Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound dried sour cherries
  • 1/2 pound dried peaches, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dark beer
  • 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons bourbon
  • 14 tablespoons (7 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 1/2 cups fine brioche bread crumbs (4 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
  • Mint sprigs (optional) and lightly sweetened whipped cream, for serving

Method

  • In a medium bowl, combine the cherries, peaches, beer, and 1/3 cup of the bourbon.
  • Cover and let macerate overnight.
  • Butter a 1 1/2-quart steamed pudding mold or souffle dish.
  • Using a standing mixer fitted with a paddle or a hand-held electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar on moderate speed until light and creamy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • On low speed, add the grated orange and lemon zest.
  • Sift in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg and blend just until smooth.
  • Add the brioche crumbs and macerated dried fruit and its liquid and mix just until combined.
  • Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a large enameled cast-iron casserole.
  • Scrape the batter into the prepared mold.
  • Cover with foil and tie with string to hold the foil in place.
  • Set the pudding in the casserole, cover with a lid and steam over moderate heat until the pudding is set and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 1/4 hours.
  • Transfer to a rack and let cool for 1/2 hour.
  • Run a knife around the sides of the mold to loosen the pudding, then invert the pudding onto a large serving plate.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners' sugar with the remaining 2 teaspoons bourbon until smooth.
  • Spoon the icing into a small sturdy plastic bag and cut off a very small corner of the bag.
  • Drizzle the icing in a crisscross pattern over the top of the pudding.
  • Garnish the pudding with mint sprigs and serve warm with whipped cream.