Why You’ll Love This Savory Christmas Cake
What makes this Savory Christmas Cake truly stand out is the balance of sweet and savoury. The mixed fruit brings in a natural sweetness that is beautifully offset by the salty tang of Parmesan cheese and the earthy warmth of allspice. And let’s not forget the onion jam—a delightful, sticky, and slightly caramelised mix that takes this cake to the next level.This Savory Christmas Cake is also incredibly versatile. It can be served warm or cold, as a side to your roast or even as a standalone dish with a side salad. The best part? It’s simple to make and can easily be prepared ahead of time, so you can focus on other holiday preparations.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Savory Christmas Cake
- Use quality ingredients: Since the flavours in this cake are quite simple, the quality of your ingredients really matters. For the best taste, use fresh, high-quality Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Freshly grated Parmesan will give the cake a richer, nuttier flavour, and freshly made breadcrumbs will absorb moisture better.
- Chill the fruit mixture overnight: Don’t skip the step of chilling the mixed fruit in chicken stock overnight. This allows the fruit to soak up all that lovely moisture, resulting in a moist, tender cake. Plus, the chicken stock infuses the fruit with a subtle savoury undertone that ties everything together.
- Cover with foil if necessary: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. If it starts to brown too much on top after 60 minutes, cover it with foil to prevent burning while the inside continues to cook through.
- Customise the onion jam: You can switch up the type of vinegar you use in the onion jam depending on the flavour you want. Balsamic vinegar will add sweetness, while apple cider vinegar will give a sharper tang. This jam also works wonderfully as a topping for any leftovers or as a spread on crusty bread.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
One of the best things about this Savory Christmas Cake is how versatile it is. It can be served as a side dish or even as the main event, especially if you’re catering to a vegetarian or someone who’s tired of the usual holiday meats.
- Pair it with cheese and cured meats: This cake pairs beautifully with a cheese platter. Add some slices of sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or even some brie for a lovely contrast to the savoury cake. A few slices of cured meats, like prosciutto or salami, would also complement it well.
- Serve with a fresh salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the cake and offer a refreshing contrast. Something with arugula, shaved fennel, and a lemon dressing would be perfect.
- Wine pairing: A glass of dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, would pair well with the savoury flavours of the cake. If you’re more of a red wine lover, a light red like a Pinot Noir or a Grenache would also work beautifully.
Try These Other Festive Recipes
If you loved this Savory Christmas Cake, here are a few other holiday treats you might want to try:
- White Christmas Fudge: A Grown-Up Twist for the Holiday Season
- Turkey Brie and Cranberry Scrolls : A New Twist on Classic Flavours
- Chocolate Fudge: The Easiest, Most Delicious 2-Ingredient Treat
I’d love to see how your Savory Christmas Cake turns out, so don’t forget to snap a pic and share it with me @steph_cooks_stuff on Instagram. Let’s spread some festive flavour together! 🎄📸
Happy baking, and may your holiday season be as savoury and satisfying as this cake! 🍰
Savory Christmas Cake
Spice up your holiday table with my Savoury Christmas Cake! A bold twist on festive flavours that’s guaranteed to steal the show at Christmas. It's a perfect blend of traditional and unique, bringing a delightful surprise to your festive table.
Prep Time 25 minutes 
Setting Time
1 hour 50 minutes 
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes 
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First, mix the chicken stock and mixed fruit together and let it chill in your fridge overnight.
- The next day, add garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, breadcrumbs, cheese and SR flour to the fruit mixture.
- Give everything a good stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a lined slice tin, ready for baking.
- Bake at 160C for 90 minutes.
- Tip: If it’s golden brown after 60 minutes, cover with foil for the remaining time.
- It’s ready when a skewer (or a sharp knife) comes out clean.
- Onion Jam:
- Cook onions, garlic, salt, and pepper until soft. Add brown sugar and vinegar, and cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
Nutrition
Video
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Savory Christmas Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Savory Christmas Cake can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply bring it to room temperature or reheat it in a low oven for about 15 minutes.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free version. Just make sure the gluten-free flour you choose contains a raising agent, or you can add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder to it.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! This cake freezes really well. Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a low oven.
