19+ Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe Bbc Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Apr 23, 2024
Traditional Christmas cake is a beloved holiday treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its rich history and delicious flavors, it has become a staple in many households during the festive season. While there are many variations of this classic dessert, the BBC has shared a tried and true traditional Christmas cake recipe that is sure to impress your friends and family.
The holiday season is a time for indulging in delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic Christmas cake? This traditional dessert has been a staple in many households for generations, and it's not hard to see why. Packed with festive flavors and a hint of nostalgia, a Christmas cake is the perfect addition to any holiday spread.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you're looking for a festive twist on the traditional Christmas cake, look no further than a cranberry Christmas cake. This tart and tangy fruit adds a burst of flavor to the rich and decadent cake, making it a refreshing and delicious option for the holidays. Plus, the vibrant red color adds a pop of festive cheer to your dessert table.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule log cake, also known as the Christmas log cake, is a classic holiday dessert that originated in France. This decadent dessert is made to resemble a log, complete with a chocolate bark exterior and a creamy filling. It's the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers and is sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time or just looking for a more straightforward option, a simple Christmas cake is the way to go. This recipe usually consists of a basic vanilla or chocolate cake with a festive twist, such as a sprinkling of cinnamon or a drizzle of eggnog glaze. It's quick, easy, and still packs all the flavors of the holiday season.
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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 baking a Christmas cake is keeping it moist. After all, no one wants a dry and crumbly dessert. Luckily, there are plenty of tips and tricks to ensure your Christmas cake turns out moist and delicious every time. From soaking the fruit to adding a touch of alcohol, there are many ways to achieve the perfect texture.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at making a Pandoro Christmas tree cake? This traditional Italian dessert is shaped like a Christmas tree and is typically served during the holiday season. It's a light and airy cake that's perfect for those who prefer a less heavy dessert after a big holiday meal.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
When it comes to Christmas cakes, there are many variations to choose from. Some people prefer a traditional fruit cake, while others opt for a plum cake or a combination of both. Whichever you choose, you can't go wrong with a dense and flavorful cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
For a refreshing and zesty twist on the classic Christmas cake, consider trying a cranberry and lime version. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the tangy lime, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination. This cake is sure to be a hit with those who prefer a less traditional holiday dessert.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
If you want to add a touch of color to your Christmas cake, a pistachio cherry cake is a great option. The bright green pistachios and red cherries make for a beautiful and festive presentation. Plus, the flavor combination is a match made in heaven, with the nuttiness of the pistachios balancing out the sweetness of the cherries.
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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 combine all three? This recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate all the traditional flavors of the holiday season into one delicious dessert. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, it's the ultimate Christmas cake for those who can't choose just one.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
For a nutty and fruity twist on the classic Christmas cake, consider making a cranberry almond version. The tangy cranberries pair perfectly with the crunchy almonds, creating a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Plus, the addition of almonds adds a lovely texture to the cake, making it even more enjoyable to eat.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
Plum cake is a traditional Christmas dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This rich and dense cake is packed with plump dried fruits and spices, making it a decadent treat for the holiday season. Whether you serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
For those who want to whip up a Christmas cake without too much fuss, an easy Christmas cake is the way to go. This recipe usually consists of a basic vanilla or chocolate cake topped with a simple frosting and a few festive decorations. It's quick, hassle-free, and still tastes delicious.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
Sometimes, you just can't beat a classic Christmas cake. This tried and true recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many households during the holidays. With a rich and dense texture and a burst of festive flavors, it's no surprise that this cake has stood the test of time.
No Christmas celebration is complete without some festive sugar cookies. These sweet and buttery treats are perfect for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a fun activity for the whole family. Plus, they make for a great edible gift or addition to any holiday dessert table.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
For a light and airy dessert that's bursting with holiday flavors, try making Christmas peppermint meringue swirls. These delicate cookies are made from egg whites, sugar, and peppermint extract, creating a crisp and refreshing treat. They're perfect for those who prefer a less heavy dessert after a big holiday meal.
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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 for your holiday spread, consider making a Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread. This festive twist on a classic pizza is made by arranging dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree and topping them with your favorite pizza ingredients. It's a fun and delicious way to start off your holiday meal.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
For those who want to indulge in a Christmas cake without the guilt, a healthy version is the way to go. This cake is usually made with alternative ingredients, such as whole wheat flour, honey, and coconut oil, making it a healthier option for those watching their sugar and fat intake. It's a guilt-free way to enjoy a holiday treat.
In Japan, it's a tradition to enjoy a Christmas cake on Christmas Eve. The Japanese Christmas cake is a light and fluffy sponge cake layered with whipped cream and decorated with strawberries. It's a refreshing and delicious option for those who prefer a less rich and heavy dessert.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
For a unique and delicious alternative to the traditional Christmas cake, try making Cucidati Italian fig cookies. These cookies are packed with dried figs, nuts, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful treat. They're perfect for those who prefer a handheld dessert or for gifting to friends and family during the holiday season.
Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas cake. These cakes are a staple during the holiday season and there are countless variations to choose from. Here are our top 20 picks for the best Christmas cake recipes.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
This twist on the classic Christmas cake adds a tart and tangy flavor with the addition of cranberries. The bright red color also adds a festive touch. Try this recipe for a Cranberry Christmas Cake that is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Christmas log cake, this traditional dessert is shaped and decorated to resemble a log. It's a showstopping centerpiece for any holiday table. This recipe for the Ultimate Christmas Yule Log Cake is a must-try for all chocolate lovers.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time or ingredients, this simple Christmas cake recipe is perfect for you. It uses basic pantry staples and requires minimal effort, but still delivers on flavor. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious holiday treat.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
The key to a great Christmas cake is making sure it's moist and flavorful. This recipe for a Moist Christmas Cake ensures just that. The addition of coconut oil and orange juice keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a delicious citrus flavor.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
This Italian Christmas cake, also known as Pandoro, is a traditional holiday cake that is shaped like a Christmas tree. It's rich and buttery with a soft and spongy texture. This recipe is a great option for a unique and festive holiday dessert.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Fruit cakes are a popular choice for Christmas and there are many variations to choose from. This recipe combines the flavors of fruit cake and plum cake for a delicious and festive Christmas cake. The addition of rum-soaked fruits makes it even more flavorful and indulgent.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
This Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake is a refreshing and zesty twist on the traditional holiday cake. The tangy lime balances out the sweetness of the cranberries and adds a bright and festive flavor. It's perfect for those who want a lighter and more refreshing option for their Christmas dessert.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
Pistachios and cherries are a classic combination and they come together beautifully in this Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake. The nutty flavor of the pistachios pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cherries, creating a delicious and festive holiday treat.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
This recipe is a combination of three classic holiday cakes: fruit cake, Christmas cake, and plum cake. It's rich and indulgent with a boozy kick from the addition of brandy. This Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake is a must-try for those who want to experience the best of all three cakes in one.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake is a unique and delicious twist on the traditional fruit cake. The addition of almond extract adds a nutty and festive flavor, while the cranberries add a tart and festive burst of flavor. This is a great option for those who want a lighter and more flavorful Christmas cake.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
Plum cake is another classic holiday dessert and this recipe combines it with the traditional Christmas cake. The result is a rich and indulgent Plum Cake, Christmas Cake that is perfect for the holiday season. The addition of brandy-soaked fruits adds an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you want a delicious Christmas cake without all the fuss and effort, this Easy Christmas Cake recipe is for you. It uses basic ingredients and requires minimal effort, but still delivers on flavor. This is a great option for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a festive holiday dessert.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
This recipe for a Classic Christmas Cake is a tried and true favorite. It's packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor. The addition of brandy adds an extra kick and makes it the perfect dessert for a festive holiday gathering.
Sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat and they are perfect for decorating and festive fun. This recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookies is easy to follow and produces delicious and festive cookies that are perfect for holiday parties or as a gift for friends and family.
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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 delicious and festive twist on traditional meringues. The addition of peppermint extract adds a refreshing and festive flavor, while 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
This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread is a fun and festive twist on traditional pizza. The dough is shaped to resemble a Christmas tree and is filled with your favorite pizza toppings. It's perfect for a holiday party or as a fun meal for the family.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
For those who want a healthier option for their Christmas dessert, this recipe for a Healthy Christmas Cake is a great choice. It uses whole wheat flour and honey instead of white flour and sugar, making it a guilt-free and festive treat that still delivers on flavor.
In Japan, Christmas cakes are a popular dessert and they are typically light and fluffy with a festive decoration. This recipe for a Japanese Christmas Cake produces a delicious and festive cake that is perfect for those who want to try something different this holiday season.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
Cucidati, also known as Italian Christmas Fig Cookies, are a traditional holiday treat in Italy. They are made with a sweet and fruity filling and are perfect for snacking on during the holiday season. This recipe is a must-try for those who want to experience a taste of Italy during Christmas.
The History of Christmas Cake
The Origins
The origins of Christmas cake can be traced back to ancient Rome and Egypt where they would eat fruitcake during winter festivals. However, it wasn't until the 16th century in England that the first version of the modern Christmas cake was created. During this time, dried fruits, spices, and alcohol were becoming more affordable and accessible, making them popular ingredients for holiday desserts.
The Evolution
As time went on, the Christmas cake evolved and became more elaborate. In the 19th century, Queen Victoria's royal wedding cake was a fruitcake, and this set a trend for wedding cakes to be made with fruit. As a result, fruitcake became synonymous with celebration and special occasions, including Christmas.
The BBC's Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe
The Ingredients
The BBC's traditional Christmas cake recipe calls for a mix of dried fruits, including raisins, currants, and sultanas, as well as candied peel and cherries. These fruits are soaked in brandy or rum overnight to infuse them with rich flavors. The recipe also includes spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, which add warmth and depth to the cake.
The Method
The key to a successful Christmas cake is time and patience. The BBC recommends starting the process a month before Christmas to allow the cake to mature and develop its flavors. Once the fruits are soaked and the batter is mixed, the cake is baked low and slow for several hours. The final touch is a layer of marzipan and icing, giving the cake its signature festive look.
In Conclusion
The BBC's traditional Christmas cake recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of tradition to their holiday celebrations. With its rich history and delicious flavors, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household for many years to come. So why not gather your loved ones, put on some Christmas music, and bake up this delightful treat together? Your taste buds will thank you.
