National Plum Pudding Day – Feb. 12, 2027

National Plum Pudding Day
Categories:
Tags:
DessertFood
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every February 12
Holiday emoji:
🍮

National Plum Pudding Day celebrates the surprisingly plum-free dessert every February 12. This traditional steamed concoction, packed with dried fruit and spices, offers a taste of history. Discover its origins, try a classic recipe, or find a local bakery offering this unique sweet treat.

Want to sponsor National Plum Pudding Day? Learn how

Expected National Plum Pudding Day Deals

As National Plum Pudding Day approaches, look for specialty bakeries and gourmet food stores to highlight their traditional plum puddings. While major chains rarely offer specific deals, expect promotions on baking ingredients from retailers like King Arthur Baking Company and Bob’s Red Mill. High-end grocers such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s may feature imported or artisanal puddings. Keep an eye out for discounts on dried fruits, spices, and baking supplies at stores like Walmart and Target, perfect for those making their own. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 12 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Plum Pudding Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PlumPuddingDay. Share photos of your homemade plum pudding, festive serving ideas, or a trip to a bakery offering this classic dessert.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #PlumPuddingDay. Film a quick tutorial on making plum pudding, a taste test of different varieties, or a ‘day in the life’ of a baker preparing this treat.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PlumPuddingDay. Share your family’s favorite plum pudding recipe, ask for recommendations, or post about local events celebrating the day.

Social Media Tips for National Plum Pudding Day

Individuals

Challenge yourself to bake a traditional plum pudding from scratch, or seek out a local bakery that sells them. Share your experience and photos with friends and family.

Creators

Create content debunking the 'no plums in plum pudding' myth, or a video showcasing the steaming process. Offer unique serving suggestions or modern twists on the classic recipe.

Brands

Bakeries can offer special plum pudding flavors or sizes. Ingredient brands can share recipes and host baking contests. Restaurants can feature plum pudding as a limited-time dessert.

Top Brands for National Plum Pudding Day

  1. Walkers Shortbread

    Founded in 1898 in the Scottish Highlands, Walkers Shortbread is renowned for its traditional Scottish baked goods. While famous for shortbread, they also produce a range of authentic British desserts, including high-quality Christmas puddings, which are closely related to plum pudding.

  2. Fortnum & Mason

    Established in 1707 in London, Fortnum & Mason is an iconic British department store known for its luxury food hampers and gourmet provisions. They are particularly famous for their exquisite Christmas puddings, which are a quintessential part of British festive traditions.

  3. King Arthur Baking Company

    Founded in 1790 as America's first flour company, King Arthur Baking Company is a trusted source for baking ingredients, tools, and recipes. They provide high-quality flours and expert advice, making them a go-to for home bakers tackling traditional recipes like plum pudding.

  4. Betty Crocker

    Introduced in 1921, Betty Crocker is a beloved American brand synonymous with home baking. Known for its mixes and cookbooks, Betty Crocker offers accessible recipes and products that empower home cooks to create a wide variety of desserts, including traditional steamed puddings.

  5. Trader Joe's

    Founded in 1967 in Pasadena, California, Trader Joe's is a popular grocery chain known for its unique, often globally-inspired, and seasonal food products. During the holiday season, they frequently stock imported or specialty desserts, including various types of puddings and fruitcakes.

  6. Stonewall Kitchen

    Established in 1991 in Maine, Stonewall Kitchen is a specialty food producer offering a wide array of gourmet jams, sauces, and baking mixes. They often feature seasonal and traditional dessert items, which could include ingredients or ready-made options for plum pudding enthusiasts.

  7. Cost Plus World Market

    Founded in 1958 in San Francisco, Cost Plus World Market is a retail chain offering imported furniture, home decor, and specialty foods from around the globe. Their food section is a treasure trove for international treats, often featuring British holiday puddings and related items.

National Plum Pudding Day Hero

Hannah Glasse

Hannah Glasse (1708–1770) was an English culinary writer whose cookbook, 'The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy,' published in 1747, became one of the most popular cookbooks of the 18th century. Her work provided practical recipes for a wide audience, including instructions for various puddings, helping to popularize dishes like plum pudding in British households.

National Plum Pudding Day timeline

1600s
Raisin or Fruit?

‘Plum’ is traditionally used to refer to raisins or other types of dried fruit.

1714
Earliest Recipes

One of the earliest recipes for plum pudding is published in a book by Mary Kettilby.

1830s
Variations and Associations

Plum pudding becomes sweeter over time and increasingly becomes associated with Christmas.

1858
Christmas Pudding, Anyone?

The term ‘Christmas pudding’ is first used in a novel by Anthony Trollope.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Plum Pudding Day

Local bakeries and restaurants can celebrate National Plum Pudding Day by offering special batches of traditional plum pudding, perhaps with a modern twist or individual servings. Specialty grocery stores can create displays featuring ingredients for homemade puddings, alongside imported ready-made options. Consider hosting a tasting event or a ‘bake-off’ to engage the community and highlight this historic dessert. Coffee shops could pair mini plum puddings with festive beverages.

National Plum Pudding Day FAQs

When is National Plum Pudding Day?

In 2027, National Plum Pudding Day is observed on Friday, February 12. This end-of-week timing offers a great opportunity to indulge in the rich, fruity pudding.

Why is it called plum pudding if it contains no plums?

Despite its name, traditional plum pudding does not contain actual plums. The term ‘plum’ was historically used to describe any dried fruit, particularly raisins, which are a primary ingredient in this dense, steamed dessert. It’s a culinary relic from centuries past.

What are the main ingredients in a traditional plum pudding?

Traditional plum pudding features a robust combination of ingredients, most notably a generous amount of mixed dried fruit, suet for richness, and a blend of aromatic spices. Other common components include flour, eggs, and sometimes a splash of alcohol to enhance the flavor and aid preservation.

Is plum pudding the same as Christmas pudding?

Plum pudding and Christmas pudding are very similar, with Christmas pudding being a specific, more elaborate type of plum pudding. Christmas pudding is usually prepared weeks or months in advance to mature, often contains more alcohol, and is a central part of British Christmas dinner, whereas plum pudding can be enjoyed year-round.

National Plum Pudding Day Activities

  1. Um, make some plum pudding

    Making your own bread pudding can be a lot of fun. Invite your friends over to participate in stirring the boiling pudding and making a wish of their own. Then wait and enjoy with your favorite adult beverage. Mulled wine anyone

  2. Host a pudding-off

    Whether you choose to do it at work, or at home with your friends and family, requiring everyone to get involved to make their family's plum pudding recipe is a lot of fun! If plum pudding is a new venture for certain people, have them put their own spin on the traditional favorite. The person with the best plum pudding (voted by the group) wins bragging rights till next year's challenge.

  3. Have plum pudding for breakfast

    A simple and quick way to enjoy plum pudding is by consuming it first thing in the morning. Whether it's homemade or store bought, enjoy a slice of this delicious dessert with your morning coffee, tea, milk, or water. Seconds throughout the day may be necessary, but not required.

Why We Love National Plum Pudding Day

  1. We get an excuse to taste a holiday favorite

    There are certain food items that we normally only consume during a specific time of year. Many people wait months to order a "PSL" (Pumpkin Spice Latte), but National Plum Pudding Day allows us to indulge in a dessert that is traditionally consumed during December. No shame in this (plum) pudding game!

  2. It's an opportunity to make a wish

    We all love unique opportunities to increase our luck and chance to acquire the the unattainable with the use of a wish. Many search for four-leaf clovers on St. Patrick's Day, but you don't have to wait that long. A British tradition while making plum pudding is to have the family stir the pot and make a wish while doing so. What are you waiting for?

  3. It must be good for you (we think)

    Plum pudding contains a hefty amount of nuts and berries, making it a delicious and nutritious dessert. Whether you are consuming the whole thing, or just having a taste, you don't have to feel super guilty for breaking your diet well into the new year.

National Plum Pudding Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 February 12 Friday
2028 February 12 Saturday
2029 February 12 Monday
2030 February 12 Tuesday
2031 February 12 Wednesday