16+ Nigel Slater Large Christmas Cake Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
If you're looking to impress your loved ones with a show-stopping dessert this holiday season, look no further than Nigel Slater's large Christmas cake recipe. This traditional fruitcake has been a staple in British households for centuries, and with Slater's expert touch, it's sure to be the star of your Christmas feast. Follow along as we dive into the details of this delectable recipe and discover the secrets to creating a rich, moist, and flavorful Christmas cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious food? One classic holiday treat that is always a hit is Christmas cake. This rich and moist dessert is packed with festive flavors and is a must-have at any Christmas gathering. While there are many variations of this traditional cake, here are 20 of the best Christmas cake recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family.
2of 20
Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you love the tangy and sweet combination of cranberries, then this is the perfect Christmas cake for you. This recipe uses fresh cranberries and orange zest to give the cake a burst of flavor. The addition of almonds adds a nice crunch to the cake, making it a festive and delicious dessert.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Bûche de Noël, this classic French dessert is a showstopper at any Christmas dinner. The cake is decorated to resemble a log, and the flavors are reminiscent of a Christmas forest. This recipe uses chocolate, coffee, and chestnuts to create a rich and indulgent cake that will leave you wanting more.
4of 20
Grilled Mustard And Herb Chicken [Nigel Slater Project...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Fresh Tarragon, Chopped
Not a fan of traditional Christmas cake? This grilled chicken recipe is a delicious alternative that will still bring holiday cheer to your table. The combination of mustard and herbs gives the chicken a festive touch, and it can easily be paired with your favorite side dishes for a complete holiday meal.
5of 20
Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time but still want to make a delicious Christmas cake, this simple recipe is for you. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests. This recipe uses brandy and mixed fruits to give the cake a boozy and fruity taste.
6of 20
Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One common complaint about Christmas cake is that it can be dry. But not with this recipe! This moist Christmas cake is perfect for those who love a dense and rich cake. The secret ingredient in this recipe is apple butter, which adds moisture and a hint of sweetness to the cake.
7of 20
Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you want to add an Italian touch to your Christmas celebrations, try this Pandoro Christmas tree cake. Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a tree and dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow. This recipe uses orange zest and raisins to give the cake a festive and delicious flavor.
8of 20
Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
In many countries, fruit cake is synonymous with Christmas cake. This recipe is a classic fruit cake that is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The cake is soaked in brandy for several days, making it extra moist and flavorful. This cake is perfect for those who love a traditional and boozy Christmas dessert.
9of 20
Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
For a twist on the classic cranberry cake, try this cranberry and lime version. The tartness of the cranberries is balanced by the tanginess of the lime, making this cake a refreshing and festive treat. Plus, the bright red and green colors make it perfect for Christmas.
10of 20
Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
If you want to add some color and flavor to your Christmas cake, this pistachio cherry recipe is a must-try. The crunchy pistachios and sweet cherries add a festive touch to the cake, and the combination of flavors is sure to please your taste buds.
11of 20
Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
This fruit cake recipe is a perfect blend of three traditional holiday cakes. It is packed with fruits, nuts, and spices, giving it a rich and complex flavor. The cake is soaked in brandy, which adds an extra layer of indulgence.
12of 20
Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
In some countries, plum cake is considered a Christmas cake. This recipe is a twist on the traditional fruit cake, using plums, apricots, and cranberries to give it a unique and delicious flavor. The cake is also topped with a homemade brandy glaze for an extra boozy kick.
13of 20
Easy Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you're a beginner baker, this easy Christmas cake recipe is perfect for you. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious and moist cake that is perfect for the holidays. This recipe uses mixed fruits and vanilla extract to give the cake a classic flavor.
14of 20
Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
For a nutty and fruity Christmas cake, try this cranberry almond recipe. The crunchy almonds and tart cranberries add texture and flavor to the cake, and the almond extract gives it a subtle nutty taste. This cake is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
15of 20
Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
If you want to stick to tradition, this classic Christmas cake recipe is for you. It uses mixed fruits, almonds, and spices to create a rich and flavorful cake that is perfect for the holidays. Plus, the aroma of the spices will fill your home with the scents of Christmas.
No Christmas celebration is complete without some festive cookies. These Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for decorating and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The recipe includes vanilla extract and holiday-themed sprinkles to add a touch of sweetness and holiday cheer.
17of 20
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 Christmas dessert table, these peppermint meringue swirls are a must-try. The crisp and airy meringue is infused with peppermint extract, giving it a refreshing and festive taste. These treats are also gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
18of 20
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
Making savory dishes for Christmas is just as important as making sweet treats. This Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread is perfect for sharing with friends and family. The bread is shaped like a Christmas tree and is filled with sausage, cheese, and marinara sauce, making it a delicious and festive appetizer.
19of 20
Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
For those who want a healthier option for their Christmas dessert, this recipe is for you. This cake is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions. But don't worry, it still packs a ton of flavor with nutmeg, cinnamon, and mixed fruits as main ingredients.
In Japan, a popular Christmas dessert is the Japanese Christmas cake. This cake is light and fluffy, with a sponge cake base and a whipped cream and strawberry filling. The cake is also decorated with festive designs, making it a beautiful and delicious addition to any Christmas celebration.
The Perfect Balance of Fruit and Spice
When it comes to Christmas cake, the key to success is finding the perfect balance of fruit and spice. Too much fruit and your cake will be heavy and soggy, but too little and it will lack the depth of flavor that makes it so special. Nigel Slater's recipe strikes just the right balance with a generous amount of dried fruits, including raisins, currants, and sultanas, paired with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These ingredients are the backbone of the cake, providing a rich and complex flavor that will transport you to a cozy Christmas wonderland with each bite.
A Soaking Process for Maximum Flavor
One of the secrets to creating a truly exceptional Christmas cake is the soaking process. After baking, the cake is brushed with a generous amount of brandy, which not only adds a lovely boozy kick but also helps to keep the cake moist and flavorful. But the magic doesn't stop there. Nigel Slater recommends wrapping the cake in parchment paper and storing it in an airtight container for two weeks. This allows the flavors to fully develop and intensify, resulting in a decadent and delicious Christmas cake that will have your taste buds singing.
A Show-Stopping Presentation
While the taste of the cake is undoubtedly the most important aspect, Nigel Slater's large Christmas cake recipe also offers tips for creating a stunning presentation. The recipe calls for a 9-inch springform pan, which allows for the cake to be easily removed and gives it a beautiful shape. But the real show-stopping element is the topping – a layer of marzipan and fondant icing that adds a touch of elegance and makes for a picture-perfect centerpiece on your holiday table.
In conclusion, Nigel Slater's large Christmas cake recipe is the perfect choice for anyone looking to create a memorable and delicious dessert this holiday season. With its perfect balance of fruit and spice, soaking process for maximum flavor, and show-stopping presentation, this traditional fruitcake is sure to become a family favorite for years to come. So why wait? Get baking and indulge in the magic of Christmas with this fantastic recipe.
