19+ Women's Weekly Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
The traditional Christmas cake is a staple in many households during the holiday season. Passed down from generation to generation, this festive dessert is a beloved tradition among families and friends. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it's no wonder why the women's weekly traditional Christmas cake recipe is a go-to for many during this time of year. Let's take a closer look at what makes this recipe so special and why it has stood the test of time.
The holiday season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas cake? This traditional dessert has been a staple of Christmas celebrations for centuries, with each family having their own unique recipe and twist on the classic. Whether you prefer a rich and boozy fruit cake or a light and fluffy sponge, there's a Christmas cake recipe out there for everyone. So get your apron on and let's dive into the top 20 Christmas cake recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family this holiday season.
The traditional British Christmas cake is a rich and fruity delight that is often served with a layer of marzipan and icing on top. This dense and moist cake is filled with dried fruit, nuts, and spices, and is often soaked in brandy or rum to give it that extra kick. The key to a perfect British Christmas cake is to soak the dried fruit in alcohol for at least a few days before baking, allowing the flavors to develop and infuse into the cake. Serve this cake with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine for the ultimate festive treat.
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Traditional Irish Christmas Cake Ingredients
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Stoned Dates, Sultanas, Glace Cherries, Irish
If you're looking for a boozy and indulgent Christmas cake, then the traditional Irish Christmas cake is the one for you. This recipe is very similar to the British version but with a few added ingredients to give it that Irish twist. Along with the usual dried fruits and spices, this cake also includes chopped walnuts, grated orange zest, and a generous pour of Irish whiskey. It's then topped with a layer of marzipan and icing, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas table.
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Rosemarie's Traditional Christmas Cake (Boiled)
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Brown Sugar, Brandy, Water, Crushed
If you're short on time or don't have the patience for the traditional method of soaking the dried fruit, then Rosemarie's boiled Christmas cake is the perfect solution. This recipe involves boiling the dried fruit in a mixture of butter, sugar, and water, which helps to plump up the fruit and infuse it with flavor. The end result is a moist and delicious cake that can be made in just a few hours. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy and comforting dessert.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you're not a fan of traditional fruit cakes, then this cranberry Christmas cake is a great alternative. It's made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon, giving it a festive and tangy flavor. This cake also has a beautiful red and white color scheme, making it a visually stunning addition to your Christmas spread. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover cranberries from your holiday cooking.
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Traditional Christmas Cake With A Twist
Main Ingredients: Sweetened Shredded Coconut, Papayas, Mangoes, Candied
If you want to put a twist on the classic Christmas cake, then this recipe is for you. It's made with all the usual ingredients – dried fruit, spices, and alcohol – but with the addition of chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts. The result is a rich and decadent cake that has a surprise burst of chocolate in every bite. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgent dessert.
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Traditional Christmas Cake (Eggless and Vegan Options)
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Prunes, Dried Apricots, Dates, Dried Figs
If you have dietary restrictions or are looking for a healthier option, this traditional Christmas cake can easily be made eggless and vegan. Instead of eggs, this recipe uses flaxseed meal and water to bind the ingredients together, and substitutes butter with coconut oil. The end result is a moist and flavorful cake that is suitable for those with dietary restrictions, without compromising on taste.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
The Yule log, also known as the Christmas log cake, is a classic French dessert that has become popular all over the world during the holiday season. This cake is made by rolling a sponge cake with a chocolate or cream filling, and then decorating it to look like a log. This recipe for the ultimate Christmas Yule log cake is a show-stopping dessert that will impress all your guests. It's made with a light and airy sponge, a rich chocolate ganache, and is decorated with edible mushrooms and a dusting of powdered sugar to resemble a real log.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time or are new to baking, this simple Christmas cake recipe is perfect for you. It's made with just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and can be made in just a few easy steps. The end result is a light and fluffy cake that is perfect for those who prefer a less traditional Christmas dessert.
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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 Christmas cake is keeping it moist. This recipe for a moist Christmas cake uses a combination of dried fruit, applesauce, and sour cream to ensure a moist and delicious cake every time. The applesauce and sour cream also add a subtle sweetness and tanginess to the cake, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're looking for a unique and beautiful Christmas cake, then the Pandoro Christmas tree cake is the one for you. This Italian cake is shaped like a Christmas tree and is made with a rich and buttery brioche dough. It's then filled with your choice of cream, chocolate, or jam, and topped with powdered sugar to resemble snow. This cake is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with a stunning and delicious dessert.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
In many parts of the world, fruit cake, plum cake, and Christmas cake are all used synonymously to describe the same type of dessert. But regardless of what you call it, this traditional cake is a must-have during the holiday season. This recipe for fruit cake is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is soaked in brandy or rum for a few days to infuse it with flavor. It's then topped with a layer of marzipan and icing, making it a decadent and indulgent treat.
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Traditional Christmas Plum Cake / Fruit Cake
Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Brown Sugar, White Sugar
This traditional Christmas plum cake recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It's made with a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is soaked in rum or brandy for at least a week before baking. This allows the flavors to develop and gives the cake a delicious boozy kick. The end result is a rich and moist cake that is perfect for serving with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're looking for a Christmas cake that is a little more unique and refreshing, then this cranberry and lime cake is for you. The tartness of the cranberries and the zing of the lime make for a delicious and tangy flavor combination. This cake is also topped with a lime glaze, adding an extra burst of citrusy goodness to every bite. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This pistachio cherry Christmas cake is not only festive and delicious, but it's also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. It's made with almond flour, coconut oil, and a combination of dried cherries and pistachios, giving it a beautiful red and green color scheme. The flavors of the cherries and pistachios pair perfectly together, making this cake a must-try for the holiday season.
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Australian Traditional Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Eggs, Plain Flour
In Australia, Christmas falls during the summer season, so a traditional Christmas cake is often made with lighter and fruitier ingredients. This Australian version of the traditional Christmas cake is made with dried apricots, figs, and dates, and is soaked in apricot brandy before baking. The result is a lighter and more refreshing cake that is perfect for those hot summer days.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
This classic Christmas cake recipe is a no-fail option that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It's made with all the usual ingredients – dried fruit, spices, and alcohol – and is topped with a layer of marzipan and icing. This cake is perfect for those who prefer a traditional and no-fuss Christmas dessert.
No Christmas is complete without a batch of festive sugar cookies. These cookies are fun and easy to make, and are perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. You can use any type of cookie cutter to make different shapes and sizes, making it a fun activity for the whole family. These cookies also make great gifts when packaged in a festive box or tin.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
For a light and refreshing Christmas dessert, try making these peppermint meringue swirls. They are made with just a few ingredients and have a crispy and airy texture that is perfect for the holiday season. The addition of peppermint extract gives them a festive flavor and the red and white swirls make for a beautiful presentation. Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa for a classic Christmas combination.
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Traditional Baked Ham
Main Ingredients: Spiral Sliced Bone In Ham, Salted Butter, Light Brown
No Christmas feast is complete without a succulent and juicy ham. This recipe for traditional baked ham is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for even the novice cook. The ham is coated with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice, giving it a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a Christmas dinner that is sure to impress.
The Perfect Blend of Ingredients
The Women's Weekly Secret Ingredient
At the heart of this traditional Christmas cake recipe is a secret ingredient that sets it apart from others – sherry. This fortified wine adds a depth of flavor and richness to the cake that is unmatched. The Women's Weekly has been using sherry in their Christmas cake recipe since the 1930s, and it continues to be a key component in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
A Classic Combination of Fruits and Spices
Another key factor in the success of this recipe is the combination of fruits and spices used. The fruit mix, which includes raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied peel, is soaked in sherry for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and infuse into the cake. The addition of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice adds warmth and complexity to the overall taste.
A Time-Honored Process
Patience is Key
One of the reasons why the women's weekly traditional Christmas cake recipe has remained popular is because it follows a time-honored process. From the soaking of the fruits to the slow baking of the cake, this recipe requires patience and attention to detail. This process allows for the flavors to fully develop and creates a moist and rich cake that is perfect for the holiday season.
A Labor of Love
Making this traditional Christmas cake is not a quick and easy task. It requires time, effort, and love to create the perfect end result. But the end result is worth it – a beautiful and delicious cake that is sure to impress and delight all who try it.
In Conclusion
The women's weekly traditional Christmas cake recipe is more than just a recipe – it's a tradition. Passed down from generation to generation, it has stood the test of time and remains a beloved part of the holiday season. Its secret ingredient, perfect blend of ingredients, and time-honored process make it a must-try for anyone looking to create a truly special and unforgettable Christmas dessert. So why not give it a try this holiday season and continue the tradition in your own home?
