20+ Great British Baking Show Christmas Cake Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 21, 2024
The Great British Baking Show is a beloved television series that showcases the talent and creativity of amateur bakers from all over the UK. With its charming hosts, mouth-watering challenges, and heartwarming moments, it has captured the hearts and taste buds of viewers worldwide. And with the holiday season just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with a festive Christmas cake inspired by the show? In this article, we will be sharing the recipe for the Great British Baking Show Christmas cake, so you can impress your friends and family with your baking skills and spread some holiday cheer.
This classic holiday dessert is a staple in British households during Christmas time. It's a rich and dense fruit cake that is typically soaked in alcohol and covered in marzipan and royal icing. While it may take some time to make, the end result is well worth the effort. The combination of dried fruits, spices, and brandy make for a delicious and festive treat that is sure to impress your guests.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule log, or bûche de Noël, is a traditional French dessert that has become popular in many countries around the world. This festive cake is shaped to look like a log, and is typically made of a rolled sponge cake filled with cream or buttercream and covered in chocolate frosting. The finishing touch is often a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic snow. It's a beautiful and delicious addition to any Christmas celebration.
3of 20
Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the keys to a great Christmas cake is ensuring that it stays moist and doesn't dry out. This can be achieved by soaking the dried fruits in a mixture of alcohol and fruit juice before baking. This not only adds flavor, but also helps keep the cake moist. Another tip is to wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. This will help the cake retain its moisture and stay fresh for longer.
Christmas cake is a broad term that encompasses many different variations of the traditional holiday dessert. Some people may prefer a light and fluffy sponge cake, while others may prefer a rich and dense fruit cake. No matter the style, one thing is for sure - Christmas cake is a must-have for any holiday gathering. It's a delicious way to indulge in the festive spirit and enjoy the flavors of the season.
Who says Christmas treats have to be limited to cake and fruit? These Christmas chocolate chip cookies are a fun and delicious twist on a classic dessert. The addition of red and green M&M's or sprinkles make them the perfect festive treat. Plus, they're a great option for those who may not be a fan of traditional Christmas cake. These cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
6of 20
Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Canela, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
Cranberries are a staple in many holiday dishes, and this cranberry Christmas cake is no exception. The tart and tangy flavor of cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake and adds a beautiful pop of color to the dessert. Whether you use fresh or dried cranberries, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a welcome addition to any Christmas feast.
7of 20
Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
This simple Christmas cake is perfect for those who may not have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen during the busy holiday season. It's a basic fruit cake recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite dried fruits and nuts. Plus, it only requires a few ingredients and minimal prep time. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy a traditional Christmas treat without all the fuss.
8of 20
Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
This unique twist on a classic Christmas cake adds a refreshing burst of flavor with the addition of lime. The tangy citrus pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries and adds a bright pop of color to the cake. It's a great option for those who want to mix things up and try something new this holiday season.
9of 20
Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
Pistachios and cherries are a delicious and festive combination that make for a beautiful and tasty Christmas cake. The bright green and red colors add to the holiday spirit, and the flavors complement each other perfectly. This cake is a great option for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their holiday dessert spread.
10of 20
Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
These terms may all refer to the same thing, but there are subtle differences in the types of cakes that fall under these categories. Fruit cake is a broad term that can refer to any cake that contains dried fruits. Christmas cake is specifically associated with the holiday season and often includes spices and alcohol. Plum cake is a type of fruit cake that contains a high proportion of plums. No matter the name, these cakes are all delicious and perfect for the Christmas season.
11of 20
Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This cake is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and crunchy almonds. The addition of almond extract in the batter gives it a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberries. This cake is a great option for those who want to add a bit of texture and depth to their traditional Christmas cake.
12of 20
Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
As mentioned before, plum cake is a type of fruit cake that contains a high proportion of plums. This gives the cake a rich and fruity flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. It's a traditional Christmas cake in many countries, including Germany and Italy. The addition of spices and sometimes alcohol make it a perfect treat for the cold winter months.
13of 20
Easy Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
Don't have a lot of baking experience? No problem! This easy Christmas cake recipe is perfect for beginners. It uses simple ingredients and doesn't require any fancy techniques. Plus, it still delivers on flavor and will impress your guests. Don't be intimidated by the idea of making a Christmas cake - this recipe makes it easy and approachable for everyone.
14of 20
Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, Mandarin Oranges, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Water
Yes, we have two easy Christmas cake recipes because we know how important it is to have options during the busy holiday season. This second recipe is just as simple as the first, but with a slightly different flavor profile. It uses a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices for a delicious and festive cake that is sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.
15of 20
Norwegian Wedding or Christmas Cake '
Main Ingredients: Almond Meal, Powdered Sugar, Egg Whites, Vanilla
This traditional Norwegian cake is a popular choice for not only weddings but also Christmas celebrations. It's a dense and rich fruit cake that is typically soaked in brandy and covered in marzipan and royal icing. The addition of almonds and cardamom give it a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Don't let the name fool you - this "crack" is a delicious and addictive Christmas treat that is perfect for snacking on throughout the holiday season. It's made with a base of crackers, covered in a caramel sauce, and topped with chocolate and nuts. It's a fun and easy recipe that is great for making with kids or as a last-minute addition to your Christmas dessert spread.
17of 20
Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Water, Lemon Juice, Granulated Sugar, Corn Starch
Cherries are a popular fruit during the holiday season, and this cherry Christmas cake is a delicious way to incorporate them into your dessert. The sweet and tangy flavor of the cherries pairs perfectly with the rich and dense cake. Plus, the bright red color adds a festive touch to the dessert. It's a great option for those who want to try something new and different this Christmas.
18of 20
Eggless Christmas cake | Plum cake | Fruit cake
Main Ingredients: Dates, Raisins, Yellow Raisins, Dried Cranberries
For those who may have dietary restrictions or simply prefer not to eat eggs, this eggless Christmas cake is a great option. It's a delicious and festive cake that doesn't require any eggs in the batter. The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices make for a flavorful and satisfying dessert that everyone can enjoy.
19of 20
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies
Main Ingredients: Fudge Brownie Mix, Frosting, M M
If you're looking for a fun and creative Christmas dessert, these Christmas tree brownies are the perfect choice. They're easy to make and require minimal decorating skills. Simply bake a batch of brownies, cut them into triangles, and decorate with green frosting and sprinkles to create a mini Christmas tree. It's a great activity for kids and a tasty treat for everyone.
20of 20
Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
Last but certainly not least, we have the classic Christmas cake. This is the traditional recipe that has been passed down for generations and is a must-have for any Christmas celebration. It's a rich and dense fruit cake that is typically soaked in alcohol and covered in marzipan and royal icing. It may take some time and effort to make, but the end result is a delicious and festive dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends.
The Classic Christmas Cake Recipe
The Ingredients
To make the perfect Christmas cake, you will need:
Butter - 175g, softened
Dark brown sugar - 175g
Eggs - 3 large, beaten
Flour - 175g, self-raising
Mixed dried fruit - 500g (a mix of raisins, currants, sultanas, and cranberries)
Candied peel - 50g, chopped
Cherries - 50g, chopped
Almonds - 50g, chopped
Lemon zest - 1 lemon, grated
Orange zest - 1 orange, grated
Nutmeg - 1 tsp, grated
Cinnamon - 1 tsp
Brandy - 2 tbsp
The Method
1. Soak the fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, candied peel, cherries, almonds, lemon zest, orange zest, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brandy. Mix well and let it soak for at least an hour or overnight.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 150 degrees Celsius.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs: Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
5. Combine the flour and fruit: Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl with the soaked fruit and mix until well combined.
6. Mix everything together: Gradually add the flour and fruit mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
7. Prepare the cake tin: Line a 20cm round cake tin with baking paper and pour the cake mixture into it. Smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake the cake: Bake the Christmas cake for 2 and a half to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and decorate: Let the cake cool completely before decorating it with your choice of marzipan, royal icing, or fondant. You can also add festive decorations like holly leaves, berries, or snowflakes.
Pro Tips:
If you don't have brandy, you can use orange juice instead.
For a richer and more indulgent cake, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the fruit mixture.
To make the cake more moist, you can brush it with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water.
The Christmas cake tastes best when you let it mature for a few days before serving. Wrap it in foil or cling wrap and store it in a cool, dry place.
Now that you have the recipe for the Great British Baking Show Christmas cake, it's time to put on your apron, turn on the oven, and get baking! This delicious and festive cake will surely be a hit at any holiday gathering and will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, channel your inner Paul Hollywood or Mary Berry and let your baking skills shine this Christmas. Happy baking!