From a fuss-free festive sponge to a no-bake yule log, these quick-fix celebration cakes and easy Christmas baking recipes will see you through the season and beyond.
Easiest-ever chocolate chestnut log
This chocolate chestnut log is a no-bake yule log that you can make with just six simple ingredients. A sprinkle of snowy icing sugar and elegant chocolate leaves add an extra special touch for festive gatherings.
Orange cake with snowy marshmallow frosting
The cute reindeer decoration on this orange cake with snowy marshmallow frosting isn’t obligatory, but it does add a real sense of occasion.
Christmas crumble fruitcakes
Crumble + fruitcake = a match made in heaven. These easy-to-make Christmas crumble fruitcakes are delicious eaten slightly warm with a dollop of rum butter. After baking they’ll keep for a couple of days.Â
Recipe by Annie Bell. Food styling by Clare Lewis. Styling by Sue Radcliffe.
Molasses ginger squares
A dash of light beer in the cake batter gives these molasses ginger squares a lift.
Chocolate chip crackle cookies
Presented in a glass jar or canister, these chocolate chip crackle cookies make an attractive and delicious edible gift for any occasion. Use 70 per cent cocoa dark chocolate and golden caster sugar in your dough for the richest flavour.
Italian panettone cake
This makes the easiest of Christmas cake offerings: a bread-pudding-cum-fruit- cake that is soft and creamy and set with candied peel and dried fruit.Â
Black Forest traybake
Studded with shards of Toblerone and dotted with glace cherries, this retro Black Forest traybake is an indulgent teatime treat.
Spiced honey loaf cake
With cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, this spiced honey loaf cake has a taste of Christmas in every bite. Wrap yours in brown paper and tie with a thin strand of tinsel to dress it up for the big day.
Recipe by Annie Bell. Food styling by Clare Lewis. Styling by Sue Radcliffe.
For more recipe ideas go to anniebell.net and @anniebellcook
