16 Good Housekeeping Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: May 2, 2024
The holiday season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious, homemade Christmas cake. While there are many versions of this classic dessert, we've got the ultimate traditional Christmas cake recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. Not only is it packed with rich and festive flavors , but it's also a professional and well-organized recipe that will guide you through every step of the process. So dust off your apron and get ready to create a mouth-watering masterpiece that will be the highlight of your holiday feast.
The holiday season is not complete without a delicious Christmas cake. This traditional dessert is a staple in many homes, with each family having their own unique recipe. Whether you prefer a classic fruitcake or a more modern twist, there's a Christmas cake recipe out there for everyone. Get ready to impress your friends and family with one of these top 20 beer can chicken recipes.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you're a fan of the tart and tangy flavor of cranberries, then this Christmas cake is for you. This recipe combines the sweetness of the cake with the tartness of cranberries for a delicious and festive dessert. The addition of orange zest adds a burst of citrus flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Bûche de Noël, this traditional French Christmas cake is a showstopper on any holiday table. This recipe takes the classic log-shaped cake and adds a festive twist with a chocolatey peppermint filling and a marzipan holly decoration. It may look complicated, but with these easy-to-follow steps, you'll have an impressive dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time or just want a no-fuss Christmas cake, this simple recipe is perfect for you. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a moist and flavorful cake that will satisfy your holiday cravings. This recipe uses eggnog to add a festive twist to the classic vanilla cake, and it's topped with a whipped cream frosting for a light and fluffy finish.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges with Christmas cakes is keeping them moist. But fear not, this recipe guarantees a moist and delicious cake every time. The secret ingredient? Applesauce. Not only does it add moisture, but it also adds a subtle apple flavor that pairs well with the warm holiday spices in the cake. Trust us, this will be your go-to recipe for years to come.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're looking to impress your guests with a unique and beautiful Christmas cake, look no further than this Pandoro Christmas tree cake. This Italian cake is shaped like a Christmas tree and is dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow. The inside is filled with layers of chocolate hazelnut spread and whipped cream, making it a decadent and indulgent dessert.
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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 - they're all the same thing! This classic holiday dessert is typically made with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. This recipe keeps it simple with a combination of raisins, cranberries, and almonds. The result is a dense and rich cake that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a cold winter day.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're looking for a non-traditional Christmas cake that still has all the festive flavors, this cranberry and lime cake is for you. The tartness of the fresh cranberries is balanced out by the sweetness of the cake and the brightness of the lime zest. Plus, the vibrant red color makes it a beautiful addition to any holiday table.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This unique Christmas cake combines the flavors of pistachio and cherry for a festive and flavorful dessert. The pistachio cake is studded with dried cherries and topped with a cherry glaze for a burst of fruity goodness in every bite. The green and red colors also make it a perfect addition to your Christmas spread.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Another take on the classic fruit cake, this recipe uses a mix of dates, figs, and apricots for a unique and flavorful twist. The fruit is soaked in brandy for added flavor and moisture, making this cake incredibly indulgent and perfect for the holiday season. Serve with a whiskey cream sauce for an extra special touch.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This Christmas cake is a marriage of two classic holiday flavors - cranberry and almond. The cake is made with almond flour for a nutty and moist texture, and it's studded with fresh cranberries for a burst of tartness. The cake is then topped with a cranberry glaze and sliced almonds for a beautiful and delicious finish.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
Plum cake, also known as plum pudding, is a traditional Christmas dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This recipe uses a mix of fresh and dried fruits for a rich and flavorful cake that is sure to please. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent holiday treat.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
Short on time but still want to make a delicious Christmas cake? This easy recipe has got you covered. With a box of yellow cake mix as the base, this recipe is quick and effortless. The addition of rum in the batter gives it a festive kick, and the fruit and nut topping adds a lovely crunch to every bite.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For those who like to stick to tradition, this classic Christmas cake recipe is a must-try. It's a dense and rich cake filled with raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel. The warm holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice make it the ultimate Christmas dessert. Serve with a cup of mulled wine for the full holiday experience.
No Christmas is complete without some festive sugar cookies. This recipe is perfect for making with kids or for a holiday cookie decorating party. The cookies are soft and buttery, and the royal icing adds a beautiful touch. Get creative with your cookie cutters and decorate with red and green sprinkles for the perfect Christmas treat.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
These meringue swirls are a fun and festive addition to any holiday dessert table. The crisp and airy meringue is flavored with peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a burst of minty flavor. The red and white swirls also make them a visually stunning treat. Serve them on their own or use them to decorate a Christmas cake.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
If you're looking for a savory Christmas treat, this pull-apart pizza bread is a must-try. The bread is shaped into a Christmas tree and filled with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. It's the perfect appetizer for a holiday party or a fun twist on a traditional pizza night.
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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 sacrifice your healthy eating habits. This recipe for a healthy Christmas cake is made with whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, and olive oil for a more nutritious and guilt-free dessert. The addition of cranberries and pistachios adds a festive touch.
In Japan, Christmas cake is a popular dessert that is enjoyed on Christmas Eve. This recipe uses a light and fluffy sponge cake as the base and is filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The cake is then topped with a layer of marzipan and white chocolate ganache for a beautiful and delicious finish.
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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 dough is made with almonds, orange zest, and white wine for a rich and flavorful base. The filling is made with a mix of figs, raisins, and honey, giving these cookies a sweet and fruity taste. Serve with a cup of espresso for the full Italian experience.
The holiday season calls for delicious and festive treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic Christmas cake? This traditional dessert is filled with warm spices, dried fruit, and a hint of alcohol, making it the perfect addition to any holiday spread.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
For a twist on the classic Christmas cake, try adding some tart and tangy cranberries to the mix. Not only will it add a pop of color to your dessert, but it also adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich cake.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Christmas log cake, this dessert is a staple in many holiday celebrations. Made to resemble a log, this cake is filled with layers of chocolate sponge cake and creamy frosting, making it a decadent and show-stopping dessert.
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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, a simple Christmas cake is the way to go. This recipe uses pre-made cake mix and only a few additional ingredients to create a delicious and hassle-free dessert.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the most important aspects of a good Christmas cake is its moisture. No one wants a dry and crumbly cake, so be sure to follow a recipe that includes plenty of moistening agents like butter and fruit juices.
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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 round cake, why not switch things up with a unique and festive Pandoro Christmas tree cake? This Italian dessert is made with a sweet, buttery bread and topped with powdered sugar, making it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
There are many variations of Christmas cake, and one of the most popular is the fruit cake. This dense and rich cake is filled with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, making it a flavorful and filling dessert option.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
For a refreshing and zesty twist on the traditional Christmas cake, try adding some cranberry and lime to the mix. The tartness of the cranberries and the tang of the lime will add a bright and festive flavor to your dessert.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
If you're a fan of pistachio and cherry flavors, then this Christmas cake is a must-try. The combination of these two ingredients creates a unique and delicious flavor that will have your guests coming back for more.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Another variation of the fruit cake is the Christmas cake or plum cake. This rich and flavorful dessert is filled with plump and juicy dried plums, making it a delicious and festive option for the holiday season.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, this cranberry almond Christmas cake is the perfect choice. Made with almond flour and filled with tart and juicy cranberries, this cake is a delicious and allergy-friendly dessert.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
Plum cake is a popular dessert during the holiday season, and for a good reason. This rich and flavorful cake is filled with plump and juicy plums, creating a burst of sweetness in every bite.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
Don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This easy Christmas cake recipe is perfect for you. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, you can whip up a delicious and festive dessert in no time.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For a traditional Christmas cake that will never go out of style, try this classic recipe. Filled with warm spices, dried fruit, and a hint of brandy, this cake is a timeless and delicious treat.
No holiday celebration is complete without some delicious sugar cookies. Use festive cookie cutters and decorate with colorful icing and sprinkles for a fun and tasty holiday treat.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
For a light and airy dessert, try these Christmas peppermint meringue swirls. The crisp and delicate meringue combined with the refreshing peppermint flavor makes for a perfect after-dinner treat.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
Looking for a savory option for your holiday spread? This Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread is a fun and delicious twist on the traditional pizza. It's also a great option for a quick and easy appetizer.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
If you're trying to stick to a healthy diet during the holidays, this healthy Christmas cake recipe is a great choice. Made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and fresh fruit, this dessert is a guilt-free indulgence.
In Japan, Christmas cake is a popular dessert, and it's not your traditional fruit cake. This Japanese version is made with light and fluffy sponge cake and filled with whipped cream and strawberries, making it a light and refreshing option for the holiday season.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
For a unique and delicious Christmas cookie option, try these Cucidati Italian fig cookies. These crunchy and sweet cookies are filled with figs and nuts and are a beloved dessert in many Italian households during the holidays.
Ingredients You Will Need
1. Dried Fruits
To start off, you'll need a mix of dried fruits including raisins, currants, and mixed peel. These fruits not only add a burst of flavor but also give the cake a moist and chewy texture. Soaked in brandy or rum, these fruits will also add a subtle boozy kick to the cake.
2. Spices
No traditional Christmas cake is complete without a blend of warm spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice add a depth of flavor and aroma that is synonymous with the holiday season. Make sure to use freshly ground spices for the best results.
3. Flour and Butter
A good Christmas cake needs a sturdy base, and that's where flour and butter come in. Use a mix of all-purpose and almond flour for a light and tender crumb, and don't skimp on the butter as it adds richness and moisture to the cake.
4. Eggs
Eggs are the binding agent in this traditional Christmas cake recipe. They not only hold the ingredients together but also add structure and richness to the cake. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation into the batter.
5. Sugar and Molasses
For sweetness and depth of flavor, we use a combination of sugar and molasses. The molasses adds a deep, caramel-like flavor while the sugar helps to balance out the sweetness. Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
The Baking Process
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start baking. The key to a successful traditional Christmas cake is to take your time and follow the recipe carefully. It's a long and slow process, but the end result is definitely worth it. Make sure to grease and line your cake tin properly to prevent the cake from sticking.
1. Soak the Fruits
Start by soaking the dried fruits in brandy or rum for at least 24 hours. This will plump up the fruits and infuse them with flavor.
2. Make the Batter
Next, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the eggs and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together the flours and spices and fold them into the butter mixture. Finally, add in the soaked fruits and mix until well combined.
3. Bake and Decorate
Pour the batter into your prepared tin and bake at 300°F for about 3-4 hours or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before decorating with marzipan and fondant, and top with your choice of nuts, dried fruits, and spices.
In Conclusion
This traditional Christmas cake recipe is a must-try for any holiday celebration. The flavors and textures are perfectly balanced, and the end result is a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for your festive table. So gather your loved ones and enjoy this timeless and indulgent holiday treat. Happy baking!
