Christmas cake is a long standing tradition that started all of the way back in the 16th century! This tradition has been carried through families from all over the world and has many variations depending on the recipes that have been passed down over the years. The Christmas cake is a very popular item around the holidays with variations of cakes with frosting, mixed spices, powdered sugar, orange zest, other fruits and more!
What is the traditional holiday cake eaten at Christmas?
In England, Christmas cake is an tradition that began as plum porridge. People ate the porridge on Christmas Eve, using it to line their stomachs after a day of fasting. Soon dried fruit, spices and honey were added to the porridge mixture, and eventually it turned into Christmas pudding.
In the United States, fruit cake is often served around Christmas time but this is not considered an actual Christmas Cake.
Why is it called Christmas Cake?
In the 16th century, oatmeal was removed from the original recipe, and butter, wheat flour and eggs were added. These ingredients helped hold the mixture together and in what resulted in a boiled plum cake. Richer families that had ovens began making fruit cakes with marzipan, an almond sugar paste, for Easter. For Christmas, they made a similar cake using seasonal dried fruit and spices. The spices represented the exotic eastern spices brought by the Wise Men. This cake became known as "Christmas cake."
What's the difference between Fruit Cake and Christmas Cake?
Christmas cakes are made many different ways, but generally they are variations on classic fruitcake. They can be light, dark, moist, dry, heavy, spongy, leavened, unleavened, etc. They are made in many different shapes, with frosting, glazing, a dusting of confectioner's sugar or plain. Christmas cakes are also commonly made with pudding while a fruit cake uses butter, however there are Christmas cake recipes that do contain butter.
The traditional Scottish Christmas cake, also known as the Whisky Dundee, is very popular. It is a light crumbly cake with currants, raisins, cherries and Scotch whisky. Other types of Christmas cakes include an apple creme cake and a mincemeat cake. The apple creme cake is made with apples, other fruit, raisins, eggs, cream cheese and whipping cream. The mincemeat cake is made with traditional mincemeat or vegetarian mincemeat, flour, eggs, etc. It can also be steamed as a Christmas pudding.
Christmas cakes have many recipes, if it is your first time making a Christmas cake from scratch we recommend you try out our recipe for Christmas cake.
How long does Christmas Cake last?
All Christmas cakes are made in advance. Many make them in November, keeping the cake upside down in an airtight container. A small amount of brandy, sherry or whisky is poured into holes in the cake every week until Christmas. This process is called "feeding" the cake.
In Japan Christmas cake is a frosted sponge cake with strawberries, chocolates or seasonal fruit. It was an expression that to call women over the age of 25 "Christmas cake," meaning that they are out of season, as the cake is after December 25th. Now the age is raised to 31, linked to toshikoshi-soba, a noodle dish eaten on December 31st.
In the Philippines Christmas cake is a yellow pound cake with nuts or the traditional British fruitcake. Both cakes are soaked in brandy or rum, a palm sugar syrup and water. Rosewater or orange flower water is usually added. The cakes have a long shelf life, usually lasting many months. Sometimes they are eaten the following Easter or Christmas.
Where to buy Christmas Cake?
If you don't have the time or patience to make a homemade Christmas cake, high-quality store bought Christmas cakes are good options. You can find many different varieties and flavors. We have several categories of Christmas Cakes in our holiday shop. We also offer Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies and Christmas Spreads. These items are extremely popular and you will want to order early! Our customers have commented that the Christmas Cakes we offer are delicious and they come back every year for the same cakes. We hope that you find a cake that you like!
As a passionate culinary expert with a deep understanding of the rich history and diverse traditions associated with Christmas cakes, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the various concepts discussed in the article. My expertise in the culinary arts, especially in the realm of festive desserts, allows me to provide insights and details that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Christmas Cake Origins: The tradition of Christmas cake has roots dating back to the 16th century. It began as plum porridge in England, consumed on Christmas Eve to line the stomach after a day of fasting. Over time, dried fruit, spices, and honey were incorporated, evolving into Christmas pudding. In wealthier households, this transformed into a Christmas cake, incorporating marzipan, almond sugar paste, and seasonal dried fruits, symbolizing the exotic spices brought by the Wise Men.
Christmas Cake Evolution: The transformation from plum porridge to Christmas cake in England involved the removal of oatmeal from the original recipe, with the addition of butter, wheat flour, and eggs. This modification facilitated a shift towards a boiled plum cake, and eventually, richer families incorporated marzipan for Easter and a similar cake for Christmas, leading to the term "Christmas cake."
Fruit Cake vs. Christmas Cake: While fruit cakes are commonly served in the United States around Christmas, they are distinct from Christmas cakes. Christmas cakes, often variations of classic fruitcake, can vary in texture, moisture, and ingredients. They may include pudding, unlike traditional fruitcakes that use butter. Noteworthy variations include the Scottish Whisky Dundee, apple creme cake, and mincemeat cake.
Christmas Cake Preparation and Preservation: Christmas cakes are typically prepared well in advance, with November being a common time for their creation. The cakes are stored upside down in airtight containers, and a weekly process known as "feeding" involves adding brandy, sherry, or whisky into holes in the cake until Christmas. This prolonged preparation enhances the flavors and keeps the cake moist.
International Variations: Christmas cake varies globally. In Japan, it takes the form of a frosted sponge cake with seasonal fruits. In the Philippines, it can be a yellow pound cake or a traditional British fruitcake soaked in brandy or rum. These cakes often have a long shelf life, lasting several months and sometimes enjoyed even after Easter.
Buying Christmas Cakes: For those lacking the time or inclination to make Christmas cakes from scratch, high-quality store-bought options are available. These cakes come in various flavors and types, with categories such as Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies, and Christmas Spreads. Ordering early is recommended due to their popularity, as customers often return for the same delightful cakes year after year.
In conclusion, the Christmas cake is a culinary masterpiece with a rich history, diverse variations, and global appeal, making it a cherished tradition during the holiday season.
