Christmas is a time for celebration and indulgence, but it can also be a challenge for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With all the sugary treats and decadent desserts, it can be difficult to find a balance. However, that doesn't mean you have to completely give up on your favorite holiday treats. With this low sugar Christmas cake recipe, you can enjoy a guilt-free slice of cake without compromising on taste.
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in some delicious baking, and what better way to celebrate than with a mouth-watering Christmas cake? Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or something a little more unique, we have compiled a list of the top 20 Christmas cake recipes for you to try this holiday season.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
This festive cake is bursting with the flavors of the season – tart cranberries, warm spices, and a hint of orange. The combination of sweet and tangy is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, the beautiful red color makes it a perfect addition to your holiday table.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
Don't stress about breakfast on Christmas morning – this make-ahead casserole has got you covered. Layers of bread, ham, cheese, and a savory egg custard make for a hearty and delicious start to the day. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite breakfast meats and veggies.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
A Yule log, also known as a Bûche de Noël, is a classic Christmas dessert that originated in France. This recipe takes the traditional chocolate cake and transforms it into a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table. The rich chocolate cake is rolled with a creamy chocolate filling and then decorated to look like a log.
Not all Christmas dishes have to be heavy and indulgent – this salad is a refreshing and light option for your holiday spread. Packed with seasonal ingredients like pomegranate, pecans, and feta cheese, this salad is full of festive flavors and colors.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're looking for a no-fuss option, this simple Christmas cake is the perfect choice. It's moist, flavorful, and can be made with just a handful of common ingredients. Plus, it's easy to decorate with your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Frozen
Similar to the Christmas Morning Wife Saver, this breakfast casserole is a great way to feed a crowd without spending your morning in the kitchen. This version includes layers of eggs, sausage, potatoes, and cheese, but you can add in your own favorite breakfast ingredients like bacon, veggies, or different types of cheese.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
If you've ever had a dry, crumbly Christmas cake, you know how disappointing it can be. But fear not – this recipe guarantees a moist and flavorful cake every time. The secret? A generous amount of applesauce, which adds moisture and a subtle hint of apple flavor.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a star and dusted with powdered sugar. This recipe takes it to the next level by turning it into a festive Christmas tree. The cake itself is light and fluffy, with a hint of vanilla, and the tree shape is achieved by simply cutting and stacking the slices.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart
Main Ingredients: Pizza Crust, Cream Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Forget gingerbread houses – this Christmas, try making a pull-apart bread Christmas tree instead. This recipe uses store-bought pizza dough and is stuffed with cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. Not only is it delicious, but it also makes for a fun and interactive appetizer for your holiday party.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Fruit cake, plum cake, and Christmas cake are all names for the same type of cake – a rich, dense cake packed with dried fruits and nuts. This recipe includes traditional ingredients like raisins, currants, and candied cherries, but you can also add your own twist with different types of dried fruits or nuts.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
This twist on a classic Christmas cake adds a bit of zing with the addition of fresh lime juice and zest. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, and the lime adds a refreshing pop of flavor. It's a great option for those who want something a little different from the traditional fruit cake.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This Christmas cake is not only delicious but also stunning to look at. The bright green pistachios and vibrant red cherries give it a festive pop of color, and the combination of flavors is truly irresistible. Plus, the addition of almond extract adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Here's another recipe for a classic fruit cake, but this one includes a few different variations for you to choose from. You can make a traditional dark fruit cake, a lighter white fruit cake, or a boozy rum fruit cake. Whichever you choose, you're sure to end up with a delicious and festive treat.
Similar to the other breakfast casseroles on this list, this one is made the night before and then baked in the morning. But what sets this one apart is the addition of French toast – a perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday breakfast. Plus, the combination of sausage, eggs, and bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This cake is both beautiful and delicious, making it a great option for your holiday dessert table. The cranberries add a pop of color and tartness, while the almond extract adds a subtle nuttiness. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress your guests.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
If you're a traditionalist, you can't go wrong with this classic Christmas cake recipe. It includes all the usual suspects – dried fruits, spices, and a touch of brandy – and is finished off with a layer of marzipan and fondant for a beautiful and festive look.
No Christmas is complete without some festive cookies, and these sugar cookies are a must-try. Not only are they delicious, but they're also easy to customize with different shapes and decorations. Plus, they make for a fun and tasty activity for the whole family.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert spread, try these peppermint meringue swirls. The crisp and airy meringue is flavored with peppermint extract and then swirled with red food coloring for a beautiful candy cane effect. They're light and refreshing, making them the perfect after-dinner treat.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
Here's another take on the pull-apart bread Christmas tree, but this time with a pizza twist. This recipe uses homemade pizza dough and is stuffed with mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. It's a great option for a casual Christmas dinner or a fun appetizer for your holiday party.
These are the top 20 Beer Can Chicken recipes that you need to try this Christmas. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert or a simple yet delicious breakfast, there's something on this list for everyone. So get your apron on and start baking – your taste buds will thank you.
Why Choose a Low Sugar Christmas Cake?
When it comes to traditional Christmas cakes, they are usually loaded with sugar, making them high in calories and not the healthiest option for those watching their sugar intake. But with a few simple substitutions and adjustments, you can create a delicious Christmas cake that is lower in sugar, but still just as festive and satisfying.
Reduced Sugar, Not Reduced Flavor
Reducing the amount of sugar in a Christmas cake does not mean sacrificing flavor. In fact, this low sugar Christmas cake recipe is packed with delicious and festive ingredients that will still satisfy your sweet tooth. With the use of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, as well as dried fruits such as dates or raisins, you can achieve the same level of sweetness without the added refined sugar.
Healthier Ingredients, Same Festive Feel
Not only is this low sugar Christmas cake recipe lower in sugar, but it also incorporates healthier ingredients. Instead of using traditional white flour, this recipe calls for whole wheat flour, which is higher in fiber and nutrients. Additionally, ingredients like nuts and seeds add a boost of healthy fats and protein, making this cake a more well-rounded and nutritious option.
A Guilt-Free Holiday Treat
Indulging during the holidays doesn't have to come with feelings of guilt. By choosing a low sugar Christmas cake, you can enjoy a delicious dessert without worrying about the negative effects of excessive sugar consumption. This cake is also a great option for those with dietary restrictions, as it can easily be made gluten-free and dairy-free.
Incorporating a Low Sugar Christmas Cake into Your Holiday Menu
Adding a low sugar Christmas cake to your holiday menu is a great way to balance out the more indulgent dishes typically served during this time of year. Whether you're hosting a party or simply looking for a healthier dessert option for your family, this cake is sure to be a hit. Plus, with its festive appearance and delicious flavor, no one will even notice that it's lower in sugar.
Try This Recipe for Yourself
Ready to give this low sugar Christmas cake a try? Follow the recipe below for a healthier and guilt-free holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup chopped mixed nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds)
- 1 cup chopped dried fruits (such as dates, raisins, and cranberries)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and eggs.
4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
5. Fold in the chopped nuts and seeds, dried fruits, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and enjoy your guilt-free, low sugar Christmas cake!
In conclusion, with this low sugar Christmas cake recipe, you can have your cake and eat it too. By making a few simple substitutions, you can create a healthier and more nutritious version of this beloved holiday treat. So this holiday season, indulge in a slice of this delicious cake without worrying about the negative effects of excessive sugar consumption.
