The ‘Cheats’ Ice Cream Christmas Pudding is the answer to all your festive dessert needs—without the hours of prep time and the need to wait for it to set! This shortcut version brings the classic Christmas pudding into the modern age, combining the rich flavors of a traditional pud with the creamy indulgence of ice cream.

Layers of smooth, creamy ice cream blend seamlessly with dried fruit, nuts, and festive spices, creating a decadent dessert that’s ready to serve straight from the freezer. To make it even better, drizzle with some Caramel Sauce for an extra touch of sweetness, or pair it with Cranberry Sauce for a tart, refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully.

What makes this recipe so special is how it marries the comforting, spiced flavors of Christmas pudding with the cool, creamy texture of ice cream, making it a perfect no-bake dessert for the holidays. It’s effortless to prepare, can be made ahead, and is guaranteed to impress your guests without any fuss. Plus, it’s versatile! You can even customize it with your favorite mix-ins to make it your own.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too):

The completed ice cream pudding rests on the white marble cooktop, ready to be frozen until serving. The glossy chocolate layers and vibrant cherry garnish make for a visually stunning dessert.

Ice Cream & Spice: The combination of rich ice cream with festive dried fruits and spices makes for a dreamy, indulgent treat.
No-Fuss Festive Fun: All the flavor of a traditional Christmas pudding with none of the hassle—perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Make-Ahead Magic: It’s the perfect dessert to prepare ahead of time, saving you stress on the big day.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins and flavors to make this your own holiday masterpiece.

Treat yourself to a dessert that’s both quick and impressive. The ‘Cheats’ Ice Cream Christmas Pudding is the perfect dessert for anyone looking for festive indulgence with minimal effort. Enjoy every bite!

Cheats Ice Cream Christmas Pudding

This indulgent frozen dessert features creamy vanilla ice cream mixed with crumbled fruit cake, topped with rich chocolate layers and a cherry, making it a perfect, make-ahead treat for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15

Cooling Time 7

Total Time 7 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine British

Servings 10

Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Spoon
2-litre pudding bowl or dome-shaped mould
Glad wrap
Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan for melting chocolate
Serving plate

Ingredients

1.5 litres good quality vanilla ice cream slightly softened
250 g dark fruit cake roughly crumbled
150 g dark or milk chocolate I like to use an even mix of both
50 g white chocolate
1 x fresh cherry

Instructions

Slightly soften the vanilla ice cream in a large bowl.
Add the crumbled fruit cake to the softened ice cream and mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a 2-litre pudding bowl or dome-shaped mould and cover with glad wrap. Freeze overnight.
Once set, dip the bowl into warm water, turn the pudding out onto a serving plate, and return to the freezer.
Melt the dark or milk chocolate, let it cool slightly, then pour it over the pudding. Freeze again.
Melt the white chocolate, pour it gently over the top, and place a fresh cherry on top.
Freeze until ready to serve.