Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and spiced Christmas cake. This traditional holiday dessert is full of warm and festive flavors, making it the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. While there are many variations of this cake, this spiced Christmas cake recipe is a tried and true favorite that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Christmas is a time for indulging in delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive Christmas cake? Whether you prefer traditional fruit cake or something a little more unique, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect Christmas cake. Here are 20 mouth-watering Christmas cake recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
For a festive twist on the classic fruit cake, try a cranberry Christmas cake. Bursting with tart cranberries, this cake is both delicious and visually stunning. Top it off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some fresh cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
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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 up a delicious Christmas cake, opt for a simple recipe. A basic vanilla sponge cake decorated with festive sprinkles and a dusting of powdered sugar can be just as impressive as a more elaborate cake.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Christmas log cake, the yule log is a traditional dessert served during the holiday season. Typically made with a chocolate sponge cake and filled with cream, this indulgent dessert is a Christmas favorite. Get creative with your decorations and turn your yule log into a festive centerpiece.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to making a Christmas cake is keeping it moist. A dry cake can ruin the whole experience, which is why it's important to find a recipe that ensures a moist and delicious result. Look for recipes that include ingredients like buttermilk or sour cream for added moisture.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
Add an international twist to your Christmas cake with a pandoro cake. This Italian Christmas cake is shaped like a tree and is typically made with a rich, buttery dough. For a festive touch, decorate your pandoro cake with Christmas-themed sprinkles or edible gold dust.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
For a refreshing and unique take on a Christmas cake, try a cranberry and lime flavor combination. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the zesty lime, creating a cake that is both sweet and tangy. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
Take your Christmas cake to the next level with a pistachio and cherry combination. The nuttiness of the pistachios complements the sweetness of the cherries, creating a delicious and visually stunning cake. Be sure to use fresh cherries for the best flavor.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Fruitcake, plum cake, or Christmas cake - whatever you call it, this traditional holiday dessert is a must-have for many families. Loaded with dried fruits and nuts, this dense and rich cake is perfect for slicing and sharing with loved ones. Add a touch of brandy or rum for an extra kick of flavor.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you're a beginner baker or just short on time, don't worry - there are plenty of easy Christmas cake recipes out there that still deliver on flavor and presentation. Look for recipes that use boxed cake mix or pre-made cake layers to make the process a breeze.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, Mandarin Oranges, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Water
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! You can still get your chocolate fix with a Christmas cake. From chocolate sponge cake to decadent chocolate ganache, there are many ways to incorporate chocolate into your holiday dessert. Top with chocolate curls or shavings for an elegant touch.
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Chocolate Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Salt, Self Raising Flour, Cocoa
For a pop of color and a burst of flavor, try a pomegranate Christmas cake. The vibrant red seeds add a festive touch to any cake, and the tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of cake flavors. Pomegranate juice can also be used to create a delicious glaze or syrup for your cake.
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Pomegranate Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Sugar, Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Baking
A Christmas cake roll is a fun and unique way to serve up a festive dessert. Roll up a light and fluffy sponge cake with a filling of your choice - think cream cheese, whipped cream, or even a fruit compote. Decorate the outside with powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
For a nutty and fruity twist on a traditional Christmas cake, try a cranberry almond cake. The crunch of the almonds pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries, creating a delicious and visually appealing cake. Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
For a fun and portable alternative to a traditional Christmas cake, try making cake popsicles. Simply crumble up your favorite cake, mix it with frosting, and form into small balls. Insert a popsicle stick and dip in melted chocolate for a tasty and festive treat.
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Christmas Cake Popsicles
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, Cake, Frosting, Chocolate Wafers
Another classic Christmas cake flavor is cherry. Whether you choose to use fresh cherries or canned, this fruit adds a burst of sweetness and a pop of color to any cake. Add a touch of almond extract for a delicious flavor combination.
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Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Water, Lemon Juice, Granulated Sugar, Corn Starch
Sometimes, you just can't beat a classic. A traditional Christmas cake with a dense fruit and nut-filled base, covered in marzipan and decorated with a layer of fondant icing, is a timeless choice for the holidays. Add some edible gold or silver decorations for an extra touch of elegance.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For those looking for a lighter option, there are plenty of healthy Christmas cake recipes out there that still pack a punch of flavor. From sugar-free to gluten-free, there are many options for creating a healthier version of your favorite holiday treat.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
In Japan, Christmas cake is a popular dessert, usually made with sponge cake, whipped cream, and strawberries. The cake is typically decorated with a festive Christmas design, making it a perfect addition to any holiday celebration.
For a festive twist on the classic fruit cake, try a cranberry Christmas cake. Bursting with tart cranberries, this cake is both delicious and visually stunning. Top it off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some fresh cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1 cup of granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup of milk
½ cup of dried cranberries
½ cup of raisins
½ cup of chopped walnuts
For the Glaze:
1 cup of confectioners' sugar
2 tbsp of milk
½ tsp of vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Stir in the dried cranberries, raisins, and walnuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Serve and enjoy your delicious spiced Christmas cake!
Tips:
For an extra festive touch, top your cake with some dried cranberries, raisins, and walnuts before serving.
If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in the recipe.
This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Celebrate the holidays with this spiced Christmas cake recipe and impress your loved ones with its delicious flavors and festive presentation. This cake is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your household. Happy holidays!