20+ Authentic English Christmas Cake Recipe Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: Apr 9, 2024
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, filled with joy, love, and delicious treats. One of the most beloved and traditional desserts during this festive season is the English Christmas cake. This rich and flavorful cake is a staple in every British household and is a must-have for any Christmas celebration. In this article, we will share with you an authentic English Christmas cake recipe that will surely impress your friends and family. So let's get baking and bring the taste of England into your home this holiday season.
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic Christmas cake? This traditional dessert is a staple in many households, and there are countless variations to suit everyone's taste buds. From the rich and decadent to the healthier options, there is a Christmas cake recipe for everyone to enjoy.
The classic British Christmas cake is a fruitcake that is rich in flavor and packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. It is usually made a few weeks before Christmas, allowing time for it to mature and develop its delicious flavors. The cake is then covered in marzipan and royal icing, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any Christmas table.
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Old Fashioned British Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Currants, Sultanas, Raisins, Mixed Peel, Glace
If you prefer a more traditional and simple Christmas cake, the old-fashioned recipe is the way to go. This cake is made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, and is filled with dried fruits and spices. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that will remind you of Christmases past.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
For a festive twist on the traditional Christmas cake, try adding cranberries to the mix. This tart and sweet fruit adds a pop of color and flavor to the cake, making it perfect for the holiday season. You can use fresh or dried cranberries, depending on your preference.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule log, also known as the Christmas log, is a popular dessert in many parts of the world. It is a chocolate sponge cake filled with cream or buttercream and rolled into a log shape. The cake is then covered in chocolate frosting and decorated with festive designs, making it a beautiful and delicious addition to any Christmas celebration.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a Christmas cake, a simple recipe is the way to go. This cake is made with a basic sponge cake recipe and can be decorated with your choice of toppings, such as fruit, nuts, or frosting. It's quick and easy to make, but still full of festive flavor.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
The key to a delicious Christmas cake is ensuring that it's moist and flavorful. This can be achieved by using a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, and figs, and soaking them in alcohol before adding them to the cake batter. This process allows the fruits to plump up and infuse the cake with their delicious flavors.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you want to try something different this Christmas, why not make a Pandoro Christmas tree cake? This Italian dessert is made with a tall, star-shaped cake that is dusted with powdered sugar to resemble a snowy Christmas tree. It's a fun and creative way to add some festive cheer to your dessert table.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
In some parts of the world, the Christmas cake is known as Christmas pudding. This rich and dense dessert is made with dried fruits, suet, and breadcrumbs, and is often steamed or boiled. It's usually served with a warm brandy sauce, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy on a cold Christmas evening.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
In many countries, fruitcake is a popular dessert for Christmas. It's made with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is often soaked in alcohol to enhance its flavors. This cake is also known as plum cake or Christmas cake, and it's a staple in many households during the holiday season.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
For a refreshing and tangy twist on the traditional Christmas cake, try adding lime and cranberries to the mix. The citrusy flavors of the lime complement the tartness of the cranberries, making this cake a perfect balance of sweet and sour. It's a great option for those who prefer a lighter and fresher dessert.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
If you're a fan of pistachios, this cake is a must-try. The combination of pistachios and cherries creates a delicious and unique flavor profile that is perfect for the holiday season. The vibrant colors of the pistachios and cherries also make this cake a beautiful addition to any Christmas table.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Whatever you may call it, fruitcake is a classic Christmas dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its rich and flavorful taste makes it a favorite among many, and its versatility allows for different variations to suit everyone's preferences. Whether you prefer a traditional British fruitcake or a more modern twist, there's no denying that this dessert is a staple during the holiday season.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
For a nutty and fruity Christmas cake, try adding almonds and cranberries to the mix. The almonds add a delicious crunch to the cake, while the cranberries add a burst of tartness. This combination creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
In some parts of the world, plum cake is a popular dessert for Christmas. This cake is made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is often soaked in alcohol to enhance its flavors. It's a variation of the classic fruitcake, but with a richer and denser texture.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For those who prefer to stick to tradition, a classic Christmas cake is the way to go. This recipe is a tried and true favorite, made with all the classic ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, spices, and a generous dose of brandy. It's a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for the holiday season.
Sugar cookies are a must-have during the Christmas season. They are fun and easy to make, and can be decorated with festive designs and colors. Whether you enjoy them plain or with icing, these cookies are a beloved treat that is sure to put a smile on everyone's face.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
Meringue cookies are a light and airy treat that is perfect for the holiday season. These peppermint meringue swirls not only look festive with their red and white stripes, but they also have a delicious peppermint flavor that will remind you of candy canes. They are a great addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
If you're looking for a savory option for your Christmas menu, this pull-apart pizza bread is a great choice. It's made with pizza dough, cheese, and your choice of toppings, and is shaped into a Christmas tree for added festive fun. It's a great appetizer or side dish that is sure to be a hit with everyone.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
For those who want to enjoy a guilt-free Christmas dessert, there are plenty of healthy options to choose from. These cakes are made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, honey, and dried fruits, making them a healthier alternative to the traditional Christmas cake. They are still full of flavor and perfect for those who want to indulge without the guilt.
Ingredients
For the cake:
1 cup raisins
1 cup sultanas
1 cup currants
1/2 cup candied peel
3/4 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
3eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
For the marzipan:
3/4 cup ground almonds
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1egg white
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For the icing:
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 300°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the raisins, sultanas, currants, candied peel, and chopped almonds.
Pour the brandy over the fruit mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and honey until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until well combined.
Stir in the soaked fruit mixture until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Bake for 2 1/2 - 3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the marzipan, mix together the ground almonds, confectioner's sugar, egg white, and almond extract until a smooth dough forms.
Roll out the marzipan on a surface dusted with confectioner's sugar to fit the top of the cake.
Carefully place the marzipan on top of the cooled cake and smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles.
For the icing, mix together the confectioner's sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until a smooth glaze forms.
Drizzle the icing over the top of the marzipan and let it set before serving.
And there you have it, a delicious and authentic English Christmas cake that will be the star of your holiday table. The combination of rich fruit, warm spices, and sweet marzipan and icing truly captures the essence of a traditional English Christmas. So why not give this recipe a try and add a touch of British charm to your holiday festivities?
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