17+ Christmas Cake Recipe Soak Fruit Overnight Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 27, 2024
Christmas is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas cake. But if you want to take your baking to the next level, try soaking your fruits overnight before adding them to your cake batter. This simple technique can elevate the flavor and texture of your cake, making it the star of your holiday feast. So, let's dive into this Christmas cake recipe and learn how to properly soak fruits overnight for the perfect holiday treat.
Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and festive Christmas cake? This classic dessert is a staple at holiday gatherings and with so many variations to choose from, there's something for everyone. From traditional fruitcakes to unique twists on the classic, we've compiled a list of the top 20 Christmas cake recipes to help you impress your friends and family this holiday season.
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How to Soak Fruits for Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Black Currants, Raisins, Dried Fruit, Lemon Zest
The key to a moist and flavorful Christmas cake is soaking the dried fruits in alcohol beforehand. This process allows the fruits to plump up and absorb the flavors, resulting in a deliciously rich cake. Some recipes call for soaking the fruits for weeks or even months, but if you're short on time, a few hours will do the trick. Just be sure to use a flavorful liquor like rum or brandy to really enhance the taste.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
No one likes a dry Christmas cake, so it's important to find a recipe that produces a moist and delicious cake. Whether you prefer a traditional fruitcake or a more modern take, there are plenty of options to choose from. Adding ingredients like applesauce or yogurt can help keep the cake moist, while using a simple syrup to brush over the top can add extra flavor and moisture.
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Boozy Christmas Cake (Paleo Fruit Cake)
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Dried Fruit, Rum, Pistachios, Lemon Zest, Orange
If you're following a paleo diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of a boozy Christmas cake. This recipe uses almond flour and coconut sugar to make a grain-free and refined sugar-free cake, while still incorporating the traditional dried fruits and spices. For an extra boozy kick, try brushing the cake with a mixture of bourbon and honey before serving.
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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 perfect choice for you. With a moist vanilla cake base and a layer of tart cranberry sauce in the middle, this cake is a beautiful balance of sweet and sour. Top it off with a simple vanilla glaze and some fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
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Boozy Christmas Cake Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Strawberry Jam, Fruit, Candied Ginger, Medjool Dates
If you prefer bite-sized desserts, these boozy Christmas cake cupcakes are a fun and delicious option. The recipe uses traditional dried fruits and spices, but the addition of Irish whiskey adds a unique twist. Top them off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect holiday treat.
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Sri Lankan Christmas Cake Cookies
Main Ingredients: Dates, Raisins, Warm Water, Coconut Oil, Light Brown
For a fun and unique take on the classic Christmas cake, try these Sri Lankan Christmas cake cookies. They are made with a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and are then rolled in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon. These cookies are a delicious and portable option for holiday parties or cookie exchanges.
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ProperFoodie’s Christmas Cake and icing decoration
Main Ingredients: Fruits, Sherry, Oranges, Unsalted Butter, Light Brown
If you're looking for a show-stopping Christmas cake, this recipe from ProperFoodie is sure to impress. The moist and flavorful cake is topped with a beautiful marzipan and fondant icing decoration, making it both delicious and visually stunning. It's the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
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Jamaican Christmas Cake (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Main Ingredients: Fruits, Grape Juice, Molasses, Butter, Almond Extract
If you're looking for a plant-based and gluten-free option, this Jamaican Christmas cake is a great choice. Made with a combination of gluten-free flours and sweetened with maple syrup, this cake is both delicious and allergy-friendly. The addition of Jamaican rum and allspice gives it a unique and flavorful twist.
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Christmas Cake Muffins with Sugared Pecans
Main Ingredients: Fruits, Sherry, Oranges, Unsalted Butter, Light Brown
If you can't decide between a Christmas cake or muffins, why not have both? These Christmas cake muffins are a fun and tasty alternative to a traditional cake. The addition of sugared pecans on top adds a crunchy and sweet element that pairs perfectly with the rich and fruity muffins.
For a delicious and stress-free Christmas morning, try this overnight breakfast casserole. This savory casserole is made with layers of bread, sausage, cheese, and eggs, and is left to soak overnight before baking in the morning. It's a hearty and flavorful way to start your holiday celebrations.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time or ingredients, this simple Christmas cake recipe is the perfect solution. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and moist cake that is sure to impress. Top it off with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze for a quick and easy decoration.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule log cake, also known as a Christmas log cake, is a traditional dessert for many cultures during the holiday season. This recipe takes the classic cake to the next level with layers of chocolate sponge cake, chocolate buttercream, and a chocolate ganache coating. Top it off with some festive decorations like meringue mushrooms or sugared cranberries for a truly spectacular dessert.
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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 unique and beautiful Christmas cake, this Pandoro Christmas tree cake is the perfect choice. Pandoro is a light and airy Italian Christmas cake, and in this recipe, it is shaped into a festive Christmas tree and decorated with colorful sprinkles. It's a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Fruit cakes, plum cakes, and Christmas cakes are all classic desserts during the holiday season. This recipe combines all three into one delicious and festive cake. The addition of almond paste and brandy adds a rich and decadent flavor to the traditional dried fruits. Perfect for those who can't decide on just one type of Christmas cake.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're looking for a cake that is both festive and refreshing, this cranberry and lime Christmas cake is the perfect choice. The tangy lime pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries, and the addition of coconut milk adds a creamy and tropical twist. Top it off with some fresh cranberries and lime slices for a beautiful and delicious cake.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This pistachio cherry Christmas cake is a unique and delicious twist on the traditional fruitcake. The addition of maraschino cherries and pistachios gives the cake a festive and colorful appearance, while adding a delicious flavor combination. Serve it with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent holiday dessert.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Similar to the previous recipe, this fruit cake combines all three traditional Christmas cakes into one delicious treat. This recipe uses a combination of raisins, currants, and candied orange peel, as well as a splash of rum for a rich and flavorful cake. It's the perfect choice for those who love all types of Christmas cake.
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Genoa Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract
This Genoa cake, also known as a Pandolce cake, is a traditional Italian Christmas dessert. Made with a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this cake is a delicious and festive treat. Serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
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Easiest-ever overnight Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Milk, Cream, Large Eggs, Vanilla Essence
If you're short on time or don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe for the easiest-ever overnight Christmas cake is a great option. Simply mix all the ingredients together and let it sit overnight to soak up the flavors. The next morning, all you have to do is bake it and you'll have a delicious and festive Christmas cake ready to enjoy.
The Importance of Soaking Fruits for Your Christmas Cake
Enhances Flavor and Moisture
Soaking fruits overnight allows them to absorb the flavors of the liquid they are soaked in. This not only enhances the taste of the fruits but also infuses them with the flavors of the spices and alcohol used in the soaking mixture. Additionally, the moisture from the soaking liquid is absorbed by the fruits, making them plump and juicy. This ensures that your Christmas cake is bursting with delicious flavors and moistness in every bite.
Softens Fruits for a Better Texture
Fruits like raisins, currants, and cherries can be quite tough and chewy, which can affect the texture of your cake. Soaking them overnight softens them, making them easier to bite into and creating a more uniform texture in your cake. This also helps the fruits distribute evenly throughout the cake, preventing them from sinking to the bottom.
Extends Shelf Life
Soaking fruits in alcohol or fruit juice not only adds flavor but also acts as a preservative. The alcohol or acidity in the liquid inhibits the growth of bacteria and molds, extending the shelf life of your Christmas cake. This means you can make your cake in advance and have it last longer, allowing you to enjoy it even after the holidays.
Allows for Customization
Soaking fruits overnight gives you the opportunity to customize your Christmas cake according to your preferences. You can choose your favorite fruits, spices, and alcohol to soak them in. This allows you to play around with different flavor combinations and create a unique cake that suits your taste buds.
How to Soak Fruits for Your Christmas Cake
Now that you understand the importance of soaking fruits for your Christmas cake, let's learn how to do it properly.
Choose Your Fruits
Start by selecting the fruits you want to use in your cake. Popular choices include raisins, currants, sultanas, candied fruit peels, and cherries. You can also add nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture.
Prepare Your Soaking Liquid
The most common liquids used for soaking fruits are alcohol (brandy, rum, or whiskey) or fruit juice (orange, apple, or pineapple). Combine your chosen liquid with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl or jar.
Soak the Fruits
Add the fruits to the soaking liquid and make sure they are completely covered. Cover the bowl or jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 12 hours, or up to a week. The longer the fruits soak, the more intense the flavors will be.
Use in Your Cake
Once your fruits are soaked, drain them from the liquid and add them to your cake batter as directed in your recipe. You can also reserve the soaking liquid to brush on top of your baked cake for an extra kick of flavor.
With this simple technique, you can take your Christmas cake to the next level and impress your family and friends with a delicious and moist holiday treat. So, go ahead and give it a try this holiday season!
