As the holiday season approaches, many of us are searching for the perfect Christmas recipe to share with our loved ones. However, during times of war, finding ingredients for traditional recipes can be a challenge. That's why we've put together this special wartime Christmas cake recipe, perfect for bringing a taste of home to those who are far from it. Not only is this cake delicious, but it also has a rich history and holds a special place in the hearts of those who have enjoyed it during difficult times.
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic Christmas cake? This rich and decadent dessert is a staple at holiday gatherings and is sure to impress your guests. Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or a modern twist, there are endless variations of this beloved dessert. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with our top 20 Christmas cake recipes.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you're a fan of tart and tangy flavors, then this cranberry Christmas cake is the perfect choice for you. This moist and fluffy cake is filled with fresh cranberries and topped with a sweet glaze, making it a festive addition to your holiday spread. The combination of cranberries and sugar creates a delicious balance of sweet and sour that is sure to please your taste buds.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a Buche de Noel, the Christmas Yule log cake is a French classic that is traditionally served during the holiday season. This show-stopping dessert is made with a light and airy sponge cake rolled with a rich chocolate filling and decorated with festive frosting and decorations. It's a labor of love, but the end result is worth it for a jaw-dropping centerpiece at your Christmas dinner.
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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, this simple Christmas cake is the perfect solution. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this cake is quick and easy to make, but still delivers on flavor. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, such as butter and vanilla extract, to create a rich and moist cake that is sure to please.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
One of the biggest challenges when making a Christmas cake is keeping it moist. But with this recipe, you'll never have to worry about a dry cake again. Made with buttermilk and applesauce, this cake is incredibly moist and stays that way even after a few days. It's the perfect make-ahead dessert for the busy holiday season.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're looking to add some international flair to your holiday spread, try this Pandoro Christmas tree cake. Originating from Italy, Pandoro is a sweet and buttery cake that is traditionally shaped into a Christmas tree. This festive dessert is sure to be a hit with its golden appearance and delicious flavor.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Christmas cake, fruit cake, and plum cake are all terms that are often used interchangeably. This traditional holiday dessert is made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is soaked in alcohol for weeks to intensify the flavors. The result is a dense and flavorful cake that is perfect for the holiday season.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're tired of the traditional flavors of Christmas cake, this cranberry and lime version is a refreshing change. The tartness of the cranberries is balanced out by the zesty lime, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination. Plus, the bright red and green colors make it a perfect addition to your Christmas table.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
Pistachio and cherry are a classic flavor pairing, and this Christmas cake takes it to the next level. The combination of the crunchy pistachios and the sweet and tart cherries creates a delicious and festive cake that is sure to impress. Plus, the green and red colors make it a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
This fruit cake recipe is a triple threat, as it can also be called a Christmas cake or a plum cake. This traditional dessert is made with a mix of dried fruits and nuts, giving it a rich and complex flavor. The addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm and cozy element that is perfect for the holiday season.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This elegant and flavorful Christmas cake is made with a combination of cranberries and almonds, creating a delicious and unique dessert. The tartness of the cranberries is balanced out by the nutty and slightly sweet almonds, making this cake a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the almond slices on top add a beautiful and festive touch.
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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 dessert that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of dried fruits and nuts creates a rich and flavorful cake that is perfect for the holiday season. Plus, the deep red color of the plums adds a festive touch to your dessert table.
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Easy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you're short on time but still want to make a delicious Christmas cake, this easy recipe is the way to go. Made with cake mix and canned fruit, this cake comes together quickly and easily, but still delivers on flavor. It's a great option for those who are new to baking or for those who are short on time during the busy holiday season.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
You can't go wrong with a classic, and this traditional Christmas cake recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Made with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this cake is rich and full of flavor. It's a timeless dessert that is perfect for any holiday gathering and is sure to become a family favorite.
Sugar cookies are a staple at Christmas time, and for good reason. These buttery and sweet cookies can be decorated in endless ways, making them a fun and festive activity for the whole family. Plus, they make a great addition to any dessert table and can be given as gifts to friends and neighbors.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
If you're looking for a unique and eye-catching dessert, these Christmas peppermint meringue swirls are the perfect choice. These light and airy cookies are made with peppermint extract and are swirled with red food coloring to create a festive candy cane effect. They're a delicious and visually stunning addition to any holiday spread.
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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 treats and want something savory, this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread is the way to go. Made with pizza dough and your choice of toppings, this festive dish is perfect for a holiday party or for a cozy night in. Plus, it's a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
If you're trying to watch your waistline during the holiday season, this healthy Christmas cake is the perfect dessert for you. Made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and honey, this cake is a healthier alternative to traditional Christmas cakes. It's still full of flavor and will satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt.
In Japan, Christmas cake is a popular dessert that is traditionally made with sponge cake, whipped cream, and strawberries. This light and delicate cake is a refreshing change from the rich and heavy desserts typically enjoyed during the holiday season. Plus, the red and white colors make it a festive addition to any Christmas celebration.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
Last but not least, these Cucidati Italian Christmas fig cookies are a delicious and unique addition to your holiday dessert spread. These cookies are filled with a flavorful mixture of figs, nuts, and spices, and are topped with a sweet glaze. They're a must-try for anyone looking to add some Italian flair to their Christmas celebrations.
The History of Wartime Christmas Cake
The Origins
During World War II, rationing was a way of life for many families. Food and supplies were scarce, and people had to make do with what they had. This included Christmas celebrations, where traditional recipes often had to be adapted to fit the limited resources available. The wartime Christmas cake is a prime example of this, as it uses ingredients that were readily available and could be spared from rationing.
A Symbol of Hope and Resilience
Despite the challenges of war, people still found ways to celebrate the holiday season. The Christmas cake became a symbol of hope and resilience, as families and communities came together to share what little they had. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still room for joy and togetherness.
A Timeless Recipe
What started as a necessity during wartime has now become a beloved tradition for many families. The wartime Christmas cake has stood the test of time and is still enjoyed by many today. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations and the resilience and strength that can be found in the face of adversity.
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Ingredients and Directions
To make this wartime Christmas cake, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp ground cloves
1 cup water
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped dried figs
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup chopped candied peel
1 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a saucepan, combine the water, raisins, nuts, dates, figs, apricots, and candied peel. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.
Cut in the butter and mix until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Stir in the vanilla extract and the fruit mixture.
Transfer the batter into a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The wartime Christmas cake is more than just a recipe – it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. By making this cake, we honor the traditions of the past and create new memories for the future. So this year, as you gather with your loved ones to enjoy this delicious cake, remember the history and significance behind it. Happy holidays!
