Heston Blumenthal's 'handbag' Christmas pud set for Waitrose

At first glance it looks more like an expensive quilted handbag than a dessert but this latest creation from Heston Blumenthal is being touted as an “alternative” Christmas pudding.

The striking red gateau going into Waitrose stores this week is made from layers of lychee mousse, strawberry and lemon confit, rose water mousse, white chocolate and nut feuilletine, almond sponge, alpine strawberries, Charlotte sponge and lychee liqueur. It is “flocked” using a fine mist spray gun to create the red chocolate coating.

Blumenthal said: “This is a real showpiece dessert, with lots of lovely flavour and texture contrasts hidden beneath its beautiful red flocked chocolate coating.”

He said it could be an alternative to a plum pudding on Christmas Day or a centrepiece at other meals over the festive season.

The Fat Duck chef has created a succession of Christmas puddings for Waitrose including the “hidden orange” version in 2010 which sold out in days.

The Heston from Waitrose Strawberry and Lychee Frozen Gateau will cost £12.99.