The holiday season is upon us, and that means one thing – desserts! Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hannukah, there’s no denying that this time of year is all about indulging in sweet treats. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which desserts are truly the best or most underrated. Well, fear not my friends, because I am here to guide you through the wonderful world of holiday desserts. Get ready to have your taste buds tantalized and your sweet tooth satisfied!
Christmas
Let’s start with the classics. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a rich and decadent fruitcake. Now, I know what you’re thinking – fruitcake? Isn’t that the dessert that everyone loves to hate? Well, my friends, I am here to tell you that fruitcake is severely underrated. When made with the right ingredients and soaked in a generous amount of rum or brandy, fruitcake can be a moist and flavorful delight. In Jamaica this time of year, a fruit cake, or ‘black cake’ as it’s commonly called is one of the most popular desserts. A dessert you can get drunk on! It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, egg nog or mulled wine on a chilly winter evening.
Hannukah
Moving on to Hannukah, we can’t forget about the beloved “sufganiyot.” These deep-fried jelly-filled doughnuts are a staple of the holiday and for good reason. They are light, fluffy, and bursting with sweet jam in every bite. Sufganiyot are traditionally filled with raspberry or strawberry jam, but don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings. Nutella, caramel, or even lemon curd would all be delicious options. Just be prepared for your family and friends to fight over the last one! While it may be challenging for some to pronounce, it will never be challenging to consume!
Underrated Holiday Desserts
Now, let’s talk about a dessert that is often overlooked but deserves a spot on your holiday table – gingerbread. Sure, gingerbread houses are fun to make and decorate, but gingerbread itself is a seriously underrated dessert. The warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves combined with the rich flavor of molasses create a treat that is both comforting and festive. Whether you enjoy it in the form of cookies, cake, or even ice cream, gingerbread is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Speaking of ice cream, let’s not forget about the frozen treats during the holiday season. While it may be cold outside, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a scoop or two of ice cream. And what better flavor for the holidays than peppermint? Peppermint ice cream is a refreshing and minty delight that pairs perfectly with a warm slice of pie or a gooey brownie. It’s like having a candy cane in frozen form, and who could resist that?
Thanksgiving Apple Cider & Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie
Now, let’s move on to a dessert that is often overshadowed by its more popular cousin – pumpkin pie. Don’t get me wrong, I love pumpkin pie as much as the next person, but sweet potato pie deserves some love too. Made with roasted sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a flaky crust, sweet potato pie is a creamy and delicious alternative to pumpkin. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy after a hearty holiday meal, and it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Our Thanksgiving Apple Cider & Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie works for most holidays!
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about a dessert that is truly indulgent – chocolate truffles. These bite-sized treats are a chocoholic’s dream come true. Made with rich and velvety ganache rolled in cocoa powder or chopped nuts, chocolate truffles are the epitome of luxury. They make for a stunning homemade gift or a decadent addition to any holiday dessert spread. Trust me, once you try one of these little balls of chocolate heaven, you’ll never look at dessert the same way again.
Countries with the most popular holiday fruitcakes
We’ve previously discussed fruitcakes being the go-to holiday cake, well here’s the top 10 countries where they’re most popular, and their versions:
- Chile: Pan de Pascua – Although it has German and Italian influences, this cake is often served at Christmas and is made from fruit cake dough or cakes sprinkled with fruit slices and drops of rum.
- France: Galette des Rois – A round and flat cake made with almonds on top, filled with a mixture of fruits, nuts, and spices.
- Germany: Christstollen – A fruitcake made with raisins, currants, and candied fruits, often flavored with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Italy: Panettone – A sweet, rich fruitcake made with a mixture of fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips, often served with a glass of red wine.
- Jamaica: Rum or Black Cake – Made with various spices and lime flavoring, this cake is often soaked in rum to enhance its taste or get drunk.
- Japan: Strawberry Shortcake – A popular Christmas cake in Japan, often topped with strawberries and whipped cream. More an angel or sponge cake.
- Poland: Makowiec – A fruitcake made with fruits, nuts, and spices, often served during Christmas and other holidays.
- Portugal: Bolo Rei – A rich fruitcake made with a mixture of fruits, nuts, and spices, often served during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
- England: Dundee Cake – A typical British Christmas cake made with chopped dried fruit and a sprinkling of almonds, known in several countries such as France, Russia, and Japan.
- India: Allahabadi Cake – A fruitcake made with a mixture of fruits, nuts, and spices, often served during Eid-ul-Fitr, a Muslim holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan.
So there you have it – a guide to the best and most underrated desserts for the Christmas/Hannukah holiday. From fruitcake to sufganiyot to gingerbread, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. So go ahead, indulge in these sweet treats and spread some holiday cheer. After all, ’tis the season for dessert!
