20+ British Christmas Cake Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Apr 3, 2024
When it comes to Christmas in Britain, one dessert reigns supreme - the traditional Christmas cake. This rich, dense and indulgent treat is a staple in British households during the festive season. Its origins date back to the middle ages, where it was known as "plum porridge" and made with oats, raisins, and spices. Over time, the recipe evolved into what we know today as the iconic British Christmas cake. In this article, we will dive into the history of this beloved dessert and provide you with a delicious British Christmas cake recipe to try this holiday season.
Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas cake? Whether you prefer a traditional British Christmas cake or a unique twist on the classic recipe, there are plenty of options to choose from. We've rounded up the top 20 beer can chicken recipes for you to try this holiday season.
The traditional British Christmas cake is a rich fruit cake that is usually made several weeks in advance to allow time for the flavors to develop. It is typically made with a mix of dried fruits, spices, and brandy, and topped with a layer of marzipan and icing. This cake is a staple at every British Christmas celebration, and for good reason – it's absolutely delicious.
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Old Fashioned British Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Currants, Sultanas, Raisins, Mixed Peel, Glace
If you're looking for a more old-fashioned version of the British Christmas cake, look no further. This recipe calls for ingredients like cherries, almonds, and mixed peel, giving it a traditional and rustic feel. This cake is perfect for those who prefer a less sweet and more fruity flavor.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
For a festive twist on the classic Christmas cake, try this cranberry version. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, and the vibrant red color adds a pop of holiday cheer. Plus, cranberries are packed with antioxidants, making this cake a healthier option.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Christmas log cake, this dessert is a popular holiday treat in many European countries. It is made with a light sponge cake rolled with cream and covered in chocolate icing to resemble a log. This recipe takes it to the next level with a delicious chocolate ganache filling and a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts on top.
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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 delicious Christmas cake, this simple recipe is for you. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests. This recipe also calls for a generous amount of rum, giving it a festive kick.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges with fruit cakes is keeping them moist. But fear not, this recipe promises a deliciously moist and flavorful Christmas cake every time. The secret is to soak the dried fruits in brandy for at least 24 hours before baking, allowing the cake to absorb all the delicious flavors.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests, this Pandoro Christmas tree cake is the one for you. This Italian Christmas cake is made with a sweet and buttery bread, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble a snowy tree. It's the perfect combination of delicious and festive.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
Another classic British Christmas dessert is the Christmas pudding. This dense and moist pudding is packed with dried fruits, spices, and suet, and is typically served with a rich brandy sauce. The pudding is often prepared months in advance and steamed on Christmas day for a delicious and traditional dessert.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Whatever you call it, this delicious cake is a must-have at any Christmas celebration. This recipe uses a mix of dried fruits, including raisins, currants, and dates, giving it a rich and decadent flavor. It's also packed with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, making it the perfect holiday treat.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're a fan of tangy and zesty flavors, this cranberry and lime Christmas cake is for you. The combination of tart cranberries and tangy lime creates a delicious balance of flavors. Plus, the lime glaze adds a beautiful pop of color to the cake.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This unique twist on the classic Christmas cake adds a touch of nuttiness and crunch with the addition of pistachios. The bright red cherries also add a festive touch, making this cake a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Don't forget to top it off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Whatever you choose to call it, this fruit cake is a staple at any Christmas celebration. This recipe calls for a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. It's also soaked in brandy for an extra kick, making it a true holiday indulgence.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
For a lighter and healthier option, try this cranberry almond Christmas cake. This recipe uses almond flour instead of regular flour, making it gluten-free. The tartness of the cranberries is balanced out by the sweetness of the almond flour, creating a delicious and guilt-free dessert.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
Plum cake, also known as Christmas cake, is a popular holiday treat in many countries. This recipe uses a mix of plums and dried fruits for a burst of flavor and texture. The addition of orange zest and juice also adds a beautiful citrusy twist to the cake.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For a classic and foolproof Christmas cake recipe, look no further. This recipe uses a mix of dried fruits, spices, and brandy, creating a rich and flavorful cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The marzipan and icing on top add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to the cake.
No Christmas celebration is complete without some festive sugar cookies. This recipe uses a classic sugar cookie dough and adds a touch of holiday cheer with festive cookie cutters and colorful icing. These cookies are perfect for decorating with family and friends and make a delicious snack or dessert.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
For a fun and festive dessert, try these Christmas peppermint meringue swirls. The combination of fluffy meringue and crunchy candy canes creates a delicious and addictive treat. Plus, they make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert table.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
For a savory option, try this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread. This delicious and creative dish is made with pizza dough and topped with your favorite pizza toppings. The best part? It's shaped like a Christmas tree, making it a fun and festive addition to any holiday party.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional Christmas cake, look no further. This recipe uses whole wheat flour, honey, and applesauce to create a delicious and guilt-free cake that still packs a punch of flavor. You can also add your favorite dried fruits and nuts for extra texture and flavor.
A Time-Honored Tradition
The tradition of making a Christmas cake in Britain has been around for centuries. In the Victorian era, it became a symbol of wealth and prosperity, as the ingredients were expensive and hard to come by. The cake was also a way to preserve fruits and nuts, which were abundant during the summer months, to be enjoyed during the winter holidays. Today, the Christmas cake is still a symbol of tradition and is often passed down through generations, with families having their own unique recipes.
The Ingredients
The key to a perfect British Christmas cake lies in the ingredients. The traditional recipe calls for dried fruits such as currants, raisins, and sultanas, along with candied peel, almonds, and a generous amount of brandy. These ingredients are soaked for weeks or even months, allowing the flavors to develop and infuse into the cake. The cake itself is usually made with a combination of flour, butter, and eggs, resulting in a dense and moist texture.
The Festive Decorations
No British Christmas cake is complete without the iconic decorations. The top of the cake is usually covered in marzipan, a sweet almond paste, and then topped with a layer of royal icing. The icing is then decorated with festive designs such as holly leaves, berries, and snowflakes. Some people also add a small Christmas figurine, such as a Santa or a reindeer, to add a touch of whimsy to the cake.
A Time-Consuming yet Rewarding Process
Making a British Christmas cake is not a quick and easy task. It requires patience, as the cake needs to be soaked and baked in advance, and decorated a few days before Christmas. However, the end result is well worth the effort. The rich and flavorful cake, with its boozy aroma, is a true delight for the senses and a perfect centerpiece for any Christmas feast.
In conclusion, the British Christmas cake is a time-honored tradition that has stood the test of time. Its rich history and delicious flavors make it a must-have for any festive celebration. So why not give our British Christmas cake recipe a try this holiday season and add a touch of British tradition to your Christmas table. Happy baking!
