15+ South African Christmas Cake Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Christmas is a festive time of year filled with joy, love, and delicious food. In South Africa, one of the most beloved holiday treats is the Christmas cake. This rich and flavorful dessert is a staple in many households and is often passed down from generation to generation. While there are many variations of this recipe, the traditional South African Christmas cake is a true delight for the taste buds. For those looking to bring a taste of South Africa to their holiday table, we have put together a simple and easy-to-follow recipe that will have your guests coming back for more.
Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the festive season than with a delicious Christmas cake? From traditional fruit cakes to unique flavors, we've rounded up the top 20 beer can chicken recipes that will have you drooling and impressing your guests.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you're a fan of tart and sweet flavors, this cranberry Christmas cake is the perfect choice for you. With cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon, this cake is bursting with holiday flavors. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The yule log, or bûche de Noël, is a classic holiday dessert that originated in France. This ultimate Christmas yule log cake is a modern take on the traditional recipe, with a rich chocolate cake rolled and filled with a creamy chocolate filling. Decorated with chocolate bark and powdered sugar, it's not only delicious but also a show-stopping centerpiece for any Christmas dinner.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
For those who prefer a more simple and traditional Christmas cake, this recipe is for you. Made with dried fruit, spices, and a splash of brandy, this cake is the epitome of Christmas flavors. And with a simple yet elegant decoration of cherries and almonds, it's sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges of making a Christmas cake is ensuring that it stays moist and doesn't dry out. But with this recipe, you won't have to worry about that. This moist Christmas cake is made with a secret ingredient – mayonnaise – which keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a unique flavor to it.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
This Pandoro Christmas tree cake is a fun and festive twist on the traditional Italian Christmas cake. Made with pandoro, a sweet bread typically served during the holidays, this cake is shaped into a Christmas tree and topped with powdered sugar and festive sprinkles. It's a great option for those who want to try something different this year.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Another classic Christmas cake is the fruit cake, also known as plum cake. This recipe combines the flavors of dried fruit, nuts, and spices to create a rich and flavorful cake that is perfect for the holidays. Plus, it can be made well in advance, making it a convenient option for busy holiday schedules.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you want to add a touch of freshness to your Christmas cake, this cranberry and lime version is a must-try. The tanginess of the cranberries and the zesty lime flavor balance perfectly with the sweetness of the cake. And with a vibrant red and green color scheme, it's also a visually stunning dessert.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
Pistachio and cherries may not be the first flavors that come to mind when you think of Christmas, but trust us, this cake is a winner. The nutty pistachios and tart cherries add a unique twist to this festive cake, making it a standout dessert at any holiday gathering.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Can't decide between a fruit cake, Christmas cake, or plum cake? Why not have all three? This recipe combines the best of all three cakes, with a dense and moist fruit cake base, topped with a layer of plum cake and finished off with a classic Christmas cake decoration. It's a flavor explosion in every bite.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
For a lighter and healthier option, try this cranberry almond Christmas cake. Made with almond flour and sweetened with honey, this cake is gluten-free and refined sugar-free. But don't let that fool you – it's still packed with flavor and makes for a guilt-free indulgence during the holiday season.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
If you're a fan of traditional Christmas cakes, this plum cake recipe is a must-try. Made with dried plums, raisins, and a touch of rum, this cake is rich and flavorful. And with a simple yet elegant decoration of almonds and powdered sugar, it's a classic Christmas dessert that is sure to please.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
Short on time but still want to impress your guests with a delicious Christmas cake? This easy Christmas cake recipe has got you covered. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, you'll have a moist and flavorful cake ready in no time. And you can still add your own personal touch with your choice of decorations.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
Some things are just better left unchanged, and that's the case with this classic Christmas cake recipe. Made with dried fruit, nuts, and a hint of brandy, this cake is a timeless and traditional option for the holidays. It's a tried and tested recipe that will never go out of style.
No Christmas celebration is complete without some festive cookies. These Christmas sugar cookies are not only delicious to eat but also fun to make and decorate. With festive cookie cutters and colorful icing, you can create a variety of shapes and designs to suit your holiday theme.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your holiday spread, these Christmas peppermint meringue swirls are a must-try. Light and airy meringue cookies are flavored with peppermint extract and topped with a swirl of red and white peppermint candy. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they also taste like Christmas in every bite.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
For a savory option, try this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread. Made with pizza dough, cheese, and your choice of toppings, this recipe is not only delicious but also fun to make. And with its festive tree shape, it's a perfect addition to any holiday party or gathering.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
Just because it's the holiday season doesn't mean you have to completely abandon your healthy eating habits. This healthy Christmas cake is made with whole wheat flour, dried fruit, and a touch of honey for sweetness. It's a guilt-free option for those who want to indulge in a slice of Christmas cake without feeling too guilty.
In Japan, Christmas is celebrated with a unique and delicious dessert – the Japanese Christmas cake. This light and airy sponge cake is filled with whipped cream and strawberries, making it a refreshing and delightful treat during the holiday season. It's also a great option for those who prefer a lighter option after a big Christmas meal.
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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 in many Italian homes. Made with figs, dates, and nuts, these cookies are packed with flavor and a hint of nostalgia. They may take a bit more effort to make, but the end result is worth it – a batch of delicious and authentic Italian cookies that will be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients:
1. Dried Fruits
The key to a delicious South African Christmas cake is the use of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied citrus peel. These fruits add a burst of flavor and a chewy texture to the cake. Soaking the dried fruits in brandy or rum overnight will not only infuse them with a rich flavor but also keep the cake moist.
2. Nuts
Another crucial ingredient in a South African Christmas cake is nuts . Walnuts, almonds, and pecans are commonly used in this recipe. These nuts not only add a crunch to the cake but also provide a dose of healthy fats and essential nutrients.
3. Spices
Spices are what give the South African Christmas cake its distinctive flavor and aroma. The most commonly used spices in this recipe are cinnamon , nutmeg , and allspice . These warm and fragrant spices complement the dried fruits and nuts perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
4. Flour and Eggs
To bind all the ingredients together, you will need flour and eggs . The flour provides structure to the cake while the eggs act as a leavening agent, giving the cake a light and fluffy texture.
5. Brandy Butter Glaze
No South African Christmas cake is complete without a decadent brandy butter glaze . This sweet and boozy glaze is brushed over the top of the cake, adding a glossy finish and a burst of flavor.
Method:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
4. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until well combined.
5. Fold in the dried fruit mixture until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into a greased cake tin and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
7. While the cake is still warm, brush the brandy butter glaze over the top.
8. Let the cake cool completely before serving.
9. Enjoy your delicious South African Christmas cake with a cup of tea or coffee.
Conclusion:
This South African Christmas cake is a true celebration of flavors and traditions. The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices creates a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. So why not add a touch of South Africa to your Christmas celebrations this year and give this recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
