calories to the dessert.
Alcohol: Ingredients like brandy or rum not only add flavor but also contribute additional calories.

The Custard Calorie Contribution

Custard can be a major source of additional calories, especially when made with full-fat milk, eggs, and added sugar.

Full-fat milk and cream: Using full-cream milk or adding extra cream will significantly increase the fat and calorie content.
Sugar: Just like the pudding, sugar is a key ingredient in custard for sweetness.
Eggs: Provide protein and richness but are not the primary source of calories compared to the fat and sugar.

Comparison of Standard vs. Healthier Servings

The total calorie count for a complete dessert can range from around 500 to over 700 calories for a generous serving. Let's compare a standard version with a lighter, modified alternative.


Feature	Traditional Christmas Pudding + Custard	Healthier Christmas Pudding + Custard
Pudding Ingredients	Suet, refined sugar, white breadcrumbs, large amounts of dried fruit, brandy	Ground almonds, sweet potato, apple puree, less added sugar (or alternative sweeteners), wholemeal flour, fruit juice, less alcohol
Custard Ingredients	Full-fat milk, sugar, cream	Skimmed milk, low-fat milk, stevia, cornflour, vanilla
Approximate Calorie Count	550-750+ kcal per serving	300-450 kcal per serving
Fat Content	High in saturated fat due to suet and cream	Lower fat content, healthier fats from almonds or coconut oil
Sugar Content	Very high added sugar	Lower added sugar, relies more on natural sweetness of fruit

Making Your Festive Dessert Lighter

Enjoying a festive treat doesn't have to mean compromising your health goals. By making mindful substitutions, you can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor. Here are some tips to create a lighter version:

Modify the Pudding:
- Replace some of the traditional suet or butter with a healthier alternative like apple puree, sweet potato, or coconut oil.
- Use wholemeal breadcrumbs or ground almonds instead of white flour to increase fiber and nutritional value.
- Cut down on the added sugar, letting the natural sweetness of the dried fruit shine. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or dates.
Modify the Custard:
- Swap full-fat milk and cream for skimmed or low-fat versions, or even plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- Use a cornflour base with a natural sweetener like stevia instead of a traditional egg and sugar custard.
Control Portion Size: Opt for a smaller slice of pudding and a modest dollop of custard. Remember that a typical portion size can often be larger than necessary. Some smaller puddings are available in retail, or you can make mini puddings at home.

Mindful Eating for the Holidays

Beyond modifying recipes, adopting mindful eating habits can help you enjoy holiday treats without overindulging.

Don't starve yourself: Skipping meals to "save" calories for dessert often backfires, leading to overeating later. Eat balanced meals throughout the day.
Focus on vegetables first: Fill up on nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegetables at the main meal to reduce your appetite for dessert.
Take your time: Eat slowly and savor each bite. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to receive satiety signals, so a slower pace helps you feel full on less.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help manage hunger cues and reduce the urge to overindulge.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Festive Treat Mindfully

Christmas pudding and custard, while a delightful holiday tradition, can be high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat. A standard serving can easily exceed 500 calories, impacting daily nutritional goals. However, by understanding the calorie contributions of ingredients like suet, sugar, and cream, conscious substitutions can be made. Swapping full-fat dairy for lower-fat versions, using natural sweeteners, and controlling portion sizes are effective strategies. Ultimately, a balanced approach—combining modified recipes with mindful eating habits—allows you to enjoy this festive dessert without guilt, making for a healthier and happier holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Store-bought custard often has a lower calorie count than a traditional homemade version, as it may use lower-fat milk and ingredients. For example, a low-fat store brand can be around 100 kcal per serving, while a homemade, cream-based custard is much higher.

Yes, it does. A custard made with full-cream milk and a lot of sugar will be far more caloric than one made with skimmed milk and a natural sweetener. Plant-based milk alternatives can also offer a lower-calorie option.

To reduce fat, substitute some or all of the suet with apple puree, carrots, or ground almonds. You can also decrease the added sugar and increase the fruit and spice content for flavor.

Dried fruits are a source of natural sugar and carbohydrates, providing energy and some fiber. However, they are still calorie-dense, so moderation is key. They are a healthier alternative to refined sugar but still contribute significantly to the total calorie count.

Use a smaller plate for your dessert, and serve yourself a smaller slice of pudding. Focusing on mindful eating—slowing down and savoring the taste—can also help you feel satisfied with less.

Brandy butter is essentially a mixture of butter, sugar, and brandy, making it very high in calories and saturated fat. Custard, particularly a lower-fat version, is a much lighter option compared to brandy butter.

Consider alternatives like fruit compotes, roasted stone fruits with maple drizzle, or even a simple fresh fruit salad with a light cream or yogurt dressing. These options are often lower in calories and higher in nutrients.