Festive Flavours: India's Christmas Cake Scene Heats Up In 2025

New Delhi: As Christmas edges closer, bakeries and patisseries across India are seeing a surge in cake orders. Traditional plum cakes, soaked with rum or fruit juices and rich with spices and dried fruits remain at the heart of holiday celebrations. But this year, there’s a growing appetite for fresh takes on classic desserts, from French Yule logs to craft‑chocolate creations. 

Which cakes are topping wish lists in India?

A broad mix of old‑school favourites and new‑age interpretations are popular in 2025:

• Kerala's Kallivayalil Bakes sticks to slow‑soaked fruit cakes, where fruits are prepared months in advance for deep flavour. Though it started with a simple family recipe, Kallivayalil has since passed into the hands of the next generation. 
• Miam Patisserie in Delhi offers a French‑style Bûche de Noël and other festive options for those who prefer something elegant yet edible. 
• Glenary’s Bakery in Darjeeling draws seasonal crowds with its liquor‑marinated plum cakes and classic fruit loaves. Established in 1885, Glenary’s is as close as India gets to an old-fashioned mountain bakery.  
• Landour Bakehouse in Uttarakhand remains a go‑to for visitors seeking hearty, old‑fashioned Christmas cakes in the hills. A two-hour drive from Dehradun, Landour Bakehouse has its own Christmas mythology.
• Magnolia Bakery’s Indian outlets lean into rich spiced plum cakes and festive cupcakes that appeal to families and gift givers. 
• Subko Coffee Roasters brings a contemporary spin with gluten‑free rum‑soaked cakes and specialty loaves. 
• Manam Chocolate stands out with chocolate‑led festive collections that pair well with classic fruit cakes. 
• Saldanha Bakery in Kolkata continues its decades‑old tradition of homestyle plum and fruit cakes. 
• Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro in Goa serves historic Goan‑Portuguese Christmas cakes baked in wood‑fired ovens. 

Are classic cakes still on trend?

Traditional plum cakes, especially those steeped for weeks in rum or local spirits remain the most loved holiday dessert. This reflects a broader appetite for nostalgia during festive gatherings. Home bakers and small vendors are also taking pre‑orders for handmade rum plum cakes, adding to the seasonal buzz in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. 

How are shoppers finding and ordering cakes?

Online platforms and delivery services are making it easier than ever to order cakes from across India. From classic eggless fruit cakes to designer Christmas themes, customers can choose based on taste and budget, with options delivered straight to their doorsteps. 

Why does cake still matter at Christmas in India?

For many families, the Christmas cake is more than dessert, it’s a marker of celebration. The first slice signals the start of the festive season, bringing friends and relatives together. Whether it’s a decades‑old family recipe or a trendy new flavour, cake continues to be a centrepiece of joy and sharing in homes countrywide.