In Barbados, Christmas is a time for celebration and indulgence, and no holiday feast is complete without the traditional Bajan Christmas cake. This rich and decadent dessert has been a staple in Bajan households for generations, and its signature flavors and spices are sure to delight the taste buds. If you're looking to add a taste of the Caribbean to your holiday spread, look no further than this authentic Bajan Christmas cake recipe.
Main Ingredients: Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Rum, Water, Angostura
Bajan Rum Punch is a classic Caribbean cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. This refreshing drink is made with a combination of rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and a splash of grenadine for a touch of sweetness. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any barbecue, and it pairs particularly well with beer can chicken. The tangy flavors of the rum punch complement the smoky flavors of the chicken, making it a winning combination for any backyard party.
Christmas cake is a beloved holiday tradition in many households. This rich and decadent cake is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, and it is often topped with a layer of marzipan and icing. The origins of Christmas cake can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was originally a simple bread filled with dried fruits and honey. Over time, it evolved into the festive dessert we know and love today. Whether you make your Christmas cake from scratch or buy it from the store, it’s a must-have for any holiday celebration.
3of 20
Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you’re looking for a festive twist on the traditional Christmas cake, look no further than cranberry Christmas cake. This tangy and sweet dessert is filled with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices, making it the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of tea or coffee. The bright red color of the cranberries also adds a beautiful pop of color to your holiday dessert table. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and unexpected pairing.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule log cake, also known as a Christmas log cake, is a traditional dessert that originated in the French countryside. This decadent cake is made with a chocolate sponge cake rolled with a sweet filling, then frosted and decorated to look like a log. The Yule log cake is a favorite at holiday parties and is often served alongside other festive treats like beer can chicken. It’s the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover.
5of 20
Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests with a delicious Christmas dessert, a simple Christmas cake is the way to go. This easy recipe requires just a few basic ingredients, like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and dried fruits. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete holiday feast.
6of 20
Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the keys to a great Christmas cake is making sure it’s moist and flavorful. No one wants a dry, crumbly cake on their holiday table. To ensure your cake turns out moist and delicious, try adding a bit of applesauce or sour cream to the batter. These ingredients add moisture and richness to the cake, making it the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
7of 20
Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a Christmas tree. This rich and buttery cake is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, and it is often decorated with powdered sugar to resemble snow. The Pandoro is a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert spread and pairs well with savory dishes like beer can chicken.
8of 20
Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Fruit cake, also known as plum cake or Christmas cake, is a staple at holiday gatherings. This dense and flavorful cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and it is often soaked in brandy or rum for added flavor. The resulting cake is rich and moist, making it a perfect pairing for savory dishes like beer can chicken.
9of 20
Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you’re tired of the traditional flavors of Christmas cake, consider trying a cranberry and lime version. This tangy and refreshing cake is made with fresh cranberries, lime zest, and a splash of lime juice for a burst of flavor. It’s a great alternative to traditional fruit cake and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including beer can chicken.
10of 20
Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
Pistachio and cherry may not be the first flavors that come to mind when you think of Christmas, but this unique combination makes for a delicious and festive cake. The pistachios add a subtle nuttiness to the cake, while the cherries add a touch of sweetness. The result is a flavorful and colorful cake that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a unique and tasty pairing.
11of 20
Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Whether you call it fruit cake, Christmas cake, or plum cake, this beloved holiday dessert is a must-have for any festive gathering. The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices makes for a rich and flavorful cake that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try serving it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and unexpected pairing.
12of 20
Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
For a festive twist on the traditional almond cake, try adding some cranberries to the mix. The tart cranberries add a pop of color and flavor to the cake, while the almonds provide a nice crunch. This cake is perfect for those who want a lighter and less sweet option for their Christmas dessert. Pair it with your beer can chicken for a balanced and delicious meal.
13of 20
Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
Plum cake, also known as Christmas cake, is a classic holiday dessert that is loved by many. This rich and dense cake is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, and it is often soaked in alcohol for added flavor. The result is a decadent and flavorful cake that pairs perfectly with savory dishes like beer can chicken.
14of 20
Easy Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests with a delicious Christmas cake, try this easy recipe. It requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, making it the perfect option for busy holiday hosts. The end result is a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a simple yet satisfying meal.
15of 20
Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
Sometimes, you just can’t beat the classics. A classic Christmas cake is a traditional holiday dessert that has stood the test of time. Made with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this rich and flavorful cake is a staple at holiday gatherings. It pairs perfectly with savory dishes like beer can chicken, making it a must-have for any festive meal.
Sugar cookies are a holiday favorite, and for good reason. These buttery and sweet cookies are often cut into festive shapes and decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. They’re a fun and delicious addition to any holiday dessert spread and pair well with a variety of dishes, including beer can chicken. Plus, they’re a great option for those who prefer a lighter and less rich dessert.
17of 20
Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dessert to serve alongside your beer can chicken, give these Christmas peppermint meringue swirls a try. These airy and sweet cookies are made with egg whites, sugar, and a touch of peppermint extract for a burst of flavor. They’re a great option for those looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free dessert.
18of 20
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
If you’re in the mood for something savory and festive, try this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread. This delicious and fun appetizer is made with pizza dough, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. The end result is a festive and delicious dish that is perfect for sharing. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a fun and unexpected pairing.
19of 20
Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
If you’re trying to stick to a healthier diet during the holidays, you may think that Christmas cake is off-limits. But with a few simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy a healthier version of this beloved dessert. Try using whole wheat flour, applesauce, and natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar. You can also add in some nuts and seeds for added nutrition. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a guilt-free and delicious meal.
20of 20
Bajan Pineapple BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, Olive Oil, White Onion, Minced Garlic
No beer can chicken is complete without a delicious and flavorful BBQ sauce. This Bajan pineapple BBQ sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your chicken, adding a touch of sweetness and tanginess to every bite. Made with fresh pineapple, brown sugar, and spices, it’s a tropical twist on the traditional BBQ sauce that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a winning combination.
Ingredients
1. Fruits and Nuts
To make the perfect Bajan Christmas cake, you'll need a variety of dried fruits and nuts. Raisins, currants, prunes, and cherries are all essential ingredients, along with almonds, walnuts, and pecans. These ingredients are what give the cake its rich, fruity flavor and satisfying crunch.
2. Rum
What sets the Bajan Christmas cake apart from other fruit cakes is its use of rum. This Caribbean spirit adds a unique depth of flavor and gives the cake its signature moist texture. Don't skimp on the rum, as it's a crucial ingredient in this recipe.
3. Spices
No Bajan Christmas cake is complete without a blend of warm and fragrant spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and clove are all commonly used in this recipe, giving the cake a delightful aroma and complex flavor profile.
4. Flour and Butter
To bind all the ingredients together, you'll need flour and butter. These two ingredients provide the cake with its structure and help balance out the sweetness of the fruits.
Instructions
1. Soak the Fruits and Nuts
The key to a moist and flavorful Bajan Christmas cake is to soak the fruits and nuts in rum for at least 24 hours before baking. This allows the fruits to absorb the rum and gives them a plump and juicy texture.
2. Prepare the Batter
Once the fruits and nuts have soaked, it's time to prepare the batter. Cream together butter and sugar, then add in eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and spices. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with rum until well combined.
3. Bake and Decorate
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and pour in the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once cooled, you can decorate your Bajan Christmas cake with additional fruits and nuts, or leave it as is for a more traditional look.
In Conclusion
The Bajan Christmas cake is a beloved holiday tradition that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of fruits, nuts, rum, and spices make it a truly special and decadent dessert that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not add a taste of the Caribbean to your holiday spread this year with this delicious and authentic Bajan Christmas cake recipe?