Christmas is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. While the holiday season is marked by red and green decorations, festive lights, and abundant feasts, one tradition that stands out is the Christmas cake. Across the globe, different cultures have their own special holiday cakes that are served to bring sweetness to the celebration. Let’s take a look at 5 traditional Christmas cakes from around the world:

1. Christmas Cake - England
   The traditional English Christmas cake is a rich fruitcake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Often soaked in rum, brandy, or cognac, this cake is a dense, flavorful treat enjoyed by many during the holiday season. Its unique mix of sweet, spicy, and boozy flavors makes it a beloved dessert worldwide.

2. Buche de Noel - France
   Known as the Yule log cake, Buche de Noel is a French Christmas classic. Made from a light sponge cake, it is rolled into a log shape and covered with chocolate or coffee buttercream, textured to resemble tree bark. The cake is often decorated with powdered sugar, edible leaves, and meringue mushrooms, making it a beautiful and delicious holiday centerpiece.

3. Bolo Rei - Portugal
   Bolo Rei, meaning "King's Cake," is a traditional Portuguese Christmas dessert. Shaped like a crown and adorned with candied fruits and nuts, it’s both visually stunning and flavorful. According to tradition, a fava bean is hidden inside the cake, and the person who finds it is expected to buy the cake next year.

4. Panettone - Italy
   Panettone is an iconic Italian Christmas cake with a light, airy texture and a dome-like shape. Filled with raisins and candied fruits, this sweet bread-like cake is a staple during the holiday season in Italy and beyond. It traces its roots to medieval times when people would enrich the bread they baked during Christmas.

5. Bibingka - Philippines
   In the Philippines, Christmas is celebrated with Bibingka, a traditional rice cake made with coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. The cake has a distinct aroma and appearance, often topped with caramelized coconut strips. It’s a comforting treat that adds to the festive atmosphere in the Philippines during Christmas.