Fruit, Nut & Spice Cakes

For traditional and especially festive occasions—such as Christmas or Easter—we always think of a beautifully decorated cake that is delicious in every bite. You should check out these two suggestions: Whisky Fruit Cake by Kirsten Gilmour or Simnel Cake from the world-renowned school Le Cordon Bleu. Perhaps something a little simpler, but just as delicious, such as Rose Levy Beranbaum’s English Dried Fruit Cake or Ann Nicol’s Date and Walnut Spice Cake. All of these cakes taste and look like tradition itself, evoking memories and recalling celebrations, connecting past and present around a generous table with family gathered close.

The texture, aroma and complexity of this category can even be made without sugar and still not lose their flavor, as shown by Ann Nicol in her Sugar-free Fruit Cake. Each bite shifts between sweetness and crunch, softness and spice.

Anticipation surrounds a celebration cake, as it sits at the very heart of the celebration, often marking its culmination. In my home, we make walnut cake to our own family recipe at Christmas. My grandmother made it, my mother carried on the tradition, and now I prepare it with love, care and gratitude. ckbk has ahuge range of walnut cake recipes to choose from if you'd like to start a similar tradtion…

These cakes can be as beautiful on the outside as they are rich within, as with Aimee Ryan’s (vegan!) Christmas Cake. While they may appear grand and ceremonial, don’t hesitate to prepare one simply to indulge yourself and those closest to you.

This collection is part of An Introduction to... Cake