Delicious Christmas Recipes Around the World

With Christmas just around the corner, what better way is there to celebrate than by trying traditional Christmas dishes from around the world? By cooking these four dishes below, you and your family can try recipes from different cultures and appreciate the rich and diverse culinary and holiday traditions from different parts of the world. Plus, who knows, creating one of these recipes might allow you and your family to put your own spin on it- creating a brand new family tradition that you guys can now follow every year and pass on for generations to come!

ITALIAN PANETTONE

Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread that is commonly enjoyed as a Christmas and holiday delicacy. It originated in Milan, Italy, but quickly became popular around Italy and around the world!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 cup unsalted, softened butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange
• 1 cup of mixed, dried fruits
• Extra butter (to grease the baking dish)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by placing it into a small bowl and combining the yeast with warm milk. Let it sit out for about 5-10 minutes until it froths
2. Prepare the dough by combining the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy. Add each of the four eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each new addition. Lastly, mix in the vanilla extract and zest of oranges/lemons
3. Combine the flour and salt in a separate bowl
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while switching off with the yeast mixture. Keep mixing until you have a soft and stretchy dough
5. Incorporate mixed, dried fruits into the dough
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and then let it rise in a warm area of your kitchen (i.e. next to the stove) for about 2 hours (or until it doubles in size)
7. Punch down the dough that has risen and transfer it to a clean, well-floured surface (so not to stick). Shape it into a round loaf and then place it into a panettone paper mold or even just a regular pan that is well-greased
8. Cover the pan again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 1-2 hours
9. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and then bake the panettone in the oven for about 45-55 minutes or until it’s golden brown and an inserted toothpick comes out clean
10. Allow the panettone to completely cool before slicing.

FRENCH BOUCHE DE NOEL 

Bouche de Noel, also known as a Yule Log, is a traditional French dessert that resembles the shape of a log, hence the name. It is made of sponge cake and sweet buttercream that is then decorated to look like a log of wood.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fruit preserves or chocolate ganache for filling
• Melted chocolate or additional cacao powder for dressing
• Optional edible candy decorations like mushrooms, flowers, etc

Instructions for the sponge cake

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper
2. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until it’s light and fluffy and then add in the vanilla extract
3. Combine all your dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt). Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet egg mixture and fold gently until well combined
4. Pour the batter into the parchment paper-lined pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 10-12 minutes
5. While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it on the parchment paper (from the short ends), then set aside

Instructions for the buttercream + assembly

1. Prepare the buttercream by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat this mixture until fluffy
2. To assemble, carefully unroll the cooled sponge cake
3. Spread a layer of preserves/ganache over the cake
4. Roll the cake back up without the parchment paper and place it seam-side down
5. Coat the entire cake with the above buttercream and create a log-like texture on it
6. Decorate using cocoa powder, melted chocolate, or other edible decorations
7. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving

JAPANESE CHRISTMAS CAKES

In Japan, Christmas cakes are a very popular dessert enjoyed every holiday season. It is typically a sponge cake layered with whipped cream and strawberries.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup cake flour
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberries

Instructions for the sponge cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the bottom of a circular baking sheet and lay down parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat and mix the eggs and sugar until fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl mix cake flour and baking powder
4. Slowly mix the two bowls, adding milk and melted butter.
5. Put the batter into the cake pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
6. Let cool completely

Instructions for the whipped cream filling + assembly

1. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
2. To assemble the cake, cut the cooled sponge horizontally into 2 layers
3. Place one layer on a serving plate and then spread a layer of whipped cream on that layer. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream
4. Place another layer of cake on top and repeat the same process
5. Refrigerate the cake for a few hours to allow the flavors to set and the whipped cream to chill
6. You can also dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or berries for a festive touch

BRAZILIAN RABANADAS

Brazilian Rabanadas, also known as Sonhos de Natal, are a famous Brazilian Christmas dessert that is similar to French toast. They are slices of bread soaked in sweet milk or even wine, and then dipped in beaten eggs and fried until golden.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf white bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Ground cinnamon and sugar 
• Honey
• pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cut bread into 1 inch slices
2. Combine milk, sugar, and the cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Heat it up over medium heat until warm and the sugar has dissolved. Let it cool after.
3. Take each slice and dip it in  the sweetened milk. Let the bread soak for 2 minutes.
4. In a bowl, beat the 4 eggs and mix in a pinch of  salt.
5. Dip the soaked bread into the eggs ensuring it is coated fully.
6. In a large skillet, fry the bread over medium heat until golden brown and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. While the rabanadas are cooling, coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Serve and enjoy!