20+ Christmas Cake And Pudding Recipe Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 2, 2024
Christmas is just around the corner and it's time to start planning your holiday menu. While there are many delicious desserts to choose from, the traditional Christmas cake and pudding are a must-have for any festive feast. These timeless treats have been enjoyed for centuries and are an essential part of the holiday season. In this article, we will provide you with a professional and well-organized recipe for making the perfect Christmas cake and pudding that will impress your family and friends.
Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate this festive season than with a delicious Christmas cake? Whether you prefer a classic fruit cake or a more modern twist, there are endless variations of this traditional dessert that will surely delight your taste buds. So put on your apron and get ready to bake some mouth-watering Christmas cakes with these top 20 recipes.
2of 20
Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
Tart and tangy cranberries are the star of this Christmas cake. The burst of flavor from the cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake, making it a crowd-pleaser. Top it off with a creamy vanilla glaze and some fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
This rich and indulgent figgy pudding is a staple in many households during the holiday season. It's packed with figs, dates, and raisins, giving it a deep and intense flavor. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream and some brandy sauce for a truly decadent experience.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Buche de Noel, this French-inspired dessert is a stunning centerpiece for any Christmas feast. It's a delicious combination of chocolate sponge cake and whipped cream, rolled together to resemble a log. You can decorate it with marzipan mushrooms, meringue mushrooms, and sugared cranberries for a whimsical touch.
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 cake, this simple recipe is the way to go. It's made with pantry staples like flour, eggs, sugar, and butter, and can be easily customized with your choice of spices and fruits. It's a no-fuss recipe that still delivers on flavor.
6of 20
Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges with Christmas cakes is keeping them moist. This recipe solves that problem with the addition of orange juice and almond extract, which infuse the cake with moisture and flavor. It's a foolproof recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
7of 20
Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you want to add an international twist to your Christmas celebrations, this Italian Pandoro cake is the way to go. It's a rich and buttery cake that is traditionally shaped like a Christmas tree. It's a showstopper dessert that will definitely impress your guests.
8of 20
Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
This versatile recipe can be used to make a variety of fruit cakes depending on your preference. You can use plums, cherries, cranberries, dates, or any other dried fruits you like. The key to a delicious fruit cake is to soak the fruits in brandy or rum beforehand to infuse them with flavor.
9of 20
Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you want to take your cranberry game to the next level, try adding some lime to your Christmas cake. The zesty lime flavor perfectly complements the tartness of the cranberries, making for a refreshing and delicious cake. You can also add a splash of tequila for a fun twist.
10of 20
Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This stunning Christmas cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The vibrant red cherries and green pistachios make for a beautiful color combination. You can use a vanilla or almond cake base and add some cherry liqueur for an extra kick of flavor.
11of 20
Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
This classic fruit cake recipe is a must-try for any Christmas celebration. It's packed with raisins, currants, cranberries, and citrus peel and infused with brandy and spices. It's a rich and decadent cake that will keep you coming back for more.
12of 20
Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
Almonds are a classic Christmas flavor, and this cake showcases them beautifully. The addition of cranberries adds a festive touch to the cake, and the almond extract gives it a subtle nutty flavor. Top it off with some toasted almonds for extra crunch.
13of 20
Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
If you're a fan of plums, this is the Christmas cake for you. The combination of plums and almonds is a match made in heaven, and this cake showcases that perfectly. You can use fresh or dried plums and add some amaretto or brandy for a boozy kick.
14of 20
Easy Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you're a beginner baker or just want a no-fuss recipe, this easy Christmas cake is for you. It's made with a box of yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding, making it a quick and easy dessert that still delivers on flavor. You can decorate it however you like and add some rum extract for a festive touch.
15of 20
Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
This recipe is for those who appreciate the traditional flavors of a Christmas cake. It's made with currants, raisins, candied peel, and almonds, and is infused with brandy and spices. The end result is a rich and flavorful cake that will transport you back to your childhood Christmases.
16of 20
Sticky Toffee Pudding, an Amazing Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Water, Dates, Baking Soda, Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs
If you're looking for a twist on the traditional Christmas cake, this sticky toffee pudding is a must-try. It's a steamed cake made with dates and walnuts and topped with a luscious toffee sauce. Serve it warm with some vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
No Christmas is complete without some festive sugar cookies. This recipe uses butter, sugar, and flour to create a delicious and versatile cookie dough. You can decorate them with royal icing and add some christmas sprinkles for a pop of color.
18of 20
Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
These light and airy meringue swirls are a perfect addition to any Christmas dessert table. They are flavored with peppermint extract and swirled with red and green food coloring for a festive touch. They are also gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
19of 20
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
If you want to take a break from the sweet treats and have something savory, this pull-apart pizza bread is the way to go. It's shaped like a Christmas tree and made with pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and any other toppings you like. It's a fun and delicious twist on the traditional pizza.
20of 20
Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
If you're trying to watch your calorie intake during the holidays, this healthy Christmas cake is the perfect option. It's made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and honey instead of traditional ingredients, making it lower in fat and sugar. It's still packed with delicious flavors and perfect for those who are health-conscious.
The History of Christmas Cake and Pudding
The Origin of Christmas Cake
The tradition of eating Christmas cake dates back to ancient Rome, where people would bake a fruitcake made with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins. In the Middle Ages, honey, spices, and preserved fruits were added to the cake, making it more similar to the modern version we know today. In the 16th century, the Christmas cake became a symbol of wealth and status, as it was only affordable for the upper class.
The Evolution of Christmas Pudding
The history of Christmas pudding can be traced back to the 14th century when it was known as "plum porridge." It was made with meat, grains, spices, and dried fruits and was often eaten at the beginning of the Christmas meal. Over time, the meat was replaced with suet and the dish evolved into a sweet, pudding-like dessert. In the Victorian era, the Christmas pudding was also associated with wealth and prosperity, as it was often filled with expensive ingredients like brandy and exotic spices.
The Essential Ingredients
Christmas Cake
The key to a delicious Christmas cake is using high-quality ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, eggs, butter, mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, dates, apricots, and cherries), marmalade, and brandy. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice add a warm and festive touch to the cake. For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour instead of regular flour.
Christmas Pudding
The main ingredients for a traditional Christmas pudding include breadcrumbs, suet, raisins, currants, brown sugar, and spices. You can also add chopped almonds, candied peel, and apple for extra texture and flavor. To make the pudding extra indulgent, you can add a splash of brandy or rum and serve it with a rich brandy or rum sauce.
The Recipe
Christmas Cake
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Fold in the flour, spices, and marmalade until well combined.
5. Add in the mixed dried fruits and brandy and mix until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth out the top.
7. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the tin.
Christmas Pudding
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, suet, sugar, and spices.
2. Stir in the raisins, currants, almonds, and candied peel.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together rum or brandy, apple, and eggs.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Grease a pudding basin and fill it with the pudding mixture.
6. Cover the basin with a greased piece of parchment paper and a layer of foil, tightly sealing the edges.
7. Place the basin in a large pot and fill the pot with enough water to reach halfway up the basin.
8. Steam the pudding for 8 hours, making sure to check and refill the water as needed.
9. Remove the pudding from the pot and let it cool. Store it in a cool, dry place until ready to serve.
In Conclusion
Christmas wouldn't be complete without a delicious Christmas cake and pudding on the table. With this well-organized and professional recipe, you can make these festive treats with ease and impress your loved ones with your baking skills. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a delicious and traditional Christmas dessert that will be the highlight of your holiday feast. Merry Christmas!