Christmas means red and green dresses, lots of treats, decorating everything with lights and spending quality time with friends and family. Among the many holiday traditions, Christmas cakes hold a special place on dessert tables around the world. While most people are familiar with plum or rum cake, there are a range of delicious and special Christmas cakes available in different parts of the world. This Christmas, embrace the global spirit of celebration with cakes from around the world.
Here are 5 traditional Christmas cakes from around the world:
1. Christmas Cake – England
England-style Christmas cake has become a favorite holiday dessert around the world. This dense fruit cake is filled with candied or dried fruits, nuts and warm spices – all soaked in spirits like brandy, rum or cognac. The taste of the cake is a unique blend of sweet, spicy and spicy.
2. Buche de Noel – France
In France, buche de Noël is a popular Christmas cake. This iconic dessert is a light sponge cake that is rolled into a log shape. The outer layer is coated in chocolate or coffee flavored buttercream and has the texture of tree bark. To add a Christmas-special touch, it is decorated with powdered sugar, edible leaves and meringue mushrooms.
Photo: iStock
3. Bolo Rei – Portugal
Portugal’s traditional Christmas cake looks charming and tastes amazing. Bolo ri means ‘king’s cake’, and that’s exactly what it looks like. The shape of the cake is like a crown with a hole in the middle. Like shining gems, it is decorated with candied fruits and nuts. According to tradition, there is a fava bean hidden in the cake and whoever finds the piece has to buy a cake for the next Christmas.
Photo: iStock
4. Panettone – Italy
The classic recipe from Italy is another favorite Christmas cake throughout Europe and beyond. This sweet cake is dome-shaped and has a bread-like texture – light, airy and leavened – similar to sourdough. Panettone also contains raisins and candied fruits. The true origins of panettone lie in the medieval tradition of enriching daily bread during the Christmas period.
Also read: Kylie Jenner’s “Christmas Tree Pancake” Sparks Festive Waves from Miles Away
5. Bibingka – Philippines
Christmas is a beloved holiday in the Philippines, celebrated with a holiday-special cake called bibingka. This traditional rice cake is made with coconut milk and wrapped in a banana leaf mold, giving it a unique aroma and interesting presentation. It is often topped with caramelized coconut strips.
Which is your favorite cake for Christmas celebration? Share with us in the comments section.
