Christmas 2024: From red velvet to chocolate truffle; 5 yummy Christmas cake recipes for festive delight

Christmas is just around the corner, falling on Monday, December 25, and everyone is getting ready for the celebrations. From decorating homes with lights to preparing festive treats, the holiday spirit is in the air. One of the best ways to join in the fun is by baking your own Christmas cake. There’s something special about the warmth and aroma of a freshly baked cake during this festive season. Explore our collection of cake recipes that will fill your home with the delightful scents of Christmas and bring extra joy to your celebrations.

1. Classic Red Velvet Cake

This iconic cake is a perfect combination of soft texture and creamy frosting, making it a Christmas favourite.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons red food colouring

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

Cream cheese frosting (for layering and topping)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

In another bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, food colouring, vanilla, and vinegar.

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Let the cakes cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

2. Rich Chocolate Truffle Cake

Indulge in the decadence of this chocolate lover’s dream, ideal for Christmas dessert tables.

Ingredients:

200g dark chocolate (chopped)

200g unsalted butter

200g sugar

4 eggs

200g self-raising flour

100ml heavy cream

Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan.

Melt chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Let it cool slightly.

Beat sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy, then fold in the melted chocolate mixture.

Sift in the flour and mix until smooth.

Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.

For the truffle topping, heat the cream and pour it over chopped chocolate. Mix until smooth and spread over the cooled cake.

Dust with cocoa powder for a festive touch.

3. Spiced Gingerbread Cake

This aromatic cake captures the essence of Christmas with its rich spices and molasses flavour.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 cup molasses

1 cup hot water

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and spices.

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.

Mix in the molasses, then gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with hot water.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Let the cake cool and top with whipped cream or icing sugar.

4. Fruit and Nut Christmas Cake

Packed with dried fruits and nuts, this traditional cake is a must-have for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, apricots, cranberries)

1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)

1/2 cup orange juice

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

Instructions:

Soak the dried fruits in orange juice overnight.

Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, and spices.

Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time.

Fold in the soaked fruits and nuts, followed by the dry ingredients.

Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Cool and brush with orange juice or brandy for added flavour.

5. Eggless Plum Cake

For those who prefer eggless treats, this plum cake is equally delightful.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup orange juice

1 cup mixed dried fruits

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup yogurt

Instructions:

Soak the dried fruits in orange juice for a few hours.

Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a cake tin.

Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, and spices.

Cream butter and sugar, then mix in yogurt.

Add the soaked fruits and nuts, followed by the dry ingredients.

Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 40-50 minutes.

Cool and enjoy with a dusting of icing sugar.

These recipes not only capture the festive essence but also bring smiles to your loved ones. Get ready to bake and create unforgettable Christmas memories!