Christmas cake is a type of fruitcake served at Christmas time in many countries. The traditional Christmas fruitcake consists of a rich, dense batter or dough loaded with dried fruit, nuts, spices, and alcohol such as brandy or rum. There are many different styles and recipes, but they share the common theme of being a very moist, dense cake full of holiday flavors.
What are the origins of Christmas cake?
The origins of Christmas cake can be traced back to medieval England. During this time, a porridge-like dish called “frumenty” was eaten as part of Christmas celebrations. Frumenty was made of boiled wheat grains, currants, spices, and berries. Over time, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spirits were added to frumenty to make it more cake-like. By the 16th century, this evolved into a plum porridge, which was the precursor to modern Christmas puddings and cakes.
Fruitcakes and plum cakes soaked with spirits were popular Victorian era Christmas desserts. The tradition of having fruitcakes at Christmas spread across the British empire during this time period. Regional variations began to develop in different countries, resulting in the many different styles of Christmas cakes we know today.
What ingredients are typically used?
While recipes can vary, the following ingredients are commonly found in Christmas cakes:
- Flour – Usually wheat flour serves as the base.
- Dried fruit – Raisins, currants, dried cranberries, cherries, etc. Candied orange and lemon peel are also sometimes used.
- Nuts – Walnuts and almonds are popular choices.
- Spices – Nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice help flavor the cake.
- Molasses or brown sugar – For sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs – To help bind the ingredients together.
- Butter or margarine – For richness and moisture.
- Brandy, rum, or sherry – For flavor and to preserve the cake.
What are some traditional Christmas cake recipes?
Here are a few examples of popular traditional Christmas cake recipes from around the world:
Classic British Christmas Cake
Moist currant-studded cake loaded with raisins, citrus peels, almonds, brandy, and holiday spice.
Italian Panettone
Sweet yeast bread with raisins and candied orange peel, flavored with lemon zest and anise. Has a characteristic cupola shape when baked.
German Stollen
Dense, bread-like fruitcake loaded with nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit. The loaf is coated with powdered sugar.
Irish Whiskey Cake
Fruitcake made with Irish whiskey that’s brushed on as it bakes for added flavor.
Jamaican Black Cake
Dark, molasses flavored cake full of raisins and prunes soaked in rum. Burnt sugar is also added for color and flavor.
What are some variations of Christmas cake?
There are many creative spins on the traditional Christmas fruitcake. Some popular variations include:
- Using different dried fruits – cranberries, blueberries, cherries, pineapple, mango, etc.
- Substituting alternative nuts – pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, etc.
- Flavored with chocolate, coffee, maple syrup, or applesauce.
- Lighter versions without alcohol for children.
- Gluten-free and dairy-free Christmas cakes.
- Mini Christmas cake cupcakes or cake pops.
- Christmas cake ice cream with bits of fruitcake mixed in.
- Christmas cake cookies made with some dried fruit.
- Christmas cake pops – cake mixed with frosting and dipped in chocolate.
How far in advance can you make Christmas cakes?
One unique quality of Christmas cakes is that they keep well and can be made weeks or even months before Christmas. The high fruit, sugar, and alcohol content acts as a natural preservative allowing the cakes to last. Here are some tips for making Christmas cakes ahead of time:
- Make the cake 2-3 months in advance to allow it time to become moist and develop the best flavor.
- Store the cake in an airtight container, wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap helps prevent drying out.
- Before serving, sprinkle the cake with brandy or rum and wrap with a moist cheesecloth.
- Place stored cakes in a cool place. Refrigeration can help extend the life but allowing it to return to room temperature before serving is ideal.
- Marzipan and royal icing also help seal in moisture. Ice the cake 1-2 weeks before Christmas.
- Without alcohol, Christmas cakes are best made 1-2 weeks in advance and kept refrigerated.
What is the traditional Christmas cake decorating style?
Christmas cakes are well known for their elaborate decorations and ornamental designs. Here are some of the traditional decorating styles:
- Completely iced over the top and sides with royal icing. Usually white but can come in colors.
- Smooth covered with marzipan paste before icing for a clean finish.
- Trimmed with holly leaves and berries made of icing or marzipan.
- Candied fruit peel or cherries dotted around the sides.
- Sugar flowers such as roses or poinsettias added for decoration.
- Silver or gold balls placed on top and around the base.
- Dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Fanciful Christmas figurines like snowmen or reindeer on top.
The decorating style became more elaborate and ornate during the Victorian era. Tiny details like lace patterns and lettering were added using specialized icing tips and techniques.
Why do people soak Christmas cakes in alcohol?
The tradition of soaking Christmas cakes in spirits like brandy, rum, or sherry serves a few purposes:
- Adds flavor – The alcohol infuses into the cake and gives it a complex, aromatic taste.
- Keeps the cake moist – The spirits prevent the cake from drying out during storage.
- Allows flavors to mature – Aging gives time for the flavors to fully develop.
- Has antiseptic properties – The alcohol helps preserve the cake.
- Compliments the dried fruit – Pairs well with currants, raisins, cherries, etc.
- Provides a warming effect – The alcohol gives a soothing, warming sensation when eaten.
- Hearkens back to Medieval origins – Fruitcakes were originally boiled in ale for preservation.
Typically a few tablespoons to a quarter cup of spirits per pound of cake is brushed on periodically through baking and storage. The alcohol content of the cake is very low and the heat evaporates most of the alcohol.
Conclusion
Christmas cake is a beloved holiday tradition in many parts of the world. While recipes and styles vary across cultures, they all share common festive ingredients and decoration that make them a perfect centerpiece for Christmas celebrations. Soaking the cake in spirits helps enrich the flavor and preserve the cake to be made weeks in advance. The result is a cake full of holiday spirit, literally and figuratively.