17+ Rusty Lee Caribbean Christmas Cake Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
For many people, the holiday season is synonymous with indulging in delicious treats and desserts. And in the Caribbean, no Christmas celebration is complete without a slice of the famous Rusty Lee Caribbean Christmas cake. This traditional dessert is a staple in many Caribbean households, and for good reason. The rich, flavorful and moist cake is a true delight for the taste buds and is sure to bring joy to any holiday gathering. In this article, we will delve into the history of this beloved Christmas cake, as well as provide you with an authentic recipe to recreate this Caribbean delicacy in your own kitchen. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouth-watering dessert.
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in delicious desserts, and what better way to do that than with a classic Christmas cake? Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or something with a modern twist, there are endless variations of this beloved holiday treat. Below, we've rounded up 20 of the best Christmas cake recipes to try this holiday season.
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Caribbean Christmas Cake - Black Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Demerara Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Rum
For a taste of the Caribbean, try making a black cake this Christmas. This rich and boozy cake is packed with dried fruits and soaked in rum, making it a deliciously decadent treat. The longer the fruits are soaked, the more intense the flavor will be. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect holiday dessert.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you love the tart and tangy flavor of cranberries, then this cranberry Christmas cake is a must-try. The addition of fresh cranberries gives this cake a beautiful pop of color and a burst of flavor. Top it off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
No Christmas is complete without a yule log cake, and this ultimate Christmas yule log cake is sure to impress. Made with chocolate sponge cake, a creamy chocolate filling, and finished off with a chocolate ganache and festive decorations, this cake is a showstopper on any dessert table.
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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 enjoy a delicious Christmas cake, then this simple Christmas cake is for you. Made with a basic sponge cake and topped with a layer of jam and marzipan, this cake is easy to make and perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the key elements of a good Christmas cake is its moist texture, and this recipe delivers just that. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this cake is full of flavor and stays moist thanks to the addition of apple sauce. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
For a unique twist on the traditional Christmas cake, try making a Pandoro Christmas tree cake. This Italian dessert is made with a sweet, buttery bread called Pandoro, which is shaped into a tree and decorated with powdered sugar. It's a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday table.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Whatever you call it, a fruit cake is a staple dessert during the holiday season. This recipe combines dried fruits, nuts, and spices to create a dense and flavorful cake that is perfect for slicing and serving with a cup of hot cocoa.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're looking for a festive and refreshing cake, then this cranberry and lime Christmas cake is the one for you. The tartness of the cranberries and the tanginess of the lime create a perfect balance of flavors, and the addition of cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and decadent element.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This pistachio cherry Christmas cake is a showstopper on any dessert table. The vibrant green color of the pistachio cake is complemented by the bright red cherries, making it a visually stunning holiday dessert. Plus, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible.
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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 must-try for any holiday gathering. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and topped with a layer of marzipan and fondant, this cake is a traditional and delicious way to celebrate the season.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
If you're a fan of almond flavors, then this cranberry almond Christmas cake is a must-try. The addition of almond extract and sliced almonds gives this cake a nutty and delicious flavor, while the cranberries add a festive touch. Serve it with a drizzle of icing for a beautiful finish.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
This plum cake recipe is a classic Christmas cake that is perfect for any holiday celebration. It's packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and the addition of brandy adds a boozy kick. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Another Caribbean twist on the traditional Christmas cake, this version is made with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and soaked in rum for a rich and decadent flavor. The addition of molasses gives it a deep and caramelized taste, making it a must-try for any holiday gathering.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For a classic and foolproof Christmas cake recipe, look no further than this one. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and topped with a layer of marzipan and fondant, this cake is the epitome of a traditional holiday dessert. Serve it with a glass of mulled wine for the ultimate festive experience.
Sugar cookies are a holiday staple, and these Christmas sugar cookies are a fun and festive way to enjoy them. Use cookie cutters to create shapes like Christmas trees, snowflakes, and reindeer, and decorate them with icing and sprinkles for a delicious and decorative treat.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
If you're a fan of peppermint, then these Christmas peppermint meringue swirls are a must-try. Light and airy meringue is flavored with peppermint extract and swirled with red food coloring to create a beautiful and delicious holiday treat. Serve them on their own or use them to decorate a cake or dessert platter.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
If you're tired of sweet desserts, try making this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread as a savory option. Made with pizza dough, cheese, and your favorite toppings, this bread is shaped into a Christmas tree and baked until golden and crispy. It's a fun and delicious addition to any holiday gathering.
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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 recipe is a must-try. It's made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and a variety of dried fruits and nuts, making it a guilt-free dessert that still tastes delicious. Enjoy it with a cup of hot tea for a cozy and wholesome holiday treat.
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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 traditional holiday treat that is not to be missed. Made with a flaky pastry dough and filled with a mixture of figs, nuts, and spices, these cookies are rich in flavor and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
The History Behind Rusty Lee Caribbean Christmas Cake
The Influence of European Settlers
The origins of the Rusty Lee Caribbean Christmas cake can be traced back to the arrival of European settlers in the Caribbean. These settlers brought with them their traditional Christmas fruitcake, which was typically made with dried fruits and spices soaked in alcohol. However, with the abundance of tropical fruits and spices on the islands, the Caribbean version of the fruitcake soon evolved into a unique and flavorful dessert.
A Blend of Cultures
The Caribbean is known for its diverse cultural influences, and this is reflected in the Christmas cake recipe as well. The recipe incorporates elements from African, Indian, and indigenous Caribbean cultures, making it a true representation of the region's melting pot of influences. For instance, the use of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger can be traced back to African and Indian cuisine, while the addition of rum is a nod to the Caribbean's rich history in the sugar and rum trade.
The Recipe for Rusty Lee Caribbean Christmas Cake
Now that we know the history behind this delicious dessert, let's get to the main event – the recipe. It's essential to note that there are variations of this recipe across the Caribbean islands, but the core ingredients remain the same. The key to a perfect Rusty Lee Caribbean Christmas cake lies in soaking the dried fruits in rum for at least a month before baking, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
In a large bowl, mix the dried fruits with the rum and let it soak for at least a month.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and spices.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
Stir in the soaked fruits and vanilla extract.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it and letting it cool completely on a wire rack.
For an extra touch of Caribbean flair, drizzle some extra rum on top of the cake before serving.
And there you have it – a delicious and authentic Rusty Lee Caribbean Christmas cake that is sure to impress your loved ones this holiday season. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and don't be afraid to add your own twist to make it your own. Happy baking!
