16+ Chinese Christmas Cake Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Apr 8, 2024
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. In many cultures, traditional dishes are a key part of the holiday celebrations and in China, one of the most popular treats is Christmas cake. This delectable dessert is a fusion of Chinese and Western flavors, making it a unique and flavorful addition to any holiday menu. In this article, we will explore the history of Chinese Christmas cake and share a delicious recipe for you to try at home. Get ready to add a new tradition to your holiday festivities with this mouthwatering treat.
Christmas is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy delicious food. One dish that is sure to impress your guests is a flavorful Christmas cake. Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or a modern twist on this holiday classic, there are endless options to choose from. Here are 20 mouth-watering Christmas cake recipes that will make your holiday season even more special.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
This festive cake is bursting with the flavors of Christmas. The tangy cranberries add a burst of color and flavor to the moist cake, while the creamy cream cheese frosting brings it all together. This cake is the perfect combination of tart and sweet, making it a hit with both adults and kids. Serve it at your next holiday party and watch it disappear in no time.
For those who prefer a savory dish over a sweet one, this Chinese orange chicken is a must-try. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a tangy, sticky orange sauce that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Serve it over a bed of rice and garnish with green onions for a colorful and flavorful dish that will impress your guests.
This Chinese beef and broccoli dish is a classic takeout favorite that you can easily recreate at home. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with fresh broccoli and a flavorful sauce, making it a healthy and delicious option for your holiday dinner. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that will leave your guests wanting more.
If you're looking for a simple yet delicious side dish for your Christmas dinner, look no further than Chinese fried rice. This dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and protein. It's quick and easy to make, making it the perfect addition to your holiday menu.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
For a unique twist on your traditional Christmas dinner, try these Chinese chicken thighs. Marinated in a flavorful sauce and baked to perfection, these juicy chicken thighs are sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve them with a side of rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Garlic, Ginger, Honey, Soy Sauce
Seafood lovers will rejoice over this honey garlic shrimp skillet dish. Succulent shrimp is cooked in a sweet and savory sauce and served over a bed of rice. The best part about this dish is that it can be made in just one skillet, making clean up a breeze.
Another take on the classic Chinese dish, this chicken and broccoli recipe is a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful sauce and stir-fried with fresh broccoli, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to your holiday menu.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Christmas is not complete without a yule log cake, also known as a Christmas log cake. This delicious dessert is made to look like an actual log and is a festive addition to any holiday celebration. With endless flavor combinations and decorations, you can get creative and make a unique yule log cake that will impress your guests.
Warm up on a chilly Christmas evening with a bowl of Chinese egg drop soup. This simple yet satisfying soup is made with chicken broth, eggs, and a few other basic ingredients. It's a great appetizer to serve before your main course and will leave your guests feeling cozy and content.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, then you'll love this classic pork fried rice recipe. Tender pieces of pork are stir-fried with rice, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, making it a hearty and delicious dish. It's perfect for using up any leftover meat and vegetables from your holiday dinner.
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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 impress your guests with a delicious dessert, this simple Christmas cake is the way to go. Made with basic ingredients and decorated with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, this cake is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle flavor. It's a great option for those who may not enjoy the traditional fruit cake.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
Not a fan of pork? No problem! This egg fried rice recipe is a vegetarian option that is just as delicious. Scrambled eggs are mixed in with rice and vegetables for a flavorful and filling dish. Add some soy sauce or other seasonings for an extra kick of flavor.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
For those who love a moist and flavorful cake, this Christmas cake recipe is a must-try. Packed with dried fruits and nuts, this cake is full of texture and flavor. The secret to keeping it moist is soaking the fruits in brandy or rum before baking. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
Looking for a party appetizer that will be a hit with both kids and adults? These Chinese-style fried chicken wings are just what you need. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these wings are packed with flavor and will have everyone reaching for more.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Add some international flair to your holiday dessert table with this Italian pandoro Christmas tree cake. This light and fluffy cake is shaped into a Christmas tree and can be decorated with your favorite toppings, such as fruit, chocolate, or powdered sugar. It's a show-stopping dessert that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
This Chinese broccoli beef dish is another takeout favorite that you can easily make at home. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with fresh broccoli and a flavorful sauce, making it a nutritious and delicious option for your holiday dinner. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that will leave your guests wanting more.
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Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Mung Bean Sprouts, Large Carrot, Shiitake
Spring rolls are a popular Chinese appetizer that are perfect for any holiday party. These crispy vegetable spring rolls are filled with a mix of vegetables and fried to perfection. Serve them with a sweet and sour dipping sauce for a tasty and crunchy treat.
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Chinese Hoisin Pork Ribs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Baby Back Ribs, Salt, Black Pepper
For a flavorful and unique main dish, try these Chinese hoisin pork ribs. These sticky and tender ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory hoisin sauce and baked to perfection. They are sure to be a hit with your guests and will have them asking for the recipe.
This classic Chinese pepper steak dish is a must-try for meat lovers. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with peppers and onions in a flavorful sauce. Serve it over a bed of rice or noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm you up on a cold winter night.
The History of Chinese Christmas Cake
The Influence of Western Colonization
The tradition of Christmas cake actually originated in Western countries, particularly in England and Germany. During the 19th century, Western countries began to establish colonies in China, bringing with them their holiday traditions. As Christmas became more widely celebrated in China, the locals began to adapt the traditional Western Christmas cake to suit their own tastes and ingredients.
A Fusion of Flavors
Chinese Christmas cake is a unique blend of Chinese and Western ingredients, reflecting the country's diverse culinary influences. Traditional Chinese ingredients, such as red bean paste, are often incorporated into the cake, giving it a distinctive flavor. Other popular ingredients include dried fruits, nuts, and spices, which add a festive touch to the cake.
A Symbol of Good Luck
In Chinese culture, red is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. This is why many Chinese Christmas cakes are decorated with red icing or ribbons. The cake itself is also seen as a symbol of good luck, with its round shape representing completeness and unity within families.
How to Make Chinese Christmas Cake
Now that you know the history behind this delicious dessert, it's time to try making it yourself! Below is a simple and delicious recipe for Chinese Christmas cake that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup red bean paste
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and cherries)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the red bean paste, dried fruits, and nuts until evenly distributed.
7. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to the batter for a more vibrant red color.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Decorate with red icing or ribbons, if desired, and enjoy your homemade Chinese Christmas cake!
In conclusion, Chinese Christmas cake is a delicious and unique dessert that combines traditional Chinese flavors with Western influences. Its history is a reflection of the country's diverse cultural influences, making it a perfect addition to any holiday menu. Give this recipe a try and add a new tradition to your Christmas celebrations.
Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)