Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas cake? This classic dessert is a staple in many holiday celebrations and is loved by people of all ages. Whether you prefer a traditional fruitcake or a modern twist on the classic, there is a perfect Christmas cake recipe for everyone. In this article, we will explore 9 different Christmas cake recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season.
1. Traditional Fruitcake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried fruit mix (raisins, currants, cherries, etc.)
- 1 cup candied fruit mix (orange peel, lemon peel, etc.)
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
Soak the dried and candied fruit in brandy or rum for at least an hour. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl, then add in the eggs one at a time. Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt together and gradually add it to the butter mixture. Finally, fold in the soaked fruit mixture. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool before serving.
2. Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until well combined. Pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before frosting with your favorite chocolate frosting and topping with crushed candy canes.
3. Eggnog Pound Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup eggnog
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp rum extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the eggnog and rum extract. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together and gradually add it to the wet mixture. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
4. Gingerbread Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the molasses. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt together and gradually add it to the wet mixture. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
5. Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the buttermilk, food coloring, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together and gradually add it to the wet mixture. Stir in the apple cider vinegar until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting and serving.
6. Cranberry Orange Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the orange juice and zest. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together and gradually add it to the wet mixture. Fold in the fresh cranberries. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before serving with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze.
7. Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 blocks cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed peppermint bark
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Fold in the crushed peppermint bark. Pour the mixture onto the prepared crust and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. Let it cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours. Serve with whipped cream and extra crushed peppermint bark on top.
8. White Chocolate Cranberry Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together and gradually add it to the wet mixture. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before serving with a drizzle of white chocolate glaze.
9. Eggnog Bundt Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup eggnog
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp rum extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the eggnog and rum extract. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together and gradually add it to the wet mixture. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
These are just a few of the many delicious Christmas cake recipes you can try this holiday season. Whichever one you choose, your family and friends are sure to be impressed by your baking skills and the festive flavors of these cakes. Happy baking and happy holidays!