"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.