17+ Christmas Cake Recipe Bbc Food Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: Apr 4, 2024
Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and indulging in delicious food. And no Christmas feast is complete without a classic Christmas cake. This traditional dessert is a staple in many households, and for good reason. The rich, moist fruit cake is packed with warm spices, dried fruits, and a generous splash of brandy. It's a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. In this article, we'll walk you through a traditional Christmas cake recipe from BBC Food that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats and what better way to do so than with a festive Christmas cake? From classic fruit cakes to unique flavor combinations, there's something for everyone on this list of top 20 Christmas cake recipes. So, get ready to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth with these mouthwatering options!
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you're a fan of tart and tangy flavors, then this cranberry Christmas cake is the one for you. Made with fresh cranberries and a hint of zesty lime, this cake is a refreshing twist on the traditional fruit cake. And with a drizzle of sweet glaze on top, it's a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Christmas log cake, this dessert is a showstopper at any holiday gathering. Made with a light and fluffy chocolate sponge cake and filled with a creamy chocolate ganache, it's a chocolate lover's dream come true. And the best part? You can decorate it with festive Christmas decorations for an extra festive touch.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
For those who prefer a more traditional Christmas cake, this simple recipe is a must-try. Made with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, it's a classic fruit cake that is sure to please everyone. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it the perfect option for busy holiday hosts.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges of making a Christmas cake is keeping it moist. But with this recipe, you won't have to worry about dryness at all. Packed with juicy fruits and soaked in brandy, this cake is guaranteed to be moist and flavorful. And to make it even more indulgent, you can top it with a layer of marzipan and icing.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Bring a touch of Italy to your Christmas celebrations with this delicious Pandoro Christmas tree cake. This buttery, golden cake is shaped like a Christmas tree and dusted with powdered sugar, making it a festive centerpiece for any holiday table. And the best part? It's so simple to make and requires just a few basic ingredients.
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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 fruit cake is a staple at Christmas parties. Made with a variety of dried fruits and soaked in rum, it's a rich and decadent treat that is often served with a cup of tea or coffee. And with the addition of plums, it adds a burst of fruity flavor to every bite.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
Another unique twist on the traditional Christmas cake, this recipe combines the festive flavors of cranberry and lime for a refreshing and delicious treat. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the tangy lime, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. And with a soft and moist texture, it's a cake that everyone will love.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
If you're looking for a Christmas cake that is both beautiful and delicious, then this pistachio cherry cake is the one for you. With a vibrant green color from the pistachios and pops of red from the cherries, it's a feast for the eyes. And with a crunchy pistachio topping, it adds a nice contrast to the soft and fluffy cake.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Can't decide on just one type of Christmas cake? Why not combine them all with this delicious fruit cake recipe. Packed with a variety of dried fruits and soaked in brandy, it's a rich and flavorful cake that is perfect for the holiday season. And with a crumbly and buttery texture, it's a dessert that is sure to please everyone.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This cranberry almond Christmas cake is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The crunchy almonds add a nice texture to the soft and moist cake, while the cranberries provide a burst of tanginess. And with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top, it's a beautiful and delicious addition to any Christmas dessert spread.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
This traditional plum cake is a staple in many households during the holiday season. Made with plums and a variety of warm spices, it's a rich and flavorful cake that is often served with a cup of tea or coffee. And with a soft and moist texture, it's a dessert that is sure to be a hit with everyone.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
Don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen during the busy holiday season? This easy Christmas cake recipe is here to save the day. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it's a quick and easy dessert that still packs a punch of flavor. And with a crunchy almond topping, it adds a nice texture to the soft and fluffy cake.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
You can't go wrong with a classic Christmas cake recipe. Made with a variety of dried fruits and soaked in brandy, it's a rich and flavorful cake that is a staple in many households during the holiday season. And with a layer of marzipan and icing on top, it's a festive and indulgent treat that is sure to be a hit with everyone.
No Christmas celebration is complete without some festive sugar cookies. These deliciously decorated treats are a fun and festive addition to any holiday gathering. And with a variety of shapes and designs, you can get creative and make them personalized and unique for your loved ones.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
These festive and colorful meringue swirls are a must-try for any peppermint lover. With a light and airy texture and a hint of peppermint flavor, they make for a perfect Christmas dessert. And with a crunchy and chewy texture, they're a nice contrast to all the other soft and fluffy treats on this list.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
Looking for a savory option to add to your Christmas dessert spread? This Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread is a fun and delicious option. Made with flaky puff pastry and filled with all your favorite pizza toppings, it's a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. And with a festive Christmas tree shape, it adds a touch of fun to your holiday gathering.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
Just because it's the holiday season doesn't mean you have to abandon your healthy eating habits. This healthy Christmas cake recipe is a guilt-free option that is still delicious and satisfying. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits, it's a dessert that you can feel good about indulging in.
In Japan, Christmas is celebrated with a unique type of cake known as a "Christmas cake". Made with a light and airy sponge cake and filled with whipped cream and strawberries, it's a delicate and delicious treat that is perfect for the holiday season. And with a beautiful and festive design, it's a dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
These Italian Christmas fig cookies, also known as cucidati, are a traditional holiday treat in many Italian households. Made with a crumbly and buttery pastry dough and filled with a sweet fig and nut filling, they're a delicious and unique addition to any Christmas dessert spread. And with a festive and festive design, they add a touch of Italian flair to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the cake:
1kg mixed dried fruit
175g dried apricots, chopped
225g glace cherries, chopped
225g dried cranberries
100g mixed peel
100ml brandy
250g unsalted butter
250g dark muscovado sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
250g plain flour
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
For the decoration:
500g marzipan
500g ready-to-roll icing
1 tbsp apricot jam
Edible gold spray or edible glitter (optional)
Make sure to have all your ingredients measured and prepared before starting the recipe. This will make the process much smoother and enjoyable.
Method
1. Soak the dried fruits
In a large bowl, mix together the dried fruit, apricots, cherries, cranberries, mixed peel, and brandy. Cover and leave to soak overnight, or for at least 6 hours.
2. Preheat the oven and prepare the cake tin
Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan)/325°F/gas mark 3. Grease and line a deep 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
3. Cream the butter and sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Sift in the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, mixed spice, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Slowly add this to the butter mixture, mixing well until evenly combined.
6. Mix in the soaked fruits
Drain any excess liquid from the soaked fruits and add them to the cake batter. Mix until well combined.
7. Bake the cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 3-3.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
8. Decorate the cake
Once the cake is cooled, remove it from the tin and place it on a cake stand or plate. Roll out the marzipan to fit the top and sides of the cake, and carefully place it on top. Roll out the icing and place it on top of the marzipan. Use a little water to help the icing stick to the marzipan. You can also use a fork to create a pattern on the top of the cake. Heat the apricot jam in a pan and brush it over the top of the cake. For an extra festive touch, you can spray the cake with edible gold spray or sprinkle some edible glitter on top.
And there you have it, a delicious and beautifully decorated Christmas cake that will be the star of your holiday feast. This recipe from BBC Food is sure to become a family favorite and will have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
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