16+ Recipe For Dark Christmas Cake Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
Christmas is a time for indulging in delicious treats and what better way to celebrate than with a rich and decadent dark Christmas cake. This traditional holiday dessert is a staple in many households, and with this recipe, you can create your own delicious masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will impress your family and friends.
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in delicious and festive treats, and what better way to do that than with a classic Christmas cake? This traditional dessert is a must-have for any holiday gathering, and there are endless variations and recipes to choose from. Here are our top 20 picks for the best Christmas cake recipes that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you love the tart and sweet combination of cranberries, then this Cranberry Christmas Cake is the one for you. The burst of red from the cranberries adds a festive touch, and the addition of orange zest gives it a bright and citrusy flavor. Top it off with a vanilla glaze for the perfect finishing touch.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule Log cake, also known as a Bûche de Noël, is a classic French dessert that is popular during the holiday season. This Ultimate Christmas Yule Log Cake is filled with a rich chocolate cream and covered in a chocolate ganache for a decadent and indulgent treat. Garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
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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, then this Simple Christmas Cake is the one for you. It's made with basic pantry ingredients and has a moist and tender crumb. This cake is perfect for those who want a classic and delicious Christmas dessert without all the bells and whistles.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
No one wants a dry and crumbly Christmas cake, which is why this Moist Christmas Cake is the perfect solution. The secret to its moistness is the addition of buttermilk and sour cream in the batter, making it a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
For a unique and festive twist on the traditional Christmas cake, try this Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake. This Italian cake is shaped like a Christmas tree and is made with pandoro, a sweet and buttery bread. Top it off with powdered sugar and festive sprinkles for a fun and delicious dessert.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
For those who love a rich and boozy Christmas cake, this Fruit Cake recipe is the one for you. Packed with raisins, currants, and candied orange peel, this cake is soaked in rum to give it that extra kick. Serve it with whipped cream for a heavenly combination.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
This Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake is a refreshing and zesty take on the traditional Christmas cake. The combination of tart cranberries and tangy lime adds a burst of flavor, and the buttercream frosting is the perfect complement to the citrusy notes.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
For a Christmas cake that is as beautiful as it is delicious, try this Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake. The vibrant green pistachio color adds a festive touch, and the cherry filling adds a burst of sweetness. Top it off with white chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
This Fruit Cake recipe is a classic and foolproof option for your Christmas dessert. It's packed with dried fruits and nuts, and the addition of brandy gives it a rich and boozy flavor. Serve it with a brandy butter sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
If you're a fan of the tart and nutty combination, then this Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake is the one for you. The almond flour in the batter adds a lovely nutty flavor, while the cranberry filling adds a burst of tartness. Top it off with sliced almonds for a beautiful and crunchy topping.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
This Plum Cake recipe is a delicious and festive option for your holiday dessert table. The plums add a beautiful pop of color, and the almond extract in the batter gives it a lovely nutty flavor. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a classic combination.
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Easy Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests with a delicious Christmas cake, then this Easy Christmas Cake is the perfect solution. It's made with boxed cake mix and store-bought frosting, but no one will know the difference once they taste it. Top it off with festive sprinkles for a fun and colorful touch.
For a rich and decadent Christmas cake, try this Dark Christmas Cake recipe. The combination of dark chocolate and espresso gives it a deep and intense flavor, and the chocolate ganache adds an extra layer of indulgence. Garnish with fresh raspberries for a burst of tartness.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
You can never go wrong with a classic Christmas cake, and this recipe is a tried and true favorite. It's packed with raisins, sultanas, and candied cherries, and the addition of ground almonds gives it a lovely nutty flavor. Serve it with a brandy butter sauce for a traditional touch.
Sugar cookies are a staple during the holiday season, and these Christmas Sugar Cookies are no exception. They are soft and buttery with a hint of vanilla, and the festive icing decorations make them perfect for any holiday celebration. Get creative and decorate them with your favorite Christmas-themed designs.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
For a light and airy Christmas dessert, try these Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls. The peppermint extract adds a refreshing touch, and the pink and white swirls make them a beautiful addition to any holiday spread. Serve them with a hot cup of cocoa for the ultimate winter treat.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
If you're looking for a fun and savory Christmas treat, then this Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread is the perfect option. It's made with pizza dough and mozzarella cheese, and the green bell pepper and cherry tomato decorations make it look like a festive Christmas tree. Cut into slices and serve with your favorite pizza dipping sauce.
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Dark Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Main Ingredients: Dark Chocolate, Dried Cranberries, Pecans, Unsalted
These Dark Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are a delicious and easy Christmas treat that everyone will love. The combination of dark chocolate and dried cranberries is a match made in heaven, and the crispy edges and chewy center make them irresistible. Serve them with a glass of milk for the perfect snack.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
For a guilt-free Christmas dessert, try this Healthy Christmas Cake recipe. It's made with whole wheat flour and coconut sugar, and the addition of applesauce makes it moist and delicious. Top it off with a coconut cream frosting for a dairy-free option.
The Importance of Dark Christmas Cake
The Tradition
The tradition of making a dark Christmas cake dates back to the Victorian era in England. It was a symbol of wealth and opulence, as the ingredients used to make the cake were expensive and not readily available. Over time, this tradition has spread to other parts of the world, and now, it is a must-have dessert during the holiday season.
The Flavor
The rich and dark flavor of this cake comes from the combination of fruits, spices, and alcohol. The dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and prunes, are soaked in rum or brandy for several weeks before being added to the cake batter. This not only infuses the fruits with the alcohol but also adds a depth of flavor to the cake.
The Texture
Dark Christmas cake has a dense and moist texture, which is achieved by using a combination of butter and brown sugar in the batter. The addition of treacle or molasses also adds to the richness of the cake. The dried fruits and nuts give the cake a satisfying chewiness, making each bite a delight.
Creating Your Own Dark Christmas Cake
Now that you understand the importance of this traditional holiday dessert, it's time to create your own. Follow this easy recipe and impress your loved ones with your baking skills.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, candied orange and lemon peel, and rum or brandy. Let it soak for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, and mix well.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and spices.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Stir in the soaked fruits and any remaining liquid, along with the vanilla extract and treacle or molasses.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
For an extra indulgence, you can top your dark Christmas cake with a layer of marzipan and royal icing. This will add a touch of sweetness and a festive touch. Serve the cake as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Now that you have the recipe for a delicious dark Christmas cake, it's time to get baking! This rich and flavorful dessert is sure to become a holiday favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, turn on some Christmas music, and enjoy the process of creating this traditional festive treat.
