17+ Recipe For Traditional British Christmas Cake Taste The Magic Today!
Published on: Apr 19, 2024
One of the most beloved and time-honored traditions in British households is the making of a Christmas cake. This rich and indulgent dessert holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many, and its recipe has been passed down through generations. A true British Christmas celebration is incomplete without a slice of this festive treat, so why not try your hand at creating your own? In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make a traditional British Christmas cake that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Christmas is a time for indulgence, and what better way to treat yourself and your loved ones than with a delicious Christmas cake? Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or something more unique, there are endless variations to choose from. Here are 20 mouth-watering recipes for the perfect Christmas cake, sure to make your holiday season even more special.
The classic British Christmas cake is a rich, moist fruit cake filled with dried fruit and spices. With a generous amount of brandy or rum, it's the perfect indulgent treat for the festive season. Try this recipe for a traditional British Christmas cake that is sure to impress your guests.
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Old Fashioned British Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Currants, Sultanas, Raisins, Mixed Peel, Glace
For a more vintage twist on the traditional British Christmas cake, try this old fashioned recipe that uses mixed peel, glace cherries, and almonds for a decadent and flavorful cake. The addition of treacle gives it a rich, dark color and depth of flavor.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you're looking for something a little different, this cranberry Christmas cake is a delicious and festive option. The tartness of the cranberries is balanced out by the sweetness of the cake, creating a perfect flavor combination. Plus, the bright red color of the cranberries makes this cake a beautiful addition to any holiday table.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule log, or Bûche de Noël, is a traditional Christmas dessert that originated in France. This decadent cake is shaped like a log and filled with creamy chocolate filling, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas table. Try this ultimate Christmas Yule log cake recipe for a truly indulgent treat.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time or prefer a simpler approach, this recipe for a basic Christmas cake is perfect. It uses store-bought fruit cake mix and requires minimal effort, but still results in a deliciously moist and flavorful cake. You can also personalize it by adding your favorite nuts or spices.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges with Christmas cake is keeping it moist. This recipe uses a combination of orange juice and brandy to ensure a moist and flavorful cake every time. The addition of dried cranberries and apricots gives it an extra burst of fruity flavor.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a Christmas tree. It's light and airy, with a delicate vanilla flavor. This recipe adds a festive touch with the addition of cranberries and pistachios, making it a perfect addition to your holiday dessert spread.
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British Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Self Rising Flour
Christmas pudding is a staple in British households during the holiday season. This rich and boozy dessert is filled with dried fruit, nuts, and spices, and is often served with a brandy or rum sauce. This recipe stays true to the traditional version, making it a must-try for any Christmas celebration.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
In some parts of the world, fruit cake is known as plum cake or Christmas cake. No matter what you call it, this recipe is a delicious and indulgent option for the holiday season. The addition of mixed spices and molasses gives it a complex and rich flavor that is sure to impress.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
This cranberry and lime Christmas cake is a refreshing and unique take on the traditional fruit cake. The tanginess of the lime complements the sweetness of the cranberries, creating a deliciously balanced flavor. Plus, the bright red and green colors make it a perfect addition to any Christmas table.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
If you love pistachios, this Christmas cake is a must-try. The combination of pistachios and cherries gives this cake a delightful flavor and texture, with a hint of almond extract adding an extra layer of depth. It's also a beautiful and festive addition to any holiday dessert spread.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
For a classic and no-fuss Christmas cake, try this recipe that uses store-bought fruit cake mix. With the addition of chopped nuts and dried fruit, this cake is both delicious and easy to make. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect holiday treat.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This cranberry almond Christmas cake is a decadent and flavorful option for the holiday season. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet almond flavor is a match made in heaven. Plus, the addition of cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and tangy element to the cake.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For a traditional and foolproof Christmas cake recipe, look no further. This classic recipe uses a combination of dried fruits, spices, and brandy for a flavorful and moist cake. It also includes instructions for storing and feeding the cake to keep it moist and delicious.
No Christmas celebration is complete without cookies, and these Christmas sugar cookies are a must-try. They are soft, buttery, and decorated with festive sprinkles and icing. Get creative and use different cookie cutters to make different shapes and designs.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
These Christmas peppermint meringue swirls are a fun and festive addition to any holiday party or dessert table. They are light and airy with a burst of peppermint flavor, and the red and white swirls make them perfect for the holiday season.
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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 savory option, this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread is a fun and delicious choice. It's made with pizza dough and filled with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. Plus, the shape of the bread makes it a great centerpiece for your holiday table.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
For those looking for a healthier option, this Christmas cake is made with whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners. It's also filled with dried fruits and nuts for added nutrition and flavor. You can indulge in this cake guilt-free and still enjoy all the festive flavors of Christmas.
In Japan, Christmas cake is a popular dessert that is often served on Christmas Eve. This fluffy and light sponge cake is filled with whipped cream and strawberries, making it a refreshing and delightful option for the holiday season. Try this Japanese Christmas cake recipe for a unique and delicious twist on the traditional Christmas cake.
Ingredients
For the cake:
Dried fruit: 1kg (2.2lbs) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas, and cherries)
Candied peel: 100g (3.5oz) mixed candied peel
Chopped nuts: 100g (3.5oz) almonds, chopped
Lemon and orange zest: 1 lemon and 1 orange, grated
Flour: 250g (9oz) all-purpose flour
Butter: 250g (9oz) unsalted butter, softened
Eggs: 4 large eggs
Brown sugar: 250g (9oz) light brown sugar
Brandy: 2 tablespoons brandy
Mixed spice: 1 teaspoon mixed spice
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Nutmeg: 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
For the marzipan:
Icing sugar: 500g (1.1lbs) icing sugar
Ground almonds: 250g (9oz) ground almonds
Egg white: 1 egg white
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Apricot jam: 2 tablespoons apricot jam
Instructions
Step 1: Soaking the fruit
Start by soaking the dried fruit and candied peel in brandy overnight. This will help plump up the fruit and infuse it with a delicious boozy flavor.
Step 2: Preparing the cake tin
Grease a 9-inch round cake tin with butter and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the tin and make it easier to remove once it is baked.
Step 3: Making the cake batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and spices. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and egg mixture, mixing until well combined. Finally, fold in the soaked fruit and chopped nuts.
Step 4: Baking the cake
Transfer the cake batter into the prepared tin and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the tin.
Step 5: Decorating with marzipan
To make the marzipan, mix together the ground almonds and icing sugar in a bowl. Add in the egg white and lemon juice, and mix until a smooth dough forms. Roll out the marzipan on a surface dusted with icing sugar, to a thickness of about 0.5cm (1/4 inch). Brush the top of the cooled cake with apricot jam and carefully place the marzipan sheet on top, smoothing it out with your hands.
Step 6: Adding the final touches
For a traditional finish, use a fork to make a criss-cross pattern on the marzipan. You can also decorate the top with some festive holly leaves and berries made out of marzipan. Let the marzipan set for a few hours before serving.
Conclusion
There you have it, a delicious and authentic British Christmas cake that is sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday table. This recipe may take some time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. So put on your apron, turn on some Christmas carols, and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.
