17+ English Dark Christmas Cake Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
English dark Christmas cake is a traditional holiday treat that has been enjoyed by families and friends for centuries. This rich and decadent cake is packed with dried fruits, spices, and alcohol, making it the perfect dessert to indulge in during the festive season. Whether you are new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress and become a staple in your holiday celebrations. So, let's dive into the world of English dark Christmas cake and learn how to make this delicious treat!
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
Christmas pudding, also known as plum pudding, is a traditional British dessert that is often served during the holiday season. It is a rich and dense pudding made with dried fruits, spices, and brandy. It is typically steamed or boiled and then served with a warm brandy sauce. The origins of Christmas pudding date back to medieval England, and it has been a staple in British Christmas celebrations ever since.
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English Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruitcake, Raisins, Dried Currants, Mixed Peel, Dried
Similar to Christmas pudding, Christmas cake is a popular dessert in England during the holiday season. It is a rich fruit cake that is often topped with marzipan and icing. The cake is typically made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is often soaked in brandy or rum to enhance the flavors. It is a beloved tradition in England to bake and decorate a Christmas cake in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
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English Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Baking Powder, Salt
While many countries have their own version of Christmas pudding, the English version is considered to be the most traditional. It is often served as the grand finale of a Christmas feast, and is usually accompanied by a flaming brandy pour. The pudding is typically made with a mixture of dried fruits, breadcrumbs, suet, and spices, and is steamed for several hours before being served.
Figgy pudding, also known as plum pudding, is a type of Christmas pudding that is made with figs, instead of other dried fruits. It is a popular dessert in England, and is often served with a warm brandy sauce. The name "figgy pudding" comes from the use of figs in the recipe, and it has been a part of English Christmas traditions for centuries.
English toffee, also known as buttercrunch toffee, is a crunchy and buttery confection that is a favorite during the holiday season. It is made with butter, sugar, and almonds, and is often topped with chocolate and more nuts. While it is enjoyed year-round, it is especially popular during Christmas in England, and is often given as a gift or served at holiday parties.
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The Hirshon Old English Apple Christmas Drink –...
Main Ingredients: Ale, Mead, Apples, Calvados, Grains Of Paradise
The Hirshon Old English Apple Christmas Drink, also known as wassail, is a warm and spiced drink that is often served during Christmas in England. It is made with apple cider, spices, and sometimes alcohol, and is often served with toasted bread or cake. The drink is believed to have originated in medieval England, and is still a beloved tradition during the holiday season.
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English Gingerbread Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Golden Syrup, Dark Brown Sugar, Orange
Gingerbread cake is a popular dessert in England, especially during Christmas time. It is a rich and spicy cake that is made with molasses, ginger, and other warm spices. It is often decorated with icing and festive candies, making it a favorite among children during the holiday season. Gingerbread cake can also be made into smaller treats, such as cookies or mini loaves, for easier sharing and gifting.
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English Plum Pudding
Main Ingredients: Fresh Breadcrumbs, Raisins, Golden Raisins, Currants
Another name for Christmas pudding, English plum pudding is a dense and flavorful dessert that is steeped in Christmas tradition. It is typically made with a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and prunes, as well as spices and brandy. It is a labor-intensive dish, as it is usually steamed for several hours before being served, but the effort is well worth it for a taste of this beloved holiday dessert.
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Orange Cranberry Scones
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Kosher Salt
Scones are a popular breakfast and teatime treat in England, and during the holiday season, they can be given a festive twist with the addition of orange and cranberry. These scones are light and flaky, with a burst of tangy cranberry and citrusy orange flavors in every bite. They are perfect for a Christmas morning breakfast or as an accompaniment to a warm cup of tea during a cozy holiday gathering.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
British Christmas pudding is a term that is often used to refer to Christmas pudding in general, but it can also specifically refer to the version of the pudding that is popular in Scotland and Northern England. This version is often made with Scottish whisky and is served with a warm custard or cream sauce. It is a hearty and indulgent dessert that is perfect for a cold winter's night.
Main Ingredients: Vanilla Ice Cream, Christmas Pudding, Brandy
If you have leftover Christmas pudding, or just want to try a unique twist on the traditional dessert, consider making an ice cream Christmas pudding. This delicious treat involves mixing crumbled Christmas pudding with vanilla ice cream, and then refreezing it into a festive and creamy dessert. It's a great way to use up any extra pudding and enjoy a cool and refreshing version of a classic Christmas dessert.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
Cranberry Christmas cake is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. It is made with a moist and flavorful cake batter, and then topped with a tangy and sweet cranberry sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a delightful treat that is sure to impress your guests at any Christmas gathering.
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Wassail Sangria
Main Ingredients: Orange Juice, Cinnamon Sticks, Fresh Ginger, Vanilla
A modern twist on the traditional wassail drink, wassail sangria is a refreshing and festive cocktail that is perfect for Christmas parties. It is made with red wine, apple cider, brandy, and a variety of fruits and spices, making for a flavorful and boozy drink that is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
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Cranberry Scones
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder
Cranberry scones are a delicious and easy treat to make during the holiday season. They are similar to traditional scones, but with the addition of tangy cranberries for a festive twist. These scones are perfect for a quick breakfast or as an afternoon snack with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
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Easy Christmas Trifle
Main Ingredients: Red Velvet Cake Mix, Jell O Vanilla Instant Pudding
Trifle is a classic British dessert that is popular all year round, but during the holiday season, it can be given a festive upgrade with the addition of Christmas flavors. This easy Christmas trifle is made with layers of sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream, and can be customized with your favorite holiday flavors, such as cranberry, orange, or peppermint.
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Cranberry Orange Scones
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Butter
Similar to cranberry scones, these cranberry orange scones add an extra burst of citrusy flavor to the classic treat. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange makes for a delicious and festive scone that is perfect for the holiday season. Serve them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting breakfast or snack.
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Easy Steamed Christmas Plum Pudding
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Finely Grated Orange Zest, Orange
If you love the tradition of Christmas pudding but don't have the time to make the labor-intensive version, try this easy steamed Christmas plum pudding recipe. It uses a simplified method of steaming the pudding in a slow cooker, making it much easier and quicker to make. It still has all the delicious flavors of a traditional Christmas pudding, but with less effort.
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World's Most Scrumptious English Toffee With Milk...
Main Ingredients: Chopped Pecans, Butter, Sugar, Light Corn Syrup, Water
If you have a sweet tooth, you won't be able to resist this irresistible English toffee recipe. It is made with a rich and buttery toffee base, and then topped with a layer of smooth milk chocolate and chopped nuts. It's a great treat to make and share with friends and family during the holiday season, and it's sure to become a new Christmas tradition in your household.
Christmas scones are a fun and festive twist on traditional scones that are perfect for the holiday season. They are made with a basic scone dough, but with the addition of dried cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices. They are great for a quick and easy breakfast or as a snack during a Christmas movie marathon.
If you're looking for a non-alcoholic holiday beverage to serve at your Christmas gathering, try this English Christmas punch recipe. It is made with cranberry juice, orange juice, ginger ale, and a variety of warm spices, making for a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for all ages. It's a great way to add some Christmas cheer to your holiday party.
Ingredients for the Perfect English Dark Christmas Cake
Fruit Mixture
The fruit mixture is the heart and soul of a traditional English dark Christmas cake. It is a combination of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and candied peel, that have been soaked in a generous amount of brandy or rum. This not only adds a boozy kick to the cake but also keeps it moist and full of flavor. The fruit mixture should be prepared a few days in advance to allow the fruits to plump up and soak in all the deliciousness.
Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients for an English dark Christmas cake are quite simple and include flour, brown sugar, and a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These spices not only add a festive flavor but also give the cake its characteristic dark color.
Wet Ingredients
To bind everything together, you will need butter, eggs, and molasses. The molasses not only adds a rich flavor but also helps in achieving that dark color of the cake.
Decorations
The final touch to an English dark Christmas cake is the decorations. You can keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or go all out with marzipan and royal icing. Traditional decorations also include candied fruits, almonds, and edible gold or silver leaf.
Baking the Perfect English Dark Christmas Cake
Once you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to start baking! The key to a successful English dark Christmas cake is to bake it low and slow. This means baking it at a low temperature for a longer period of time. This ensures that the cake is evenly cooked and doesn't dry out.
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the eggs, one at a time, and mix well. Then, fold in the flour and spices until well combined.
Next, add in the prepared fruit mixture and molasses, and mix until everything is evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate it with your desired toppings and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.
In Conclusion
There you have it, a simple yet delicious recipe for the perfect English dark Christmas cake. This festive treat is sure to be a hit with your family and friends, and will definitely add a touch of tradition to your holiday celebrations. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out for you! Happy baking and happy holidays!
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