For many families, Christmas dinner is not complete without a traditional British boiled pudding and hard sauce. On the other hand, many people – particularly children – can’t stand the taste, and want something lighter after a heavy turkey dinner. For families who’d like to ring in the changes without abandoning tradition entirely, here are some Christmas dessert ideas from around the world.
The Philippines - Bibingka
A sweet, starchy cake, bibingka is made with coconut milk and rice flour or cassava, and baked in a tin lined with banana leaves. The cake is then topped with one of a number of toppings, ranging from grated cheese to sugar.Some variations of the recipe are closer to pudding than cake, and include sweetened condensed milk or a syrupy topping.
Finland – Fruit Soup
Known by the catchy name of Sekahedelmäkeitto, Finnish fruit soup is made in several different ways. One method which produces a very “Christmassy” soup involves soaking and boiling mixed dried fruit with spices. Fresher, lighter versions can be made with canned fruit salad or fresh fruit and berries. Fruit soup can be served hot or cold, thickened with potato starch or even gelatine.
Latin America - Bunuelos
Variations of bunuelos (Mexican doughnuts) have spread all over Spanish-speaking countries, and are variously associated with holidays such as Hannukah, Ramadan and Christmas. The treats are essentially deep-fried dough, sometimes filled or covered with a syrup or dusted with sugar and spices. One traditional form of bunuelos involves an anise-flavoured dough which is dredged in brown sugar and cinnamon after frying. As these taste best hot, it is best to make them during a pause after the main course, or at another point during the day.
Denmark - Æbleskiver
Faintly on the same theme as bunuelos, Danish aebleskiver are spherical pancake-type delicacies cooked in a special pan full of hollow indentations. The dough can be flavoured with lemon and cardamom; after baking, the puffy treats are served with jam or applesauce.
Belgium – Cougnou
Traditional Christmas breads are not limited to dessert, but can be munched on at any time during the day. This Belgian bread is sweetened with dried fruit and baked in a shape reminiscent of the swaddled baby Jesus.
Australia and New Zealand – Pavlova and Brandy Snaps
The debate over which country invented the pavlova continues to rage, but both Australia and New Zealand use the meringuey, creamy dessert as a light Christmas dinner treat. Because Christmas falls in summer in Australasia, light, cool desserts such as pavlova (often decorated with strawberries, passionfruit and kiwifruit), brandy snaps and ice cream are popular. A trendier twist on pavlova is the pavlova roll, in which the meringue is baked to a chewy consistency and rolled up Swiss roll-style.
Provence - 13 Desserts
This sounds incredibly laborious, but in fact the thirteen desserts traditionally served in Provence are very simple. The dishes – thirteen for Christ and the twelve disciples - include nuts, fruits, two kinds of nougat, quince cheese, and local biscuits and bread. More like a cheese and fruit platter than a typical dessert, this is ideal finger-food fare for nibbling on while chatting or opening gifts.
This year, try exploring your family's cultural heritage - or shamelessly borrow from someone else's - and make a memorable, meaningful Christmas dessert. For more ideas, see Christmas Breads Around the World.
Sarah Tennant - Sarah Tennant is a onetime English major who lives in New Zealand with her husband and two small children. Her interests range from ...
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