Simple Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe

You might be familiar with traditional British Christmas cake, but the Japanese version is something different altogether. Made with a light sponge and covered in cream and fresh fruit, Japanese Christmas cake is just as special as our usual festive treat but is the perfect alternative for those that aren’t fans of rich fruit cake.

You’ll also need far fewer ingredients to whip up this deceptively straightforward bake at home when compared to a fruity Christmas cake. Don’t just take our word for it; give our recipe a go to see for yourself!

What is Japanese Christmas Cake?

What makes Japanese Christmas cake, or ‘Kurisumasu Kek’, so distinct? Like numerous other Japanese cuisines, this cake has a very precise aesthetic with perfectly smooth whipped cream frosting and whole strawberries as decoration. The cake itself is a very light sponge, akin to Victoria sponge cake, which complements the elegant visuals sublimely.

It is a beloved treat that celebrates the season, despite the limited Christian population in Japan. During December, you will often see impressive displays of these cakes in bakery windows.

The Origins of Japanese Christmas Cake

While we may call it a ‘Christmas’ cake, the cake has become a symbol of prosperity due to its historical roots in the rebuilding of post-war Japan and an American influence of commercialisation.

Originally the cake was the height of luxury, with only the elite being able to afford it, but as Japan’s economy began to recover after the War, the ingredients became more readily available. Thus, the cake became a symbol that reflects the once struggling nation’s rise to prosperity and wealth!

Although Christmas itself isn’t celebrated as a national holiday, the Japanese Christmas cake is an important cultural phenomenon – here we teach you how to make it at home!