16+ Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Traditional Christmas cake is a staple of the holiday season, and no festive celebration is complete without a slice of this delicious treat. This beloved dessert is a rich and decadent combination of fruit, nuts, and spices, all soaked in rum or brandy and then baked to perfection. While there are many variations of the traditional Christmas cake, the following recipe is a tried and true method that has been passed down through generations. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your loved ones with a homemade Christmas cake that will surely become a family tradition.
Christmas is a time for indulgence and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas cake. Whether you prefer traditional fruit cake or something a little different, we've got you covered with the top 20 Christmas cake recipes that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
This cranberry Christmas cake is a festive twist on a classic fruit cake. The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, the vibrant red color makes it a beautiful addition to any holiday 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 impress your guests with a homemade Christmas cake, this simple recipe is for you. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious cake ready in no time. It's perfect for those who want to keep things easy but still want to indulge in a festive treat.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Christmas log cake, this traditional French dessert is a must-have for the holidays. It's a rolled sponge cake filled with buttercream and covered in chocolate ganache to resemble a log. Decorated with festive touches like meringue mushrooms, this yule log cake is sure to impress.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
There's nothing worse than a dry Christmas cake, but with this recipe, you'll never have to worry about that. This moist cake is full of juicy fruits and spices, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. It's the perfect balance of sweet and rich, making it a hit with everyone at your holiday gathering.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
This Italian Christmas cake is a showstopper that will impress your guests. The pandoro cake is shaped into a Christmas tree and decorated with icing and colorful sprinkles, making it a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. And the best part? It tastes just as good as it looks.
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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 spin on the traditional Christmas cake, this cranberry and lime cake is for you. The zesty lime adds a bright and tangy flavor, while the cranberries add a burst of sweetness. It's a perfect combination that will have your taste buds dancing.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This pistachio and cherry Christmas cake is a unique and delicious twist on the classic fruit cake. The nutty flavor of the pistachios pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy cherries, creating a cake that is both rich and refreshing. It's a must-try for any pistachio lover.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Fruit cake, plum cake, Christmas cake - no matter what you call it, this traditional holiday cake is a staple in many households. Packed with dried fruits and spices, this cake is full of festive flavors and is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a cold winter day.
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Easy Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
This easy Christmas cake is perfect for those who are new to baking or just want to keep things simple this holiday season. With a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious cake that will impress your guests without all the stress and fuss.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, Mandarin Oranges, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Water
If you're a chocolate lover, this Christmas cake is a dream come true. Rich, moist, and full of chocolatey goodness, this cake will satisfy all your cravings. Plus, it's adorned with festive decorations, making it a beautiful and delicious addition to your holiday dessert spread.
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Chocolate Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Salt, Self Raising Flour, Cocoa
This pomegranate Christmas cake is a unique and flavorful option for the holidays. The tangy pomegranate seeds add a burst of freshness to the cake, while the sweet glaze adds a touch of decadence. It's a perfect combination that will have your taste buds singing.
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Pomegranate Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Sugar, Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Baking
Switch things up this holiday season with a Christmas cake roll. This rolled sponge cake is filled with a creamy filling and topped with a festive design of your choice. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy a Christmas cake, and it's sure to impress your guests.
This cranberry almond Christmas cake is a delicious and elegant option for the holidays. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of the almonds, creating a cake that is both sophisticated and satisfying. It's a great option for those who want something a little different from the traditional fruit cake.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to enjoy a Christmas cake, these cake popsicles are for you. These bite-sized treats are made with crumbled Christmas cake mixed with frosting and covered in chocolate. They're a fun and festive addition to any holiday party.
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Christmas Cake Popsicles
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, Cake, Frosting, Chocolate Wafers
This cherry Christmas cake is a classic twist on the traditional fruit cake. The sweet and tangy cherries add a burst of flavor to the cake, making it a delicious and refreshing option for the holidays. Plus, the vibrant red color makes it a beautiful addition to any holiday table.
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Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Water, Lemon Juice, Granulated Sugar, Corn Starch
If you're a traditionalist, this classic Christmas cake is the one for you. Packed with dried fruits and spices, this cake is a timeless holiday treat that is sure to bring back memories of Christmases past. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned fruit cake.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
For those who want to indulge in a Christmas cake without all the guilt, this healthy option is for you. Made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, honey, and Greek yogurt, this cake is a healthier alternative to the traditional version. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy a festive treat without all the added sugar and calories.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
This Japanese Christmas cake is a light and fluffy option that is sure to delight your taste buds. Made with sponge cake and covered in whipped cream and strawberries, this cake is a popular choice for Christmas in Japan. It's a perfect option for those who prefer lighter and less rich desserts.
No matter which Christmas cake recipe you choose, one thing is for sure - a Christmas cake is a must-have for the holidays. It's a delicious and festive treat that brings people together and adds a touch of sweetness to the season. So pick your favorite recipe and get baking - your friends and family will thank you.
The Ingredients
Fruit and Nuts
The key to a delicious traditional Christmas cake is the combination of different fruits and nuts. Raisins, currants, and sultanas are the three main fruits used in this recipe, along with candied cherries, candied citrus peel, and chopped almonds. These ingredients not only add flavor and texture to the cake but also give it a beautiful festive look.
Spices
The spices used in this recipe are what give the traditional Christmas cake its signature flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are the three main spices, and a pinch of these goes a long way in enhancing the taste of the cake.
Liquids
No traditional Christmas cake is complete without the addition of some rum or brandy. These spirits not only add a depth of flavor to the cake but also help in preserving it for a longer period.
The Method
Soaking the Fruits
The first step in making a traditional Christmas cake is to soak the fruits in rum or brandy for at least 24 hours. This allows the fruits to absorb the alcohol and become plump and juicy, adding moisture to the cake.
Mixing the Batter
Once the fruits are soaked, it's time to mix the batter. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in eggs one at a time, followed by flour, baking powder, and spices. Finally, fold in the soaked fruits and nuts until well combined.
Baking the Cake
The batter is then poured into a greased and lined cake tin and baked in a preheated oven for 3-4 hours. The long baking time ensures that the cake cooks evenly and becomes moist and rich.
The Finishing Touches
Once the cake is cooled, it's time to add some finishing touches. Marzipan and fondant icing are commonly used to cover the cake and give it a smooth and professional finish. You can also decorate the cake with candied fruits and silver balls for a festive touch.
In conclusion, a traditional Christmas cake is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. So why not give this recipe a try and add a delicious and festive touch to your holiday celebrations? Happy baking!