Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World (2024)

Are you looking for Christmas cakes to celebrate the holidays with your family? Or are you looking for Christmas-themed cake inspiration to sell at your business? On this article, we give you 8 Christmas cake ideas that are perfect for you.

7 Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World

As a holiday celebrated all over the world, every country has its own way of celebrating Christmas, followed by its unique traditional Christmas cake. Of course, you can choose your favorite cake according to your taste and budget.

Here are 7 different types of Christmas cakes from around the world that can inspire you this holiday.

1. Panettone, Italy

Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World (1)

Originating from Milan, Italy, this cake has become one of the most popular Christmas cakes around Europe and in many parts of the world. The panettone is a dome-shaped spongecake with a sweet, yeasty taste. Similar to sourdough, this cake needs to be proofed three times before it is baked. It is traditionally made with raisins and candied fruits, but there are also versions of it made with chocolate and cream fillings.

2. La Bûche de Nöel, France

Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World (2)

When you hear the word “Christmas cake”, this type of cake must be what first comes into mind. The bûche de Noël was popularized by French bakers in the 1900s. Also known as the yule log, this light spongecake has a very distinctive log-like shape, and is covered in chocolate or coffee buttercream that is textured to look like tree bark. To go further with the theme, log cakes are usually garnished with dusted confectioner’s sugar, edible leaves or meringue mushrooms.

3. Christmas Cake, England

Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World (3)

Source: The Spruce Eats

During the Christmas season, this cake can be found not only in England where it came from but also in many parts of the world. Even though this cake is sometimes referred to as a Christmas “pudding”, Christmas cake is a type of cake. More specifically, it is a type of fruitcake covered with thick layers of icing with candied or dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and usually contains warming spirits like brandy, wine, rum, or cognac.

Read more: How to Keep Chocolate Bark from Melting

4. Bibingka, Philippines

Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World (4)

Source: Wikipedia

Filipinos are probably the South-East Asian country that loves celebrating Christmas the most. And they sure show their love through their Christmas cake! Bibingka is a type of rice cake made with coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. Due to its appetizing looks, it is also popular in other Asian countries where Christmas is celebrated.

5. Bolo Rei, Portugal

Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World (5)

This traditional Christmas cake from Portugal originated in France and arrived in Portugal in the mid-19th century. The Bolo Rei, which means King’s Cake, is shaped to fit its name perfectly: it is round with a hole in the center and adorned with candied fruits and nuts, just like a king’s embellished crown. More nuts, candied fruits, and dried fruits are filled inside the cake.

According to legend, there was once an argument about which of the wise men would give their gifts to baby Jesus. One baker added a piece of fava bean in the Bolo Rei, and the man who found the bean in his slice of cake was selected. Now, it becomes a tradition: the person who finds a fava bean in their slice must pay for the cake next Christmas.

Read more: 5 Signs of High-Quality Milk Chocolate

6. Pio Quinto, Nicaragua

Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World (6)

Source: Recetas Nicaragua

The Pio Quinto is a cross between a custard and a cake, with the addition of alcohol in it. Usually soaked in rum as the spirit of choice, this cake is layered with custard on top and dusted with cinnamon to get an extra touch of spice.

7. Drømmekage, Denmark

Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World (7)

Source: Madens Verden

Drømmekage is a soft and spongy cake with a special caramelized coconut topping. It literally means “sweet dream” in Danish, and it sure gives you one when you take a bite of it! In fact, Drømmekage is not only eaten during the Christmas season and is enjoyed all year round, but it sure is a special treat on the holidays.

Read more: 7 Quick and Easy Chocolate Cupcake Decorations

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Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World (2024)

FAQs

Different Types of Christmas Cakes from Around the World? ›

Panettone, Italy

Originating from Milan, Italy, this cake has become one of the most popular Christmas cakes around Europe and in many parts of the world. The panettone is a dome-shaped spongecake with a sweet, yeasty taste. Similar to sourdough, this cake needs to be proofed three times before it is baked.

What are the different types of Christmas cakes? ›

My Top 6 Favorite Christmas Cakes
  • Christmas Cake #1: Chocolate Orange Cake.
  • Christmas Cake #2: White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Cake.
  • Christmas Cake #3: Pistachio Cranberry Cake.
  • Christmas Cake #4: Eggnog Cake.
  • Christmas Cake #5: Gingerbread Latte Cake.
  • Christmas Cake #6: Chocolate Peppermint Cake.
Nov 14, 2022

What is the traditional Christmas cake in Europe? ›

Panettone, Italy

Originating from Milan, Italy, this cake has become one of the most popular Christmas cakes around Europe and in many parts of the world. The panettone is a dome-shaped spongecake with a sweet, yeasty taste. Similar to sourdough, this cake needs to be proofed three times before it is baked.

What are the different types of Christmas cakes in Italy? ›

Italy and the 6 cakes of Christmas
  • Pandolce. This is the original and probably most ancient recipe of a Christmas cake: a sweet cake made with yeast and filled with whatever dry fruit and nuts one has in their cupboards. ...
  • Pandoro. ...
  • Panettone. ...
  • Panforte. ...
  • Panpepato. ...
  • Pangiallo.
Dec 23, 2017

Which countries have a Christmas cake? ›

In France, Belgium, Switzerland, French Canada, Luxembourg and Lebanon a Bûche de noël (Yule log cake) is the traditional Christmas cake. They are light sponge cakes covered with a layer of butter cream flavoured with chocolate, coffee and Grand Marnier.

What are the 7 types of cakes? ›

7 Types of Cake You Need to Know
  • Butter Cake. You might be most familiar with this type of cake. ...
  • Pound Cake. A pound cake can be like a sister of butter cake. ...
  • Sponge Cake. This cake is super soft and cloudy, ring a bell? ...
  • Chiffon Cake. ...
  • Flourless Cake (baked & unbaked) ...
  • Carrot Cake. ...
  • Red Velvet Cake.
Aug 31, 2020

What is Christmas cake in Japan? ›

Utterly distinct from the fruity, boozey density of British Christmas cake, Japanese Christmas cake, or 'kurisumasu keki,' is a light sponge cake, covered in a layer of whipped cream and decorated with ripe strawberries.

What are Spain Christmas cakes? ›

Roscón de Reyes, or Kings' Cake, is a traditional Spanish pastry enjoyed during the holiday season, especially on Three Kings' Day. It's a ring-shaped sweet bread often adorned with candied fruits, symbolizing the crowns of the three wise men.

What is the name of the famous Christmas cake? ›

Bûche de Noël (Yule Log Cake)

Bûche de Noël cakes are a French Christmas tradition dating back to the 19th century. Decorate it like a log, as is traditional, or try any other variety of frosting and topping combos—it's all about that gorgeous swirl, so anything else is a bonus.

What kind of cakes are traditionally eaten at Christmas in Scotland? ›

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.

What sort of cake is the Christmas cake made of in the UK? ›

Christmas Cake is a traditional fruit cake with a rich, velvety texture that's so full flavoured and moist it can be eaten plain. But no one turns away a slosh of custard! Usually Christmas Cakes need to be started the day before, with overnight soaking of dried fruit. But not mine!

What is the difference between light and dark Christmas cake? ›

Dark fruitcake includes molasses and brown sugar, black fruits like currants, and dark liquors. Often meant to be eaten before they've aged, light cakes (like the one shown) are made with granulated sugar or light corn syrup, and golden and yellow fruits, with or without light liquors.

Is Christmas cake and fruitcake the same thing? ›

Christmas cake and fruitcake often refer to the same thing: a cake with lots of candied dried fruits in them, a spicy-sweet flavor profile, and the presence of an alcohol such as rum.

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