The holidays are a time for cherished traditions, festive flavors, and gathering around the table. At La Quinta Resort & Club, Executive Sous Chef Ashutosh Gairola shares three of his favorite Christmas desserts, along with simple recipes and expert tips to bring a little holiday magic into your kitchen.
From a traditional spiced cake to rich chocolate and fragrant brioche rolls, these festive treats are made for sharing with family and friends.
1. Traditional Spiced Christmas Plum Cake
Rich with rum-soaked dried fruits and warming spices, this traditional Christmas cake is Chef Ashutosh’s personal holiday favorite. The combination of raisins, cranberries, figs, prunes, cinnamon, ginger, and clove creates a wonderfully moist cake filled with nostalgic holiday flavors.
Simple Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, figs, and prunes)
- ½ cup dark rum
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup softened butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Directions:
- Soak dried fruits in rum overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a small loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs. Fold in flour, baking powder, and spices.
- Stir in soaked fruits and any remaining rum.
- Pour into the pan and bake for approximately 55–70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out without wet batter.
Chef’s Tip: Soak dried fruits overnight or longer to help them retain moisture and develop a rich, deep flavor.
“The ritual of soaking the fruits, the rich spice aromas filling the kitchen during a long bake, and sharing sliced cake with family and loved ones truly captures the spirit and warmth of the season.” — Chef Ashutosh
2. Bittersweet Chocolate Truffle Tart with Candied Oranges
For an elegant finish to a festive meal, Chef Ashutosh recommends pairing silky dark chocolate ganache with the bright, citrusy sweetness of candied oranges.
Simple Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 prepared 9-inch tart shell
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup candied orange peel
Directions:
- Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir gently until smooth, then incorporate butter.
- Pour ganache into the prepared tart shell and refrigerate for 2–3 hours until set.
- Garnish with candied orange peel before serving.
Chef’s Tip: Always use gentle heat when melting chocolate or preparing ganache to achieve a smooth, silky finish without separation.
3. Cardamom, Pistachio & Orange Blossom Brioche Rolls
Soft, buttery brioche filled with roasted pistachios and warm cardamom, finished with an orange blossom cream cheese glaze, makes this dessert a delicious addition to a holiday breakfast or afternoon gathering.
Simple Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb prepared brioche dough
- ½ cup finely chopped roasted pistachios
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp orange blossom water
- 1–2 tbsp milk, as needed
Directions:
- Roll brioche dough into a rectangle.
- Mix butter, pistachios, brown sugar, and cardamom, then spread evenly over the dough.
- Roll tightly, slice into 8 pieces, and arrange in a greased baking dish.
- Allow rolls to rise until puffy, then bake at 350°F for approximately 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange blossom water, and milk until smooth. Spread over slightly cooled rolls.
Chef’s Tip: Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing for softer doughs and smoother glazes.
The Heart of Holiday Baking
For Chef Ashutosh, holiday baking is about much more than creating delicious desserts. His passion for sharing food was inspired by childhood memories of watching his mother prepare treats for family, friends, and neighbors.
“She believed that food was the ultimate way to show warmth and hospitality. That lesson shaped who I am as a chef today, reminding me that every dessert we bake for the holidays is really a gift meant to bring people together.” — Chef Ashutosh
Whether you’re recreating a traditional favorite or trying something new, these holiday desserts are a delicious reminder that the sweetest moments of the season are the ones we share.
Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season from La Quinta Resort & Club.