"Melania Trump’s Torta Melanija! Cake" + 10 Best Christmas Cakes from Around the World"

 

1. Christmas Fruitcake (USA/UK)

A rich, boozy cake with dried fruits and nuts.
Approximate Cost: $20–$25

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup brandy (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions:

1. Soak dried fruits in brandy overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a cake pan.
3. Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
5. Fold in dry ingredients, fruits, and nuts.
6. Bake for 2.5–3 hours. Cool and optionally brush with more brandy.

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2. Bûche de Noël (France)

A log-shaped chocolate sponge cake filled with cream.
Approximate Cost: $15–$20

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Chocolate ganache for frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and thick.
3. Sift in flour and cocoa. Fold gently.
4. Spread batter on the sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. Roll the cake in a towel while warm. Cool.
6. Whip cream and powdered sugar for filling. Spread and re-roll the cake.
7. Frost with ganache and decorate like a log.

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3. Panettone (Italy)

A tall, sweet bread with candied fruits.
Approximate Cost: $10–$15

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 package dry yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup candied fruits

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, and eggs.
3. Knead until smooth. Add candied fruits.
4. Let rise for 2 hours. Shape into a tall loaf.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.

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4. Stollen (Germany)

A dense loaf filled with dried fruits and marzipan.
Approximate Cost: $10–$15

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 cup dried fruits
• 1/2 cup marzipan

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, and egg.
3. Knead and add fruits. Let rise for 1 hour.
4. Shape dough, place marzipan in the center, and fold over.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.

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5. Pavlova (Australia/New Zealand)

A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fruits.
Approximate Cost: $10–$12

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh fruits (kiwi, berries)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking tray.
2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar.
3. Fold in cornstarch and vinegar. Shape into a circle on the tray.
4. Bake for 60 minutes. Cool in the oven.
5. Whip cream and spread over meringue. Top with fruits.

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6. Rosca de Reyes (Mexico)

A ring-shaped bread with hidden trinkets inside.
Approximate Cost: $10–$15

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter
• Candied fruits for topping

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk.
2. Mix flour and sugar. Add yeast mixture, butter, and eggs. Knead until smooth.
3. Let rise for 2 hours. Shape it into a ring.
4. Decorate with candied fruits. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

7. Spiced Orange Cake with Cranberry Glaze (USA/Modern)

A bright and festive cake with orange, spices, and a vibrant cranberry glaze.
Approximate Cost: $12–$15

Ingredients:
For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest

For the Cranberry Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in orange juice and zest. Gradually add dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
6. For the glaze, cook cranberries, sugar, and water until the berries burst. Strain for a smooth glaze.
7. Pour cranberry glaze over the cake for a glossy, festive finish. Garnish with sugared cranberries and orange slices.

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8. Red Velvet Christmas Wreath Cake (USA)

A red velvet cake styled as a Christmas wreath with green buttercream and festive decorations.
Approximate Cost: $15–$18

Ingredients:
For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• Green food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Pour into the Bundt pan and bake for 40–45 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Whip buttercream ingredients together. Add green food coloring until a vibrant shade is achieved.
6. Pipe frosting in a wreath pattern around the cake. Decorate with edible pearls, red candies, and fondant holly leaves.

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9. Japanese Christmas Cake (Japan)

A light, fluffy sponge cake layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Approximate Cost: $10–$12

Ingredients:
For the Sponge Cake:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter

For the Filling and Topping:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a round 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until warm. Beat until thick and pale.
3. Sift flour and baking powder into the mixture. Fold gently.
4. Heat milk and butter until melted. Add to the batter and fold until combined.
5. Pour into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
6. Whip cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Slice strawberries.
7. Slice the cake in half. Spread whipped cream and strawberries between layers. Frost the outside and decorate with more strawberries for a simple yet elegant look.

10.Torta Melanija Cake (Sevnica, Slovenia)

Sophisticated cake that mirrors her refined and glamorous style.

Approximate Cost: $15-$30 with decorations. With edible gold and flowers $30-40

Ingredients:

For Melanija Cake:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature

Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups (345g) unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Decorations:

• Edible gold leaf or gold dust
• Fresh flowers (make sure they are food-safe or edible)
• White chocolate shards (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
2. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more cream or powdered sugar if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Level Layers: If needed, use a serrated knife to level the tops of each cake layer.
2. Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
3. Smooth Frosting: Use a spatula or bench scraper to smooth the frosting for a clean, elegant finish.

Step 4: Decorate

1. Apply edible gold leaf or dust to parts of the frosting for a luxurious look.
2. Add fresh flowers or other decorations like white chocolate shards.
3. Serve and enjoy!