18+ Christmas Cake Recipe Japanese Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Apr 6, 2024
Christmas is a time for indulging in delicious treats and one of the most beloved desserts during this festive season is the Christmas cake. While traditional Christmas cakes are usually rich and dense, there is a lighter and more delicate version that has gained popularity in recent years - the Japanese Christmas cake. Made with fluffy sponge cake, whipped cream, and fresh fruits, this delightful dessert is a must-try for anyone looking to add a unique twist to their holiday celebrations.
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Milk, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Pepper
Looking for a delicious side dish to pair with your beer can chicken? These crispy Parmesan potato puffs are the perfect choice. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, Parmesan cheese, and spices, these puffs are easy to make and pack a flavorful punch. Serve them alongside your chicken for a meal that will impress your guests.
If you're looking to add some international flavors to your beer can chicken dinner, try this Japanese pork katsu recipe. Tender pork cutlets are coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried to crispy perfection. Serve with a side of tonkatsu sauce for dipping and you've got a delicious fusion meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Who says pancakes can only be eaten for breakfast? These Japanese-style pancakes are a unique and tasty addition to your beer can chicken dinner. Made with mochi flour and topped with a sweet azuki bean paste, these fluffy pancakes are a popular street food in Japan and will add a fun twist to your meal.
If you're a fan of cheesecake, you have to try this Japanese cotton cheesecake recipe. This light and airy version of the classic dessert is made with cream cheese, eggs, and a touch of cornstarch for a texture that is truly unique. Serve it with fresh berries on top for a refreshing and delicious end to your beer can chicken dinner.
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, is a popular street food in Japan and a great side dish for your beer can chicken. This recipe combines shredded cabbage, tempura scraps, and a variety of other toppings to create a satisfying and flavorful pancake. Top it off with okonomiyaki sauce and katsuobushi flakes for an authentic taste.
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Japanese Christmas Cake, a little Early
Main Ingredients: Milk, Honey, Eggs, Sugar, Flour, Heavy Cream, Cold
Who says you have to wait until December to enjoy a Christmas cake? This Japanese Christmas cake recipe is perfect for any time of year and pairs wonderfully with beer can chicken. Made with fluffy sponge cake, whipped cream, and strawberries, this cake is light, refreshing, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you prefer a more traditional Christmas cake, this cranberry Christmas cake is a great option. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, and the vibrant red color makes for a beautiful addition to your table. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a festive and tasty holiday meal.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This Japanese cucumber salad, also known as sunomono, is a refreshing and light side dish that will complement your beer can chicken perfectly. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, this salad is quick and easy to make and adds a burst of flavor to your meal.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Rice balls, or onigiri, are a popular snack in Japan and can be filled with a variety of different ingredients. For a simple and tasty side dish, try filling your rice balls with umeboshi (pickled plums) or okaka (bonito flakes mixed with soy sauce). These make a great addition to your beer can chicken dinner.
Ramen, a classic Japanese noodle soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day. This recipe combines pork belly, ramen noodles, and a rich chicken broth for a satisfying and delicious meal. Serve it as a side dish alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and filling dinner.
If you prefer thicker noodles, try this Japanese udon noodle soup recipe. Made with udon noodles, chicken broth, and sliced beef, this soup is a great way to warm up on a cold night. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a tasty and comforting meal.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are a popular appetizer or side dish in Japan and are a great addition to your beer can chicken dinner. These dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of pork, garlic, and ginger, and are pan-fried to crispy perfection. Serve with a soy sauce and rice vinegar dipping sauce for a delicious meal.
If you're looking for a vegetable side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Japanese eggplant recipe. The eggplant is marinated in a mixture of mirin, soy sauce, and sesame oil, giving it a sweet and savory flavor. Grill it alongside your chicken for a simple and tasty addition to your meal.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori, or Japanese grilled chicken, is a popular street food in Japan and is a great addition to your beer can chicken dinner. The chicken is skewered and grilled with a teriyaki sauce glaze, giving it a delicious sweet and savory flavor. Serve it on skewers alongside your chicken for a fun and tasty meal.
For another veggie side dish, try this Japanese zucchini recipe. The zucchini is sautéed in a mixture of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, creating a flavorful and tender dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and tasty meal.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, are a popular noodle in Japan and are a great alternative to traditional pasta. This recipe combines the noodles with a creamy peanut sauce and shredded chicken for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve it as a side dish or add some extra protein to your beer can chicken dinner.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
If you're in the mood for a hearty and indulgent side dish, try this Japanese beef steak recipe. Marinated in a mixture of mirin, soy sauce, and garlic, this steak is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Grill it to your desired level of doneness and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon is a popular Japanese rice bowl dish that combines pork cutlets, eggs, and rice for a filling and tasty meal. The pork is breaded and fried, then simmered in a sweet and savory dashi broth before being served over rice. This dish is a great way to switch up your beer can chicken dinner and add some new flavors to your palate.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
If you enjoyed the savory version of okonomiyaki, try this sweet potato version for a unique twist. Grated sweet potatoes are mixed with eggs and flour to create a pancake-like dish, then topped with bonito flakes and okonomiyaki sauce. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a fun and flavorful meal.
Japanese curry is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is a great side dish for your beer can chicken dinner. Made with curry powder, vegetables, and your choice of meat, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize to your own taste. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Origins of Japanese Christmas Cake
Sponge Cake with a Twist
The Japanese Christmas cake, also known as "kurisumasu keki," has its roots in Western influence. During the late 19th and early 20th century, Japan opened its doors to foreign cultures and traditions, and Christmas was one that caught on quickly. However, due to the lack of Christian influence in Japan, the holiday was celebrated more as a commercial event rather than a religious one. This led to the creation of a unique Christmas cake that catered to the Japanese taste buds.
Light and Airy Sponge Cake
Unlike traditional Christmas cakes that are dense and heavy, the Japanese version is made with a light and airy sponge cake. This is achieved by beating egg whites and sugar together to create a soft and fluffy texture. The addition of cornstarch also helps to give the cake a delicate and tender crumb.
Whipped Cream and Fresh Fruits
Another key element of Japanese Christmas cake is the use of whipped cream and fresh fruits. The sponge cake is layered with a generous amount of whipped cream and topped with colorful fruits such as strawberries, kiwis, and peaches. This not only adds a burst of color to the cake but also balances out the sweetness of the sponge cake.
Symbolism
Apart from its delicious taste, the Japanese Christmas cake also holds symbolic meaning. The white color of the cake represents the snow-covered ground, while the red and green fruits symbolize the colors of Christmas. The cake is often decorated with a festive chocolate plaque or a miniature Santa Claus, adding to its charm and festive spirit.
How to Make Japanese Christmas Cake
Now that you know the origins and key elements of Japanese Christmas cake, it's time to try making one yourself! Here's a simple recipe that you can follow to create your own delicious and Instagram-worthy Christmas cake.
Ingredients:
6 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup cake flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, kiwis, peaches)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Cut the cake horizontally into three layers and spread a generous amount of whipped cream between each layer.
Top the cake with more whipped cream and decorate with fresh fruits.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
In Conclusion
The Japanese Christmas cake may have its roots in Western influence, but it has truly become a beloved and unique tradition in Japan. With its light and airy sponge cake, whipped cream, and fresh fruits, this delightful dessert is sure to add a touch of elegance to your Christmas celebrations. So why not try making one yourself and impress your family and friends with this delicious and modern twist on the traditional Christmas cake.