The holiday season is upon us and there's no better way to spread cheer and warmth than with a delicious Christmas cake. This classic dessert is a staple at many holiday gatherings and is loved by people of all ages. If you're looking for the perfect recipe to impress your friends and family this holiday season, look no further than this Reader's Digest Christmas cake recipe. Not only is it easy to make, but it's also packed with festive flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
The holiday season is not complete without a delicious Christmas cake on the table. This traditional dessert has been a staple in many households for generations, and for good reason. With its rich flavors and festive decoration, a Christmas cake is the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Here are 20 mouth-watering Christmas cake recipes that will make your holiday season even more special.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
Add a touch of tartness to your Christmas cake with this Cranberry Christmas Cake recipe. The combination of sweet and tangy cranberries, mixed with a moist and fluffy cake, is a match made in heaven. This cake makes for a beautiful centerpiece on your holiday table, and its vibrant red color will surely add to the festive mood.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule Log cake, also known as the Christmas Log cake, is a classic holiday dessert that originated in France. This cake is shaped like a log and is usually made with chocolate sponge cake and chocolate icing to mimic the appearance of a real log. This Ultimate Christmas Yule Log Cake recipe takes this traditional dessert to the next level with its rich and indulgent flavors.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're looking for a no-fuss Christmas cake recipe that still delivers on flavor, then this Simple Christmas Cake is the one for you. This recipe uses basic ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it perfect for beginner bakers. But don't let its simplicity fool you, this cake is still packed with all the festive flavors of Christmas.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the key elements of a delicious Christmas cake is its moisture. No one wants a dry and crumbly cake on their holiday table. That's why this Moist Christmas Cake recipe is a must-try. The addition of rum-soaked fruits and a decadent buttercream frosting ensures that this cake stays moist and flavorful, even days after baking.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Take a trip to Italy with this Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake recipe. Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a Christmas tree. This recipe uses a light and airy sponge cake, topped with a delicious vanilla cream and powdered sugar to resemble snow. It's not only a beautiful addition to your holiday spread but also a delicious one.
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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 different names for essentially the same dessert - a rich and boozy cake filled with dried fruits and nuts. This Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake recipe is a classic, tried and true version that will satisfy all your holiday cravings. The addition of brandy-soaked fruits and a touch of spice takes this cake to a whole new level.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic Christmas cake, then this Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake recipe is for you. The tangy lime adds a refreshing burst of flavor to the sweet and tart cranberries, making for a perfect balance of taste. The addition of cream cheese frosting ties all the flavors together for a mouth-watering holiday treat.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake recipe is a showstopper. The vibrant red cherries and green pistachios make for a festive color combination, and the flavors are just as delightful. This cake is filled with chunks of juicy cherries and crunchy pistachios, making each bite a burst of flavor and texture.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
With so many names and variations, it's no wonder that fruit cake is a popular Christmas dessert all around the world. This Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake recipe is a traditional one that has stood the test of time. The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices makes for a rich and flavorful cake that is perfect for the holidays.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
The Christmas season is all about indulgence, and this Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake is the epitome of that. This recipe uses a soft and fluffy almond cake, topped with a tart cranberry filling and a sweet and creamy buttercream frosting. The addition of almond extract gives this cake a unique and delicious flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
This Plum Cake, Christmas Cake recipe is a twist on the classic fruit cake. Instead of using a variety of dried fruits, this cake is filled with juicy and flavorful plums. The addition of spices and a touch of rum gives this cake all the traditional flavors of Christmas, with a rich and moist texture that will have you coming back for more.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
Don't have much time to spend in the kitchen this holiday season? This Easy Christmas Cake recipe is the perfect solution. With only a handful of ingredients and simple instructions, you can whip up a delicious Christmas cake in no time. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests without causing you any stress.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
Sometimes, sticking to the classics is the best way to go. This Classic Christmas Cake recipe is a tried and true version that is sure to please. The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and brandy gives this cake all the traditional flavors of Christmas. And with a simple yet elegant decoration, it's a beautiful addition to your holiday spread.
No Christmas celebration is complete without some festive cookies. These Christmas Sugar Cookies are not only delicious, but they also make for a fun and festive activity for the whole family. Decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles to make them even more festive, and watch them disappear in no time.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
If you're looking for a light and refreshing dessert to balance out all the heavy holiday dishes, then these Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls are the perfect choice. The combination of crispy meringue and refreshing peppermint is a match made in heaven. Plus, they make for a beautiful and festive addition to your holiday table.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
Who says Christmas cakes have to be sweet? This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread is a fun and delicious way to incorporate the holiday spirit into a savory dish. This pull-apart bread is filled with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
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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 completely abandon your healthy habits. This Healthy Christmas Cake recipe is a guilt-free option that is made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners. But don't worry, it still packs all the delicious flavors of a traditional Christmas cake.
If you're tired of the same old fruit cakes, why not try a Japanese Christmas Cake? This unique dessert is made with a light and fluffy sponge cake, filled with whipped cream and strawberries, and covered in a layer of light and airy whipped cream. It's a refreshing and indulgent option for those who want to switch things up this holiday season.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
These Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves figs. These traditional Italian cookies are filled with a sweet and fragrant fig filling, wrapped in a buttery and flaky pastry, and topped with a sweet glaze. They may not be a cake, but they are a delicious addition to any holiday dessert spread.
Preparing the Perfect Christmas Cake
Gather Your Ingredients
Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This recipe calls for flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, mixed fruits, nuts, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Soak the Fruits
The secret to a moist and flavorful Christmas cake is to soak the dried fruits in brandy for at least a day before baking. This helps infuse the fruits with the rich flavor of brandy, making them plump and juicy.
Mix and Bake
Once your fruits have soaked, it's time to mix all the ingredients together. Cream the butter and sugar, then add in the eggs one at a time. Next, fold in the flour and spices, followed by the soaked fruits and nuts. Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake tin and bake in a preheated oven for about an hour.
Add a Festive Touch
To make your Christmas cake even more festive, you can decorate it with marzipan and fondant icing. You can also add edible decorations such as holly leaves and berries or snowflakes made from icing sugar. Get creative and have fun with the decorations.
Let it Rest
As tempting as it may be to dig into your Christmas cake right away, it's important to let it rest for at least a day before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the cake to become even more moist and delicious.
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it's time to cut into your beautiful Christmas cake and share it with your loved ones. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Now that you have the perfect Reader's Digest Christmas cake recipe, go ahead and spread some holiday cheer with this delicious dessert. Your friends and family will be asking for the recipe, and you can proudly share it knowing that it's a tried and tested favorite. Happy baking!