Traditional Scottish Clootie Dumpling Recipe – A Hearty Winter Delight

Thank you so much for stopping by today—I can’t wait to share this cozy recipe with you! The Traditional Scottish Clootie Dumpling is a spiced fruit pudding boiled in a cloth (the “cloot”), carrying with it the rich history of Scottish kitchens. It’s hearty, it’s nostalgic, and oh, it’s wonderfully fragrant with warm spices and golden syrup.

If you grew up with comforting family puddings, this one will feel like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re preparing it for Hogmanay, Christmas, or just a chilly weekend, it’s the kind of recipe that makes the whole house smell like love.

Before we dive in, don’t forget—you can subscribe to my email list so you never miss a recipe that warms both belly and soul!

Overview of Recipe Content

What is Clootie Dumpling?

Clootie Dumpling is a traditional Scottish pudding steamed or boiled in a floured cloth. Its texture is dense yet tender, enriched with dried fruits, suet, and the familiar kick of spice.

Why You’ll Love It

• Comforting & nostalgic – like a family memory on a plate.
• Perfect for gatherings – feeds a crowd and keeps beautifully.
• Flexible recipe – easily adapted with different dried fruits or sweeteners.

What It Tastes Like

Imagine spiced fruit cake meets bread pudding—with a caramelized golden skin that forms when steamed in the cloth. Moist, fruity, and full of warm, sweet spice!

Nutritional Benefits

While it’s a treat, it does bring in natural sweetness from fruits and apple. Suet adds richness, but you can also swap for vegetarian suet.

Ingredients

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• 🧈 200g suet
• 🍚 225g self-raising flour
• 🍚 100g caster sugar
• 🍯 3 tbsp golden syrup
• 🍊 200g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 🍏 1 medium apple, grated
• 🥚 1 egg, beaten
• 🧂 1 tsp ground mixed spice
• 🧂 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 🧂 ½ tsp baking soda
• 🍶 100ml milk
• 🍃 Pinch of salt
• 🍋 1 tsp lemon zest

Tools Needed

• A large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Pudding cloth (clean cotton or muslin)
• String for tying
• Large pot for boiling
• Steamer plate or heatproof dish for inside the pot

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap suet with butter or vegetarian suet.
• Replace golden syrup with honey or maple syrup.
• Add chopped nuts for texture.
• Try orange zest instead of lemon for a citrus twist.

How to Make Traditional Scottish Clootie Dumpling

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1. Prepare the cloth – Flour a clean pudding cloth generously to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, spices, suet, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add fruits & apple – Stir in dried fruit and grated apple until well coated.
4. Mix wet ingredients – Whisk egg, milk, syrup, and lemon zest together, then pour into the dry mix.
5. Combine – Stir gently until it forms a sticky dough.
6. Wrap the dumpling – Place mixture in the floured cloth, tie securely with string, leaving room for expansion.
7. Boil – Submerge in a large pot of simmering water (place an upturned plate or steamer plate at the bottom). Cover and boil gently for 3–4 hours.
8. Dry the skin – Remove and place in a warm oven for 10 minutes to dry and darken the outer crust.
9. Serve – Slice and enjoy warm with custard, cream, or whisky sauce!

What to Serve with Clootie Dumpling

• Custard – creamy and classic.
• Whisky cream – a Scottish twist.
• Vanilla ice cream – hot/cold contrast.
• A cup of strong tea or a festive glass of mulled wine.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Flour the cloth generously—it’s the secret to that iconic skin.
• Keep the water simmering, not boiling furiously, to prevent the dumpling from bursting.
• Tie the cloth securely but leave a little room for expansion.
• Make it ahead—it tastes even better the next day!

Storage Instructions

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate leftovers and reheat by steaming or microwaving slices with a splash of water.
• Freeze for up to 3 months—wrap tightly in foil and freezer bags.

General Information

This pudding is often served at Hogmanay or Christmas in Scotland. Families once hid coins or charms inside for good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Clootie Dumpling without a cloth?
Yes, use a pudding basin, but you’ll miss the traditional skin.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap suet for vegetarian suet or butter.

3. How do I know when it’s cooked?
It should feel firm to the touch when lifted from the cloth.

4. Can I reheat it?
Yes! Steam or microwave slices with a splash of water.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a hearty, Traditional Scottish Clootie Dumpling that’s rich with history, flavor, and family tradition. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy these cozy desserts:

• Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Homemade Apple Crumble
• Warm Bread Pudding
• Traditional Christmas Pudding
• Scottish Shortbread

Until next time—may your kitchens be warm, your puddings sweet, and your family gatherings filled with joy!

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Interactive Elements

💬 I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review or comment below—what’s your favorite way to serve Clootie Dumpling?
📸 Share your creation on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes or tag me on Instagram!

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar	Fiber
380	62g	6g	12g	34g	4g

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