Five yummy cakes to bake at home this Christmas

Christmas is just a few days away and those who love its food spread might already be taking stock of what they have bought, making meal plans, guest lists, and more. If you have plans to put together some yummy cakes for your loved ones, here's a list you can check out. 

Rum and raisin cake
Do you know that this delicious preparation dates back to the Biblical times? Many food experts cite the second Book of Samuel, where it says that David distributed raisin cakes to his people.
Some historians say that they were made in abundance during the American Civil War as well. Some argue that the Romans prepared the raisin cake first, and they called it 'sapa cake.' Regardless of who baked it first, it continues to be a popular Christmas dessert and has numerous regional variations. If you want to taste it for this Christmas, follow this recipe.

Fruit cake
In many countries, fruit cakes are synonymous with Christmas. As with all festive delicacies, there are several varieties of popular recipes. However, experts say that the oldest Christmas fruitcake, prepared by Romans, was baked with dried fruits, barley, wine, and honey as the basic ingredients. Also, the cakes looked like today's energy bars! They were prepared for soldiers who would be on war fronts for many months.
From country to country, fruitcakes acquires different names. Germany's fruitcake is called 'Stollen,' while in Poland's it is 'Pannetonne' and in Portugal 'Bolo Rei', to list a few. A simple fruit cake for a Christmas in Kerala can be prepared by following this recipe.

3) Raffaello cake
A snow-white cake, rich with the goodness of almonds, coconut, strawberries, condensed milk, and more, this dessert has an Italian connection. Dessert lovers might know the coconut almond confection called Raffaelo, similar to the Ferrero Rocher made by its parent company Ferrero. The cake tastes richer yet similar to the coconutty treat. Complete with coconut custard, milk and buttercream, almonds, strawberries, and Raffaello truffles, the cake is absolute heaven! Here's the recipe.

4) Plum cake
Plum cake has been the favorite Christmas dessert of Keralites for many years. It's said that the first Kerala plum cake was made in 1883 in Thalassery by a baker Mambally Bapu, at the insistence of Englishman Murdoch Brown. Ever since, it's been one of the most sought-after seasonal favourites.
In England, it was initially prepared to break the Christmas fast and line one's tummy for the festive meal. Traditional plum cake has a slightly bitter taste. While there are many elaborate methods to make plum cake, here's an easy recipe to try, if you are pressed for time. 

5) Walnut cake
Also known as 'coffee and walnut cake,' its traditional variety is a sponge cake flavored with instant or camp coffee. However, its numerous varieties are popular across the world as Christmas treats. Though it has a perfect crumble, texture, and taste that makes any dessert tempting, it is also a simple cake to prepare. Here's the recipe.