When it comes to Japanese Christmas cakes, you’re spoiled for choice. With 11 mouthwatering recipes to try, the question is which one to make first. But have you ever wondered why Japan has such a strong tradition of celebrating with cake? It all dates back to post-war Japan, where the idealized idea of American prosperity took hold.
Despite sugar, milk, and butter being scarce during this time, once they became readily available again, the making of Christmas cakes symbolized their country’s economic recovery.
Fun fact: those two cake emojis on your iPhone? They’re from Japanese Christmas cake recipes! In Japan, Christmas isn’t celebrated like it is in America, but the sharing of a Christmas cake has become an integral part of their holiday tradition.
It’s often viewed as a romantic occasion, and cakes can range from Swiss roll to Mont Blanc to fruit tarts.
Of course, other countries have their own unique Christmas cake traditions too – think German stollen, Italian panettone, or French Buche de Noel. In this post, we’ll dive into 11 scrumptious Japanese Christmas cake recipes, including the famous Japanese Strawberry Shortcake, delightful Japanese Fruitcake, and bittersweet Strawberry Matcha Roll Cake.
And if you’re looking for something rich and moist, #8 is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Japanese Strawberry Shortcake
Japanese Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: A Sweet Treat with a Touch of Tradition In this classic recipe, we combine the essential elements to create a delightful dessert that’s not overly sweet but sure to impress on Instagram. The journey begins with preparing Japan’s signature fluffy sponge cake, followed by whipping cream and adding fresh strawberries.
What sets this shortcake apart is the inclusion of fantastic step-by-step instructions accompanied by photographs to guide you through each stage. One valuable tip I discovered during my experimentation is to brush sugar syrup on the layers before topping them with whipped heavy cream to prevent drying out. To complete the look, powdered sugar adds a delicate touch, while stiff peaks of icing create a beautiful presentation reminiscent of freshly fallen snow.
Fresh Strawberry Cream Cake
To create a Japanese strawberry shortcake, a similar airy sponge cake recipe is shared below. The process is carefully detailed, with each step optimized for success. The accompanying pictures provide visual guidance throughout the preparation. This iconic dessert typically features sliced strawberries between layers and whole strawberries on top. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy this national holiday treat fresh.
However, if you must freeze some, be sure to remove the strawberries beforehand, as they can cause the cake to become soggy upon thawing.
Japanese Christmas Roll Recipe
In a delightful twist, this Japanese Christmas Day cake recipe has been reimagined as a rustic roll cake, simplifying the process while still maintaining its signature charm. The Kurisumasu Keki recipe requires attention to detail and temperature control, but the bonus reward is a comprehensive video guide that walks you through every step, from preparing the batter to crafting the cream frosting.
A crucial step in this recipe is ensuring the strawberries are thoroughly cleaned and dried, as this makes all the difference in the final result. The anticipation builds as you wait for the cake to cool on its wire rack or for the whipped cream to set – but the payoff is well worth it. The finished product is a stunning festive treat, adorned with powdered sugar and dollops of whipped cream in a Christmas-time theme that’s sure to impress.
Chocolate Chestnut Christmas Roll Cake
In the spirit of Japanese Christmas traditions, this delectable chocolate roll cake is a delightful twist on the classic sponge cake. Its light and airy texture, paired with a rich chestnut whipped cream filling, makes it an understated yet indulgent treat. The addition of chestnut cream gives it a sophisticated edge, reminiscent of a Mont Blanc Buche de Noel. To add a touch of authenticity, you can use a wood grain stencil to give the cake a yule log appearance.
A clever hack for preventing the cake from expanding while chilling is to place it inside a sturdy cardboard tube. If you’re a chocolate lover, this cake is sure to be a festive favorite.
Raspberry Pistachio Roulade (Rolled Cake)
While traditional Japanese light sponge cakes are delightful on their own, the holiday season offers ample opportunities to get creative with unique flavor combinations. One such variation is a raspberry pistachio Swiss roll that adds an extra layer of sweetness with white chocolate frosting, fresh raspberries, and crunchy pistachios on top. For a more classic take, strawberries and walnuts provide a natural sweetness and satisfying crunch.
The almond extract also lends a warm, nutty flavor to the cake. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in just under an hour, thanks to its streamlined process.
Japanese Fruitcake
Japanese fruitcakes offer a refreshing departure from traditional Christmas treats. The spices and raisins in this particular recipe create a warm, inviting aroma that’s hard to resist. What really sets this cake apart, however, is the coconut and orange filling, which adds a bright, tropical twist. To make it, simply prepare three 8-inch pans by greasing them well and lining with parchment paper, then bake the spice cake until it’s done.
The filling may seem a bit runny at first, but that’s exactly what you’re looking for – it’s supposed to flow over the edges of the layers. Once the cake is complete, let it sit in its pan for a few hours to allow the filling to absorb fully. While this cake may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, the combination of fresh fruit and nuts will make up for that with its incredible flavor.
Dome Japanese Christmas Cake
This Japanese strawberry shortcake recipe takes a unique approach with its dome-shaped design, unlike traditional sponge cakes. The exterior is beautifully iced in white and adorned with sliced strawberries on the serving plate. When you slice into this delightful treat, you’ll be surprised to find fresh cream and strawberries waiting for you. This dessert also lends itself well to creative expression, such as using piped chocolate icing to spell out ‘Merry Christmas!’ or other festive messages.
While the instructions for achieving the dome shape may require some trial and error, the end result is a truly special dessert that’s perfect for celebrating holidays like Christmas or any other occasion.
Christmas Cake – Moist, Easy Fruit Cake
Redeeming the reputation of fruitcakes is a noble pursuit. After experiencing firsthand the less-than-impressive qualities of these sweet treats, it’s time to turn the tide. This recipe may just be the game-changer we’ve all been waiting for. By incorporating a hint of citrus and achieving a fudgy, moist texture that’s perfectly acceptable on its own, we’re redefining what it means to be a fruitcake. In Japan, this type of cake is a staple during Christmas celebrations, known as a ‘shortcake.
‘ The journey begins by soaking dried cherries, apricots, dates, raisins, and mixed peel in apple juice, with the option to add a splash of brandy for added depth. A clever one-hour trick sets the stage for the next step: preparing the cake batter. Be prepared for a longer-than-expected baking time – three hours and 15 minutes will ensure our fruitcake is perfectly cooked.
For an extra touch of elegance, top your masterpiece with marzipan, fondant, and fresh cherries for a visually stunning presentation.
Japanese Christmas Cupcakes
Take a sweet twist on traditional Japanese strawberry shortcake recipes by introducing Christmas Eve cupcakes, perfect for a first-time hostess looking to impress. The single-serving size makes it an effortless option for any gathering. A simple yet effective combination of non-flavored whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and a fresh strawberry on top is sure to delight.
By sticking to classic ingredients and following good instructions, you’ll achieve the signature Japanese sponge cake texture with a festive spin. And let’s be real, who can resist adding a dollop of whipped cream to the nose for an added touch of whimsy? The result is a delightful treat that’s both visually appealing and flavorful.
Strawberry Matcha Roll Cake
Japanese culture’s affinity for tea is rivaled only by its love of festive treats like Christmas sponge cake. Here, we bring these two passions together to create a unique and delicious strawberry matcha roll cake. This versatile dessert can be enjoyed at any time of year, allowing the green hue to symbolize either spring or Christmas celebrations. The cake’s flavor profile is elevated by Japanese green tea powder, combined with traditional whipped cream and an abundance of strawberries.
When using matcha powder, it’s essential to opt for a high-quality, fresh product to ensure a vibrant green color and a delicate, slightly bitter taste that’s balanced by the sweetness of the whipped cream and cake. This recipe stands out from others with its generous strawberry filling and clear instructions accompanied by stunning visualizations.
Naked Gluten-Free Japanese Christmas Cake
The Japanese Strawberry sponge cake recipe is a game-changer with its unique twist: no icing on the side, only on top! This addition sets it apart from other recipes. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. For the actual recipes and detailed instructions, check out the link to the second recipe. Please note that there are several steps involved, so make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and time before getting started.
If you want to share your creation with friends, feel free to place it in a cake tin.
The bottom line
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas in a traditional sense or incorporating Japanese culture into your holiday festivities, Japanese Christmas cake recipes are sure to bring joy and appreciation to those around you. As you complete all the festive touches, take a moment to bake a special treat that will leave a lasting impression on your loved ones. The end result is not only a delicious dessert but also a thoughtful way to express gratitude and cheer during the holiday season.