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“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is more than just a festive tune—it’s actually a tribute to figgy pudding, cleverly wrapped in the form of a simple Christmas carol. In fact, three out of the four verses in some versions are all about the dish. After hearing enough holiday music, you might start to wonder: What exactly is figgy pudding, and is it really so delicious that people would sing for it at your doorstep?
As reported by NPR, figgy pudding, also known as “plum pudding,” isn’t actually pudding in the way many Americans imagine it—and it doesn’t contain figs or plums. In the UK, the word pudding is a general term for any dessert served after a meal. Figgy pudding isn’t creamy or custardy, but rather a sugary cake, which qualifies it as pudding in British terms.
At its core, figgy pudding is a steamed cake—usually with a domed shape—made with alcohol and dried fruit. The earliest version of this dessert dates back to 14th century Britain. Initially, it was a savory, stew-like dish that included beef, mutton, fruit, and wine. By the 15th century, this concoction was packed into animal casings to create sausages designed to last through the winter months.
By the late 16th century, figgy pudding had become a fully sweet treat—just around the time when carolers began singing, “Now bring us some figgy pudding,” to their affluent neighbors during the Christmas season. Today, this beloved dessert is often made with currants, raisins, and soaked in rum or brandy.
So, how did the first part of its name come about? In pre-Victorian England, the word plum referred to any dried fruit, including raisins, which led to the popularization of plum pudding. While figs did appear in some recipes, they are not considered a staple ingredient in the traditional dish.
If you're planning to prepare a nostalgic feast this Christmas, don't stop at figgy pudding. There are plenty of other classic British dishes that are tied to the holiday, from oyster stew to mincemeat pie.
