As the festive season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to make our celebrations extra special. And what better way to do so than with a delicious Christmas cake? While some might be intimidated by the thought of baking a cake from scratch, fear not! With this easy Christmas cake recipe by Nigella Lawson, you'll have a scrumptious treat to impress your loved ones in no time.
Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a delicious Christmas cake? This classic dessert is a must-have during the festive season and there are countless variations to choose from. Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or something with a modern twist, we've got you covered with our top 20 Christmas cake recipes.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
Tangy cranberries add a burst of flavor to this festive Christmas cake. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet cake creates a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe also includes a delicious cream cheese frosting for added indulgence. Serve this cake at your holiday gatherings and impress your guests with its beautiful red and white color scheme.
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 that originated in France. This recipe takes the classic yule log to the next level with its rich chocolate cake and creamy chocolate frosting. The cake is then decorated with festive toppings such as holly leaves, berries, and powdered sugar to resemble a log covered in snow. It's the ultimate Christmas dessert that will surely be the star of your holiday table.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're looking for a quick and easy Christmas cake recipe, this one is for you. This no-fuss cake is made with simple pantry ingredients and requires minimal preparation time. The result is a deliciously moist and flavorful cake that everyone will love. It's the perfect dessert for those who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday festivities.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
A dry and crumbly Christmas cake is a big no-no. That's why this recipe focuses on creating a moist and delicious cake that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The secret to this cake's moisture is the addition of buttermilk and sour cream. These ingredients not only add moisture but also enhance the flavor of the cake. Serve this cake with a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're tired of the traditional fruit cake, why not try this Italian Christmas cake? The Pandoro cake is shaped like a Christmas tree and is made with a soft and buttery dough. It's then dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow and is topped with a variety of colorful candies and sprinkles. This cake will add a unique and festive touch to your holiday dessert spread.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Fruit cake, plum cake, Christmas cake – these are all names for the same beloved holiday dessert. This cake is filled with dried fruit, nuts, and spices, making it a rich and flavorful treat. Some recipes even call for soaking the fruits in rum or brandy for added depth of flavor. This cake is a classic Christmas tradition that has been passed down for generations.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you want to add a zesty twist to your Christmas cake, this recipe is for you. The combination of tangy cranberries and refreshing lime creates a unique and delicious flavor profile. The cake is also topped with a lime glaze that adds a burst of citrusy sweetness. This cake is sure to be a hit with those who love a bit of tang in their desserts.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This Christmas cake is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The bright red cherries and green pistachios make this cake a festive centerpiece for your holiday table. The addition of almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the pistachios perfectly. This cake is perfect for those who want a show-stopping dessert without a lot of effort.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
There are endless variations of the classic fruit cake, and this recipe combines the best elements of all of them. It's filled with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is soaked in rum for added richness. This cake is perfect for those who love a traditional Christmas cake but want to mix things up a bit.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
If you're a fan of almond flavor, you'll love this Christmas cake recipe. The cake is made with almond flour and is filled with tangy cranberries and crunchy almonds. The result is a moist and flavorful cake with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. This cake is a great alternative for those who don't enjoy the traditional fruit cake.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
Plum cake is a popular Christmas dessert in many European countries and is loved for its rich and fruity flavor. This recipe uses fresh plums instead of the traditional dried fruits, giving the cake a burst of juiciness. The cake is also topped with a glaze made from plum jam, adding even more plum flavor to the mix. Serve this cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and delicious holiday treat.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests with a homemade Christmas cake, this recipe is for you. This easy cake can be made in just a few steps and requires minimal ingredients. The result is a delicious and moist cake that tastes like it took hours to make. This cake is perfect for busy holiday hosts who want to save time without compromising on taste.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For those who prefer to stick to tradition, this classic Christmas cake recipe is the perfect choice. It's filled with all the classic ingredients – dried fruits, nuts, and spices – and is soaked in rum for added richness. This cake is a timeless holiday dessert that will bring back memories of Christmases past. Serve it with a glass of eggnog for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
No Christmas celebration is complete without sugar cookies. These cookies are a holiday staple and are loved by both kids and adults alike. This recipe uses a simple sugar cookie dough that can be cut into different festive shapes and decorated with icing and sprinkles. These cookies are not only delicious but also make for a fun and festive family activity.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
These delicate and airy meringue swirls are a great addition to your holiday dessert spread. The peppermint flavor adds a refreshing and festive touch to the classic meringue. These cookies are also gluten-free, making them a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve them as a light and refreshing dessert after a heavy holiday meal.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
For a savory twist on Christmas desserts, try this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread. This delicious bread is shaped like a Christmas tree and is filled with your favorite pizza toppings. It's a fun and creative way to enjoy pizza during the holiday season. This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
If you're trying to watch your waistline during the holiday season, this healthy Christmas cake is the perfect choice. This cake is made with wholesome ingredients such as whole wheat flour, applesauce, and coconut oil. It's also naturally sweetened with honey, making it a guilt-free dessert option. You can indulge in this cake without feeling guilty about ruining your diet.
In Japan, Christmas is celebrated with a unique and delicious dessert – the Japanese Christmas cake. This cake is made with light and fluffy sponge cake and is filled with whipped cream and strawberries. It's then topped with a layer of marzipan and decorated with festive designs. This cake is a delicious fusion of Japanese and Western flavors and is a must-try for any Christmas enthusiast.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
These Italian Christmas cookies are a delicious and unique addition to your holiday dessert spread. The filling is made with figs, nuts, and spices, creating a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. These cookies are then drizzled with a sweet glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles. They're a perfect option for those who want to try something different this Christmas.
The Perfect Christmas Cake Recipe
Nigella Lawson is known for her simple yet flavorful recipes, and this Christmas cake is no exception. The best part? You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry! This recipe calls for flour, sugar, eggs, butter, dried fruits, and spices – all staples in any kitchen. And with just a few extra ingredients, you'll have a festive and delicious Christmas cake to serve.
Getting Started
To start, preheat your oven to 160°C and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, add in flour, mixed spices, and a pinch of salt, and mix until well combined.
The Secret Ingredient
What makes this Christmas cake truly special is the addition of chopped dried fruits. You can use a combination of your favorites, such as raisins, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. These dried fruits not only add a burst of flavor but also give the cake a beautiful texture. Fold in the fruits gently into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
Bake and Decorate
Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool completely before removing it from the tin. You can decorate your Christmas cake with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or get creative with icing, marzipan, and edible decorations.
Final Thoughts
This easy Christmas cake recipe by Nigella Lawson is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The result is a moist, flavorful, and festive cake that will be the star of your holiday celebrations. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
