If you're someone who always leaves things until the last minute, you're not alone. The holiday season can often sneak up on us, leaving us scrambling to prepare gifts, decorations, and of course, food. And when it comes to Christmas desserts, nothing is more iconic than a rich and flavorful fruitcake. But don't worry, even if you haven't had the time to plan and bake ahead, this delia last minute Christmas cake recipe will save the day. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can still impress your loved ones with a delicious homemade cake.
Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas cake? Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or a modern twist, there are countless variations of Christmas cake to suit your taste buds. From rich and moist to light and fruity, here are 20 of the best Christmas cake recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
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Last Minute Emergency Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Orange, Sherry, Boiling Water
Forgot to make a Christmas cake? Don't worry, this last minute emergency Christmas cake recipe has got you covered. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can still have a delicious cake to serve on the big day. This cake is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to indulge in a festive treat.
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Last Minute Christmas Candy
Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, Saltine Crackers, Semi Sweet
Looking for a sweet and easy last minute Christmas treat? These homemade Christmas candies are perfect for gifting or serving at a holiday party. From chocolate truffles to peppermint bark, there's something for everyone on this list. Plus, they are so simple to make that even the kids can help out in the kitchen.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
Cranberries are a staple ingredient in many Christmas recipes, and this cranberry Christmas cake is no exception. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, creating a delicious and festive dessert. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
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Last-minute pineapple Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, Crushed Pineapple, Dried Fruit
If you're tired of traditional Christmas fruit cakes, why not try this last-minute pineapple Christmas cake? This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the warm spices of the holiday season for a unique and flavorful cake. It's also a great option for those who don't like dried fruit in their cakes.
Christmas pudding is a staple dessert in many households, but it can take weeks to make. If you're short on time, this last-minute Christmas pudding recipe is perfect for you. It still has all the rich and boozy flavors of a traditional Christmas pudding, but it can be made in just a few hours.
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Easy Last Minute Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: White Cake Mix, Large Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Sprinkles
No Christmas celebration is complete without cookies, and these easy last minute Christmas cookies are sure to be a hit. From classic sugar cookies to festive gingerbread, these recipes are simple and delicious. Plus, you can get creative with your decorations and make them as festive as you'd like.
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Last Minute Christmas Dessert Board
Main Ingredients: Cookies, Candy Canes, Peppermint, Chocolate Almonds
If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that requires minimal effort, a Christmas dessert board is the way to go. This last minute Christmas dessert board is filled with a variety of sweet treats, from cookies and candies to fruits and chocolates. It's perfect for sharing and is sure to impress your guests.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
A yule log cake, also known as a Christmas log cake, is a traditional dessert that originated in France. This ultimate Christmas yule log cake recipe is a classic, featuring a chocolate sponge cake rolled with chocolate ganache and decorated to look like a log. It's a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday spread.
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No bake eggnog balls – an easy last minute Christmas...
Main Ingredients: Biscuits, Eggnog, Desiccated Coconut, Cocoa Powder
Eggnog is a quintessential Christmas drink, and these no bake eggnog balls are a fun and festive way to incorporate it into a dessert. Made with eggnog, vanilla wafers, and white chocolate, these bite-sized treats are perfect for a last minute holiday party or for snacking on during a cozy night in.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're looking for a simple and no-fuss Christmas cake, this recipe is for you. Made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter, this cake is easy to make but still delicious and festive. It's a great option for those who want a classic Christmas cake without all the bells and whistles.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges with making a Christmas cake is keeping it moist. This recipe guarantees a moist and flavorful cake, thanks to the addition of apple juice and brandy. You can also add in your favorite dried fruits and nuts for added texture and flavor.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a Christmas tree. This recipe takes the classic pandoro cake and turns it into a festive and beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. It's a delicious and unique alternative to traditional Christmas cakes.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Fruit cakes are a staple during the holiday season, and this recipe combines the flavors of a plum cake and a Christmas cake for a delicious and festive treat. Packed with dried fruits and nuts, this cake is rich and flavorful and perfect for serving with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
This cranberry and lime Christmas cake is a refreshing and unique twist on traditional Christmas cakes. The tartness of the cranberries and the zesty flavor of the lime add a bright and festive touch to the cake. It's a great option for those who want something different from the usual heavy and rich Christmas desserts.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
Pistachios and cherries are a winning combination, and this Christmas cake recipe showcases their flavors beautifully. The addition of pistachio pudding mix gives the cake a vibrant green color, making it a festive addition to any holiday dessert table. It's also a great option for those who are looking for a nut-free Christmas cake.
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Last minute Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Large Eggs, Flour, Mixed
If you're in a pinch and need a last minute Christmas cake, this recipe has got you covered. Made with basic pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs, this cake can be whipped up in no time. It's not overly fancy, but it's still delicious and perfect for satisfying your cake cravings during the holidays.
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Last-Minute Rich Christmas Fruit Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Mixed Dried Fruit, Brown Sugar, Brandy, Water
This rich Christmas fruit cake is perfect for those who prefer a traditional and decadent fruit cake. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this cake is rich, moist, and full of flavor. It's also a great option for gifting to friends and family during the holiday season.
For a last minute Christmas pudding that doesn't require weeks of preparation, try this recipe. Made with only a handful of ingredients, it's a quick and easy alternative to the traditional Christmas pudding. Serve it hot with a drizzle of warm custard for the perfect holiday dessert.
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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, and this recipe is a tried and true favorite. Made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for celebrating the holiday season. It's also a great option for those who want a traditional Christmas cake without any fancy decorations or toppings.
Why Delia's Recipe is Perfect for Last Minute Bakers
When it comes to Christmas cakes, Delia Smith is a household name. Her recipes are known for their simplicity and reliability, making them perfect for last-minute bakers. This last minute Christmas cake recipe is no exception. It requires only 6 ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. This means you won't have to make a last-minute trip to the grocery store, saving you both time and stress. Plus, with minimal prep time and baking time, you can have a delicious cake ready in just a few hours.
The Secret Ingredient: Mincemeat
One of the key ingredients in this last minute Christmas cake recipe is mincemeat. This traditional British mixture of dried fruits, spices, and spirits adds depth and flavor to the cake without needing to soak the fruits for months. This is a game-changer for last-minute bakers, as traditional fruitcakes require weeks of preparation. The mincemeat also adds a touch of festive flavor, making this cake perfect for the holiday season.
No Need for Aging
Another great aspect of this delia last minute Christmas cake recipe is that it doesn't require any aging. Traditional fruitcakes need to be baked weeks in advance and then periodically fed with alcohol to mature and develop their flavor. However, this recipe has all the rich flavors of a traditional fruitcake without the aging process. This means you can bake it on the day you need it and still have a delicious and flavorful cake.
Customize to Your Liking
While Delia's recipe is delicious as it is, you can also customize it to your liking. Add in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for some extra texture and flavor. You can also top it with a layer of marzipan and icing for a more traditional look. The best part is, these additions won't add much extra time to the overall baking process, making it perfect for those last-minute changes.
In Conclusion
Don't let your lack of time stop you from making a delicious Christmas cake. With this delia last minute Christmas cake recipe, you can still impress your family and friends with a homemade dessert. Just remember to plan ahead and have all your ingredients ready to go, and you'll have a delicious cake in no time. So why not give it a try and add a new tradition to your holiday celebrations?
