17+ Easy South African Christmas Cake Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
Christmas is a time for festive celebrations, and in South Africa, this often includes indulging in delicious treats and traditional dishes. One such dish that is a staple during the holiday season is the Christmas cake. This sweet and rich dessert is packed with a variety of dried fruits and spices, making it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee on a cozy evening. While the thought of making a Christmas cake from scratch may seem daunting, with this easy South African Christmas cake recipe, you'll be able to whip up a delicious and impressive dessert in no time.
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats and desserts, and what better way to celebrate than with a homemade Christmas cake? Here are 20 mouth-watering recipes for Christmas cakes that are sure to impress your friends and family.
2of 20
Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
This festive cake is packed with juicy cranberries and topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances out the sweetness of the cake, making it a hit at any holiday gathering.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
This traditional French dessert is a must-have for any Christmas celebration. The rich chocolate cake is rolled up with a creamy filling and decorated to look like a log, making it a beautiful and delicious addition to your holiday table.
4of 20
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, this simple Christmas cake recipe is the perfect choice. It only requires a few ingredients and minimal prep time, but the end result is a moist and flavorful cake that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
5of 20
Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
There's nothing worse than a dry and crumbly Christmas cake. Luckily, this recipe guarantees a moist and tender cake every time. The secret? A generous amount of butter and eggs. You won't be able to resist going back for seconds.
6of 20
Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're looking to add a touch of Italian flair to your Christmas celebrations, this Pandoro Christmas tree cake is the perfect choice. This sweet and buttery cake is shaped like a Christmas tree and dusted with powdered sugar, making it a festive and delicious addition to your holiday spread.
7of 20
Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Whether you call it fruit cake, plum cake, or Christmas cake, this traditional holiday dessert is a staple in many households. This recipe is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, making it the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea on a cold winter's day.
8of 20
Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
This unique twist on a classic Christmas cake combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty freshness of lime. The result is a bright and flavorful cake that will be a refreshing change from all the heavy holiday dishes.
9of 20
Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This stunning cake is a showstopper on any holiday table. The vibrant green color of the pistachios and the bright red cherries make it a festive and eye-catching dessert, and the flavors of pistachio and cherry are a match made in heaven.
10of 20
Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Here's another delicious fruit cake recipe that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices makes for a rich and flavorful cake that is perfect for the holiday season.
11of 20
Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This moist and nutty cake is studded with juicy cranberries, giving it a burst of tartness in every bite. The addition of almonds adds a lovely crunch and complements the cranberries perfectly. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent dessert.
12of 20
Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
This traditional plum cake recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many households during the holiday season. The rich and spicy cake is studded with dried fruits and nuts, making it a delicious and satisfying treat.
13of 20
Easy Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you're a beginner baker or just short on time, this easy Christmas cake recipe is perfect for you. It requires minimal ingredients and effort, but the end result is a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests.
14of 20
Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For those who prefer a more traditional Christmas cake, this recipe is a must-try. It's packed with dried fruits, candied cherries, and warm spices, and topped with a layer of marzipan and fondant icing. It's a true classic that will bring back memories of Christmases past.
Sugar cookies are a staple in many households during the holiday season, and for good reason. They're simple to make and can be decorated in so many fun and festive ways. This recipe will become your go-to for all your Christmas cookie needs.
16of 20
Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
These light and airy meringue cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. The addition of peppermint extract gives them a refreshing twist, and the red and white swirls make them look like little candy canes.
17of 20
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
If you're looking for a savory option to add to your Christmas spread, this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread is a must-try. It's fun, festive, and delicious, and will be a hit with both kids and adults.
18of 20
Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
Just because it's the holiday season doesn't mean you have to abandon your healthy eating habits. This recipe for a healthier Christmas cake uses whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and dried fruits for a guilt-free treat that still tastes amazing.
In Japan, Christmas cake is a popular dessert that is enjoyed on Christmas Eve. This light and fluffy sponge cake is filled with whipped cream and decorated with fresh strawberries, making it a beautiful and delicious addition to your holiday table.
20of 20
Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
These Italian fig cookies are a staple in many households during the holiday season. They are filled with a sweet and spicy fig filling and topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles. They're a great alternative to traditional Christmas cookies.
Ingredients
For the cake:
450g mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, sultanas, currants, and cranberries)
175g unsalted butter, softened
175g dark brown sugar
4 large eggs
175g self-raising flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp ground ginger
100g chopped almonds
50g mixed peel
2 tbsp brandy
For the icing:
300g icing sugar
1 egg white
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, soak the dried fruit in the brandy for at least an hour.
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking paper.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Sift in the flour and spices, and fold into the butter mixture until well combined.
Stir in the soaked fruit, chopped almonds, and mixed peel.
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the top with a spatula.
Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the icing, whisk together the icing sugar, egg white, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Spread the icing over the top of the cooled cake and decorate with dried fruits and nuts, if desired.
Allow the icing to set before serving.
Tips for a Perfect Christmas Cake
Soak the fruit in advance: Soaking the dried fruit in brandy or any other liquor helps to plump them up and infuse them with flavor.
Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth and even batter.
Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense and tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Check the cake for doneness: Every oven is different, so make sure to check the cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Let the cake cool completely before icing: Icing a warm cake can result in a runny and messy icing. Be patient and let the cake cool completely before adding the icing.
In Conclusion
This easy South African Christmas cake recipe is a perfect addition to your holiday menu. With its rich and fruity flavors, it is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So why not give it a try and add a touch of South African tradition to your Christmas celebrations this year.
