15+ Real Jamaican Christmas Cake Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Apr 1, 2024
The holiday season is a time for traditions, and one of the most beloved traditions in Jamaica is the making of Christmas cake. This rich and flavorful dessert is a staple in every Jamaican household during the festive season. The recipe has been passed down through generations, and each family adds their own special touch to make it unique. In this article, we will share with you the authentic Jamaican Christmas cake recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household as well.
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in some delicious and festive desserts. And what could be more traditional than a classic Christmas cake? This rich and decadent dessert is a staple in many households during the holiday season and is a must-have for any Christmas gathering or celebration.
If you're looking for a unique twist on the traditional Christmas cake, look no further than Jamaican Christmas cake. This delicious dessert is a fusion of Caribbean and British flavors and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The addition of rum-soaked fruits and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give this cake a distinctive and irresistible taste.
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Jamaican Christmas Cake (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Main Ingredients: Fruits, Grape Juice, Molasses, Butter, Almond Extract
For those who have dietary restrictions, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Christmas cake. This vegan and gluten-free version of the Jamaican Christmas cake is just as mouthwatering and indulgent as the traditional recipe. With a combination of gluten-free flours, coconut oil, and almond milk, this cake is a guilt-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
Cranberries are a staple during the holiday season, and this cranberry Christmas cake is the perfect way to incorporate them into your festive desserts. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, and the bright red color adds a festive touch to your dessert table. Plus, the addition of orange zest and juice gives this cake a refreshing and zesty flavor.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
A Christmas yule log cake, also known as a Bûche de Noël, is a classic French dessert that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This decadent and beautiful dessert is shaped like a log and is made with a chocolate sponge cake, rolled and filled with a rich chocolate buttercream. It's then decorated with chocolate bark and meringue mushrooms, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any Christmas celebration.
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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 whip up a delicious Christmas cake, this simple recipe is perfect for you. Made with just a few basic ingredients, this cake is easy to make, yet still packs a flavorful punch. With the addition of walnuts, dried fruit, and warm spices, this cake is a quick and easy way to get your Christmas cake fix.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One common complaint about Christmas cakes is that they can often be dry. But fear not, this recipe for a moist Christmas cake will put that problem to rest. With the addition of apple juice and molasses, this cake is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor. Plus, the use of brown sugar gives it a rich and caramel-like taste that is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
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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 visually stunning Christmas cake, the Pandoro Christmas tree cake is the perfect choice. This Italian cake is shaped like a Christmas tree and is made with a light and airy sponge cake, which is then dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow. It's a festive and delicious addition to any holiday gathering.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Fruitcake, plum cake, and Christmas cake are all names for the same delicious dessert that is a staple during the holiday season. This cake is packed with candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices, making it a rich and indulgent treat. It's often served with a layer of marzipan and icing, making it a festive and flavorful addition to any Christmas celebration.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you want to add a zesty and refreshing twist to your Christmas cake, this cranberry and lime version is the way to go. The tangy lime flavor pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries, creating a bright and flavorful cake that is sure to be a hit with your guests. Plus, the bright red and green colors make it a festive addition to your holiday table.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
Pistachios and cherries are a match made in heaven, and this Christmas cake is a delicious way to incorporate them into your holiday desserts. The addition of pistachio pudding mix gives this cake a subtle nutty flavor, while the cherry pie filling adds a burst of sweetness. It's a unique and tasty twist on the traditional Christmas cake.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
As we mentioned earlier, fruitcake, Christmas cake, and plum cake are all names for the same dessert. But did you know that there are many different variations of this classic cake? From traditional recipes to modern twists, there's a fruitcake out there for everyone. So whether you prefer a dense and rich cake or a light and fruity one, there's a Christmas cake recipe that will satisfy your taste buds.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
Cranberries and almonds are a delicious flavor combination, and this Christmas cake highlights those flavors perfectly. The tartness of the cranberries is balanced by the sweetness of the almond extract, creating a harmonious and delicious dessert. Plus, the addition of almond slices on top adds a nice crunch to the soft and moist cake.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
Plum cake, also known as a Dundee cake, is a traditional Scottish Christmas cake that is packed with dried fruits and almonds. It's a simple yet flavorful cake that is perfect for those who prefer a less dense and heavy Christmas cake. Plus, it's often served with a layer of marzipan and icing, making it a festive and beautiful addition to any holiday table.
We've already mentioned Jamaican Christmas cake, but it's worth mentioning again because it's just that good. This rich and flavorful dessert is packed with rum-soaked fruits, warm spices, and a hint of ginger. It's a unique and delicious twist on the traditional Christmas cake and is perfect for those who want to try something new this holiday season.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
Last but not least, we have the classic Christmas cake. This recipe is for those who don't want any fancy twists or additions. It's a traditional and timeless recipe that has been passed down for generations and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this cake is everything you could want in a Christmas dessert.
While not technically a cake, Christmas sugar cookies are a staple during the holiday season and are a must-have on any dessert table. These buttery and sweet cookies are often cut into festive shapes and decorated with icing and sprinkles. They're a fun and delicious activity to do with your family and are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
If you're looking for a lighter and less indulgent dessert, these Christmas peppermint meringue swirls are the perfect choice. These light and airy cookies are made with egg whites and sugar and are flavored with peppermint extract. They're then swirled with red food coloring to give them a festive touch. These cookies are not only delicious but also make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert spread.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
For those who want to take a break from all the sweet treats, this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread is a great option. This savory dish is made with pizza dough, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all shaped into a Christmas tree. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy some pizza during the holiday season.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
If you're trying to stick to a healthy diet during the holidays, you don't have to completely miss out on the deliciousness of Christmas cake. This recipe for a healthier version of Christmas cake uses whole wheat flour, honey, and coconut oil to create a guilt-free and tasty dessert. It's a great option for those who want to indulge without feeling too guilty.
These 20 Christmas cake recipes are sure to satisfy all your holiday dessert cravings. Whether you prefer a classic and traditional cake or want to try something new and unique, there's a recipe here for everyone. So get into the holiday spirit and start baking one of these delicious Christmas cakes today!
Ingredients
1. Fruits
One of the key ingredients in a Jamaican Christmas cake is the mix of dried fruits. The traditional fruits used are raisins, currants, prunes, and cherries. However, you can also add your own twist by including other dried fruits like apricots, figs, or cranberries. The fruits are soaked in rum for at least a month before using to ensure they are fully infused with the rich flavor.
2. Flour and Spices
The base of the cake is made with flour, and the traditional recipe calls for a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. This adds a nutty flavor and texture to the cake. Along with flour, the cake is also flavored with ground allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices give the cake its signature warm and comforting taste.
3. Wet Ingredients
To bind the cake together and add moisture, a combination of butter, eggs, molasses, and browning are used. Browning is a dark caramel sauce that gives the cake its dark color and depth of flavor. You can make your own browning using sugar, water, and a touch of balsamic vinegar.
4. Rum
No Jamaican Christmas cake is complete without rum. Not only is it used to soak the fruits, but it is also added to the batter for an extra boozy kick. The amount of rum used can vary depending on personal preference, but typically a cup or more is used in the batter.
Instructions
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start making the cake. The process may seem daunting, but with a little patience and love, you'll have a delicious Jamaican Christmas cake in no time.
1. Prepare the Fruits
Start by draining the soaked fruits and reserving the rum. The fruits are then chopped into small pieces and mixed with a little flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
2. Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the reserved rum until everything is well combined.
3. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 300°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 2.5-3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
Final Thoughts
The Jamaican Christmas cake may take some time and effort to make, but the end result is worth it. The rich flavors and textures of the dried fruits, spices, and rum make it a truly special dessert for the holiday season. So why not add a touch of Jamaican tradition to your Christmas celebrations this year and try out this delicious recipe? Your taste buds will thank you!