What’s a festival without something deliciously sweet? Christmas Cakes are easily enough to whet anyone’s appetite. Here are a bunch of fun cakes that you can make this Christmas, but with a healthy twist!

1. Chocolate Banana Cake: Mash a banana in a large mug with a fork, and add some nut butter and egg and mix thoroughly. Then, stir in the some jaggery and cocoa and beat until smooth. Microwave it until it rises and is firm. The banana in the cake makes it easy to avoid adding sugar, while the jaggery helps lace the cake with a mild taste.

  2. Vegan, Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownie: In a large mug or separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients, namely, wheat flour, artificial sweetener, cocoa and salt. Add your wet ingredients, coconut milk and oil, to your dry. Divide the batter between two microwave safe bowls and microwave for on high until the mixture is cooked through. It should still be moist when cooked.

3. A Whisky Dundee with the goodness of health: Preheat an oven to 150C/300F/Gas 2. Grease and double-line a loose-based deep cake tin with greaseproof paper. Beat olive oil and plant sugar in a food processor for 3-4 minutes, or until very light and fluffy, add marmalade and mix for a few seconds, and slowly add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour, almonds and spices to the batter. Mix slowly until well combined and then stir in mixed dried fruit and cherries with a large metal spoon. Add whisky or milk and mix until well combined. Spoon the mixture into the cake tin, smooth the surface and carefully arrange the blanched almonds in circles on top. Bake for 1½-2 hours, or until well risen, firm and golden-brown. Using plant sugar will help you cut back on the unnecessary fat content!

4. The Fruitcake: Preheat an oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C). Grease and flour a tube pan. In a large bowl, combine jaggery, wheat flour, soda, spices, eggs, lemon rind, vanilla, 1/2 cup brandy, fruit, nuts, and melted butter or margarine. Mix it all up thoroughly and pour into prepared pan. Bake it for an hour, and then cool on a wiring rack. As an optional step, you can wrap the cake in foil and sprinkle two tablespoons of brandy over the cake everyday for two weeks.

References:

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/healthy_cake_recipes_for_christmas

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_christmas_dessert_recipes

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/low-fat-cake