15 Christmas Cake Recipe South Africa You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. And in South Africa, no Christmas celebration is complete without a slice of rich and indulgent Christmas cake. This traditional holiday treat has been passed down through generations, each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. But at the heart of it all, lies a few key ingredients that make this cake a truly special and beloved part of the festive season in South Africa.
Who says beer can chicken is only for summer BBQs? This Christmas cake recipe takes the classic dish and gives it a festive twist. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of holiday spices, stuffed with apples, and cooked on the grill with a can of your favorite beer. The result is a juicy and flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Bunny Chow South Africa
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Canola Oil, Curry Leaves, Minced
If you're looking to add a South African flair to your beer can chicken, try this bunny chow recipe. Bunny chow is a popular South African street food that consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. In this recipe, the bread is stuffed with tender beer can chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful curry sauce. It's a unique and delicious way to enjoy beer can chicken.
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Bobotie – Savory ground meat custard from South Africa
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Whole Milk, Large Eggs, White Bread
Another South African dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken is bobotie. This savory ground meat custard is a staple in South African cuisine and is often served at special occasions. In this recipe, the bobotie is made with ground chicken, spices, and raisins, and then topped with a creamy custard. Serve it alongside a beer can chicken for a delicious and unique meal.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
This cranberry Christmas cake recipe combines the flavors of the holiday season with the deliciousness of beer can chicken. The chicken is marinated in a cranberry glaze and cooked on the grill with a can of beer. The result is a tender and juicy chicken with a hint of sweetness from the cranberries. It's the perfect dish for a holiday gathering.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The yule log cake, also known as the Christmas log cake, is a traditional dessert in many European countries. This recipe takes the flavors of the yule log cake and incorporates them into a beer can chicken dish. The chicken is seasoned with herbs and spices and cooked with a can of beer, giving it a delicious and unique flavor. Serve it as the main course at your next 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 beer can chicken, this simple Christmas cake recipe is for you. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and cooked on the grill with a can of your favorite beer. It's easy to make but still packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for a busy holiday season.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges with cooking beer can chicken is keeping it moist. But with this recipe, you won't have to worry about dry chicken. The secret to this moist Christmas cake is the marinade, which includes a variety of herbs and spices, along with beer and apple cider. The result is a tender and juicy chicken that will be the star of your holiday dinner.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, you'll love this beer can chicken recipe. Inspired by the traditional Italian Christmas cake, pandoro, this dish features a flavorful marinade made with Italian herbs and spices. The chicken is then cooked on the grill with a can of beer, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
For a twist on the classic fruit cake, try this beer can chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a blend of fruit juices and spices, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. It's then cooked on the grill with a can of beer for added moisture and flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or vegetables for a complete and hearty meal.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
Another delicious and festive beer can chicken recipe is this cranberry and lime version. The chicken is marinated in a tangy blend of cranberry and lime juices, along with a variety of herbs and spices. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that will be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for those who love a little crunch in their meals. The chicken is coated in a blend of pistachios, cherries, and spices, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's then cooked on the grill with a can of beer for added moisture and flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
For a classic and traditional beer can chicken, try this fruit cake recipe. The chicken is marinated in a blend of fruit juices and spices, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. It's then cooked on the grill with a can of beer for added moisture and flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or vegetables for a complete and hearty meal.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This beer can chicken recipe combines the flavors of cranberry and almond for a unique and delicious dish. The chicken is marinated in a blend of cranberry and almond juices, along with a variety of herbs and spices. It's then cooked on the grill with a can of beer for added moisture and flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
For a twist on the classic fruit cake, try this plum cake recipe. The chicken is marinated in a blend of plum juice and spices, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. It's then cooked on the grill with a can of beer for added moisture and flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or vegetables for a complete and hearty meal.
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Pumpkin Bredie (South Africa)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Lamb, Onions, Chili Pepper, Water, Pumpkin, Ground
This beer can chicken recipe takes inspiration from the traditional South African dish, pumpkin bredie. The chicken is marinated in a blend of pumpkin, spices, and beer, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve it with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For a traditional and classic beer can chicken, this recipe is a must-try. The chicken is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices and cooked on the grill with a can of beer. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that will be a hit at any holiday gathering.
This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for those who love a little sweetness in their meals. The chicken is coated in a blend of sugar, spices, and herbs, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's then cooked on the grill with a can of beer for added moisture and flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
If you're a fan of peppermint, you'll love this beer can chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a blend of peppermint extract, spices, and herbs, giving it a refreshing and festive flavor. It's then cooked on the grill with a can of beer for added moisture and flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
For a fun and unique beer can chicken recipe, try this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread. The chicken is marinated in a blend of pizza sauce, cheese, and herbs, and then cooked on the grill with a can of beer. The result is a delicious and flavorful chicken that will be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
For a healthier version of beer can chicken, try this recipe. The chicken is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, and then cooked on the grill with a can of beer. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling guilty.
The History of Christmas Cake in South Africa
The Origins of Christmas Cake
While the origins of Christmas cake can be traced back to ancient Rome, the version we know and love today has its roots in the United Kingdom. The first recorded recipe for Christmas cake was published in the early 18th century, and from there it spread to other parts of the British Empire, including South Africa. Over the years, South Africans have added their own unique ingredients and flavors to the traditional recipe, making it a beloved part of their Christmas celebrations.
The Significance of Christmas Cake in South Africa
In South Africa, Christmas cake holds a special place in the hearts of many. Not only is it a delicious dessert, but it also symbolizes the coming together of family and friends during the festive season. It is often made weeks in advance, giving it time to mature and develop its rich flavors. And on Christmas day, it takes center stage, with many families serving it as the grand finale to their festive feast.
The Ingredients That Make Up a South African Christmas Cake
The Main Ingredients
While there are many variations of Christmas cake in South Africa, there are a few key ingredients that are essential in every recipe. These include dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas, and currants , mixed peel , and cherries . These fruits are soaked in alcohol, usually brandy, for several weeks, giving the cake its rich and boozy flavor.
The Secret Ingredients
But what sets South African Christmas cake apart from others is the addition of secret ingredients. These can include apricot jam , grated carrot , and nuts like almonds or pecans . These ingredients add a unique and delicious twist to the traditional recipe, making each family's Christmas cake a little different from the rest.
The Perfect Christmas Cake Recipe
The Recipe
Now that you know the history and significance of Christmas cake in South Africa, it's time to try your hand at making your own. We've included a basic recipe below, but feel free to add your own secret ingredients to make it truly special. And don't forget to soak your fruits in brandy for at least two weeks before baking!
Ingredients:
- 500g mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants)
- 100g mixed peel
- 100g glace cherries
- 1 cup brandy
- 250g butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or pecans)
Method:
1. Place dried fruits, mixed peel, and cherries in a bowl and pour over brandy. Cover and leave to soak for at least two weeks.
2. Preheat oven to 160°C and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking paper.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and spices.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing well.
7. Stir in soaked fruits, apricot jam, grated carrot, and nuts.
8. Pour batter into prepared tin and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy!
Now that you have a delicious Christmas cake recipe, it's time to gather your family and friends and enjoy this special treat together. And remember, the longer you let it mature, the better it will taste. Happy baking and happy holidays!
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