18+ Recipe For British Christmas Cake Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Christmas is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food. And when it comes to Christmas treats, one of the most beloved and quintessential dishes in British culture is the Christmas cake. This rich and decadent fruit cake is a staple on Christmas tables across the UK, and no Christmas celebration is complete without it. In this article, we will take you through the traditional recipe for a British Christmas cake, step by step, so you can recreate this festive delight in your own kitchen.
Christmas is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas cake? Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or something more unique, there's a Christmas cake recipe out there for everyone. Here are 20 mouth-watering Beer Can Chicken recipes to get you in the holiday spirit and impress your family and friends.
The traditional British Christmas cake is a rich and decadent fruit cake, filled with dried fruits, nuts, and a generous amount of alcohol. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple at every British Christmas dinner. So why not add a touch of British tradition to your holiday feast with this delicious Christmas cake?
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Old Fashioned British Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Currants, Sultanas, Raisins, Mixed Peel, Glace
If you're looking for a more old-fashioned Christmas cake recipe, look no further. This recipe uses a combination of dried fruits, including raisins, currants, and candied peel, to create a moist and flavorful cake. And of course, no British Christmas cake is complete without a generous splash of brandy or rum.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
For a festive twist on the classic Christmas cake, try this Cranberry Christmas cake recipe. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, creating a delicious and unique flavor. Plus, the vibrant red color makes it a beautiful addition to any holiday table.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule log cake, also known as the Buche de Noel, is a traditional French Christmas dessert. This recipe puts a twist on the classic Yule log by incorporating the flavors of Christmas into the cake itself. With a rich chocolate sponge, chocolate ganache filling, and a festive decoration of holly leaves and berries, this Christmas Yule log cake is sure to impress.
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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 serve a delicious Christmas cake, this simple Christmas cake recipe is for you. It uses store-bought fruit cake mix, which is easy to find and saves you the hassle of measuring out all the ingredients. Just add some spices and a splash of rum for a homemade touch.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the most common complaints about fruit cakes is that they can be dry and dense. But not this one. This moist Christmas cake recipe is made with Greek yogurt, which keeps the cake moist and adds a tangy flavor. Plus, it's topped with a delicious vanilla glaze for an extra decadent touch.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
The Pandoro Christmas tree cake is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a Christmas tree. This recipe uses a soft and fluffy cake mix that is then baked in a Christmas tree-shaped pan. Once it's cooled, it's topped with a powdered sugar glaze and decorated with festive sprinkles.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
Although not technically a cake, the British Christmas pudding is a staple at every British Christmas dinner. This rich and dense dessert is made with a variety of dried fruits, spices, and a generous amount of brandy. It's then steamed for several hours, giving it a moist and tender texture. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Call it what you will, but this fruit cake recipe is a must-try. It's packed with a variety of dried fruits and nuts, creating a flavorful and colorful cake. And the best part? It's soaked in brandy for several days, making it extra moist and bursting with flavor.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
This Cranberry & Lime Christmas cake recipe is a refreshing change from the traditional fruit cake. The tanginess of the cranberries combined with the zesty lime creates a unique and delicious flavor. And the bright red and green colors make it perfect for the holiday season.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
If you're a fan of pistachios, you'll love this Pistachio Cherry Christmas cake recipe. The combination of pistachios, cherries, and almond extract creates a delicious and festive flavor. And the chopped pistachios on top add a nice crunch to the moist and tender cake.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Whether you call it a fruit cake, Christmas cake, or plum cake, this recipe is a classic and delicious choice for the holiday season. It's loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and a generous amount of brandy, creating a rich and flavorful cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This Cranberry Almond Christmas cake is a show-stopper. The combination of cranberries, almonds, and orange zest creates a delicious and festive flavor. And the beautiful white chocolate drizzle on top adds a touch of elegance to this already impressive cake.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
If you're a fan of traditional Christmas flavors, you'll love this Classic Christmas cake recipe. It's packed with dried fruits, nuts, and cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, giving it that classic holiday taste. And the rum and brandy soak ensure that it's moist and flavorful.
No Christmas celebration is complete without sugar cookies. And this recipe is perfect for making festive and delicious cookies that the whole family can enjoy. Get creative with your frosting and sprinkles to make them truly unique and festive.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
For a light and airy dessert, try these Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls. The combination of peppermint and vanilla creates a delicious and refreshing flavor, perfect for the holiday season. And the swirls of red and white make them a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert table.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
Looking for a savory option for your holiday gathering? This Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread is sure to be a hit. It's made with refrigerated pizza dough, olives, pepperoni, and cheese, and shaped into a festive Christmas tree. It's a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
If you're trying to stick to a healthier diet but still want to indulge in a Christmas cake, this recipe is for you. It's made with whole wheat flour, honey, and a variety of dried fruits and nuts. And the best part? It's still moist and delicious, making it the perfect guilt-free treat.
Last but not least, we have the Japanese Christmas cake. This light and fluffy cake is made with sponge cake, whipped cream, and strawberries, giving it a light and refreshing flavor. And the beautiful decoration of Christmas characters on top makes it a perfect addition to any holiday celebration.
The Origins of Christmas Cake
The History and Significance
Christmas cake has been a part of British tradition since the medieval times, with its origins dating back to the 16th century. Originally known as "plum cake," this fruit-filled dessert was a symbol of wealth and prosperity, as it was made with expensive ingredients such as dried fruits, spices, and alcohol. It was also a popular gift to give to servants and the less fortunate during the festive season. Over time, the recipe evolved, and by the 19th century, it became known as Christmas cake and became a staple in every household during the holiday season.
The Recipe: Step by Step
Ingredients and Preparation
To make a traditional British Christmas cake, you will need a variety of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and candied peel, as well as chopped nuts, spices, and flour. The key ingredient that sets this cake apart is the addition of alcohol, usually brandy or rum, which gives it a rich and boozy flavor.
To begin, soak the dried fruits in the alcohol of your choice for at least 24 hours. This not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the cake moist. Next, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add in eggs, one at a time. In a separate bowl, mix together the soaked fruits, nuts, and spices. Gradually add this mixture into the butter and egg mixture, along with flour, until well combined.
Baking and Decorating
Once the batter is ready, pour it into a lined cake tin and bake at a low temperature for a few hours, until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the tin. To add a festive touch, you can decorate the top of the cake with marzipan and icing, in traditional Christmas designs such as holly leaves and berries.
Enjoying Your Christmas Cake
Serving and Storage
Traditionally, Christmas cake is served on Christmas Day, but it can also be enjoyed throughout the holiday season. It is best served in thin slices with a cup of tea or coffee. To keep the cake moist, wrap it in baking paper and store it in an airtight container. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
In conclusion, a British Christmas cake is a delicious and indulgent treat that has been a part of British tradition for centuries. With its rich history and decadent flavors, it is a must-have on every Christmas table. Follow this recipe to create your own version of this beloved dessert and add a touch of British tradition to your holiday celebrations.
