19+ Heart Healthy Christmas Cake Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Christmas is a time for indulgence, but it doesn't have to mean sacrificing your heart health. With a few simple swaps and additions, you can enjoy a delicious and heart-healthy Christmas cake that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your wellbeing. This recipe is not only heart-healthy, but also easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.
Nothing says Christmas quite like a delicious, homemade Christmas cake. The perfect combination of rich, fruity flavors and warm holiday spices, this cake is a staple for many families during the holiday season. Whether you prefer a traditional fruitcake or a modern twist on the classic, we've gathered the top 20 Christmas cake recipes for you to try.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
Add a festive touch to your Christmas cake with the addition of tart and juicy cranberries. This recipe combines the classic flavors of a Christmas cake with the tangy sweetness of cranberries, making it the perfect dessert for your holiday gatherings. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Christmas log cake, this traditional French dessert is a must-have for any holiday celebration. Made with a light sponge cake, rolled into a log shape, and filled with chocolate buttercream, this cake is then decorated to look like a festive yule log. It's a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests.
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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 enjoy a delicious Christmas cake, this simple recipe is perfect for you. Made with store-bought vanilla cake mix and fruitcake mix, this cake is easy to make but still has all the flavors of a traditional Christmas cake. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite holiday spices and decorations.
Not all Christmas cakes have to be sweet. This creative appetizer is made with layers of pesto, cream cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, shaped into a festive Christmas tree. Serve it with crackers or bread for a savory addition to your holiday spread.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
The key to a delicious Christmas cake is keeping it moist. This recipe uses apple juice and brandy to keep the cake moist and flavorful. It's also packed with raisins, cherries, and spices, creating a rich and decadent cake that is perfect for the holidays.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're looking for a unique and impressive Christmas cake, try this Italian-inspired Pandoro Christmas tree cake. Made with a buttery, eggy cake, this dessert is shaped into a Christmas tree and decorated with powdered sugar and raspberry jam. It's a delicious and festive addition to any holiday table.
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Christmas Wreath Veggie Platter Appetizer Tray
Main Ingredients: Broccoli Florets, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Rosemary
Another savory option for your holiday spread, this Christmas wreath veggie platter is not only delicious but also adds a pop of color to your table. Made with bell peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower, this appetizer is not only healthy but also easy to make. Serve it with a creamy dip for extra flavor.
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Christmas Eve Guacamole
Main Ingredients: Haas Avocados, Lime Juice, Green Onion, Diced Green
Add a Mexican twist to your Christmas spread with this festive guacamole. Made with avocados, tomatoes, and lime juice, this dip is not only delicious but also healthy. Serve it with tortilla chips for a fun and festive appetizer.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Another traditional Christmas cake, this fruit cake recipe is packed with plums, dates, figs, and nuts, making it a rich and flavorful dessert. Soaked in rum and brandy, this cake is perfect for those who love a boozy holiday treat.
If you want to add a little extra holiday flavor to any of your Christmas recipes, try making your own Christmas spice blend. Made with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger, this blend is the perfect addition to any Christmas cake, cookie, or hot drink.
Add a fun and festive touch to your Christmas tree with these edible gingerbread man ornaments. Made with gingerbread cookie dough, these ornaments are not only delicious but also make for a fun holiday activity for the whole family. Decorate them with icing and candy for a colorful and tasty decoration.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're looking for a twist on the traditional fruitcake, try this cranberry and lime Christmas cake. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the lime, creating a refreshing and unique holiday dessert. Serve it with a cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This colorful and flavorful Christmas cake is made with pistachios, cherries, and almonds, creating a delicious and visually stunning dessert. The crunch of the nuts and the sweetness of the cherries make this cake a must-try for the holiday season.
If you're looking for a way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving stuffing, try making these stuffing muffins. Simply add eggs and broth to your stuffing, bake them in a muffin tin, and you have a delicious and portable side dish for your Christmas dinner. Add some cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
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Simple Ceviche
Main Ingredients: Red Snapper Fillets, Finely Chopped Red Onion, Freshly
If you're looking for a light and refreshing appetizer for your holiday party, try this simple ceviche recipe. Made with shrimp and citrus juices, this dish is easy to make but still packs a punch of flavor. Serve it with tortilla chips for a festive and tasty appetizer.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For those who prefer a more traditional Christmas cake, this recipe won't disappoint. Made with rum-soaked fruit, spices, and almonds, this cake is rich and flavorful. Decorate it with a marzipan and royal icing for a classic and beautiful Christmas dessert.
No Christmas celebration is complete without some festive sugar cookies. This recipe is simple and easy to make, but the end result is a batch of delicious and colorful cookies that are perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. Get the whole family involved in making these tasty treats.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
Add a touch of holiday cheer to your dessert table with these peppermint meringue swirls. Made with egg whites, sugar, and peppermint extract, these light and airy cookies are perfect for the holiday season. Sprinkle them with some crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
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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 unique and fun appetizer for your holiday party, try this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread. Made with pizza dough, pesto, and cheese, this festive bread is not only delicious but also a fun and interactive dish. Have your guests pull apart the pieces to reveal the Christmas tree shape inside.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients, except for the carrots, walnuts, and cranberries.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy your heart-healthy Christmas cake!
Why It's Heart-Healthy
This Christmas cake recipe is heart-healthy for several reasons. Firstly, it uses whole wheat flour and almond flour instead of refined white flour, providing more fiber and nutrients. It also incorporates unsweetened applesauce and honey as natural sweeteners, rather than processed sugars. Additionally, the inclusion of carrots, walnuts, and dried cranberries adds extra vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. These ingredients not only make the cake more nutritious, but also give it a delicious and festive flavor.
Other Tips for a Heart-Healthy Christmas
In addition to this delicious Christmas cake, there are other ways to keep your heart health in check during the holiday season. Here are a few tips:
Keep active by taking walks, doing outdoor activities, or participating in winter sports.
Choose lean protein sources, such as turkey or fish, for your holiday meals.
Opt for whole grain options, like brown rice or whole wheat bread, instead of refined grains.
Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals and snacks.
Limit your intake of high-fat and high-sugar treats.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Incorporating these tips, along with enjoying this heart-healthy Christmas cake, can help you maintain a healthy heart during the holiday season. So go ahead and indulge in some festive treats, while still taking care of your heart. Happy holidays!
