Traditional Indian Christmas Sweets: This is all you need to know about the delicious Allahabadi Cake

The presence of Anglo Indians in the city that is home to UP’s highest judicial body gave birth to this mouthwatering Christmas delicacy.

It’s that time of the year again when bakers and confectioners across India are either gearing up or have already begun the much-awaited Christmas cake mixing ceremonies. After all, the festival of joy, warmth and good tidings — all things that Christmas stands for — is almost round the corner. Be it finger-licking bebincas, rose cookies or cakes, this season has something for satiating everyone’s sweet tooth. However, the Allahabadi Cake, a lesser-known traditional Indian Christmas dessert, adds a unique festive flair to the season. Let's discuss the history and cultural importance of this flavorful delicacy before getting into a detailed-out recipe.

Since ancient times, Prayagraj, once known as Allahabad, has been a melting pot of civilizations. Because of the robust railway system in the area, the Anglo-Indian community in Allahabad experienced significant growth throughout the British colonial era. The majority of these individuals were employed by the Railways, resided in the government apartments of the Railway colony, and enjoyed hosting their own delightful get-togethers for special events and holidays that featured delicious cuisines.

The first people to prepare these distinctive Christmas cakes were the folks at Bushy Bakery, a small bakery in the Civil Lines owned by Muhammad Aslam, a Muslim. This was in 1963. At the specific request of Anglo Lady Ms. Barnett of the Railway colony, Aslam prepared this unique cake, which included fennel seeds, murabba, ghee, and petha—a delicious, transparent candy made of ash gourd. Well, at the time, he had no idea that he was making history. It used to be possible to bring your own ingredients to Bushy's, and they would bake the cake in front of you according to your specifications.

At Bushy's Bakery, the scent of freshly baked cakes wafts throughout the day as the demand for this cake soars in December. The Allahabadi cake, a twist on the English Christmas cake, likewise contains dry fruits soaked in rum, but it also has a distinct desi flavor thanks to the addition of murabbas, petha, and ghee. Winter seasonings like ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and mace enhance the cake's flavor even more. The cake is very silky and scented thanks to the use of ghee. These cakes usually take a while to bake, but ghee can hold its own even in situations with a high smoke point. Ghee, combined with petha, which adds a beautiful color and an intriguing texture play to the cake, is therefore in a sense more than simply a Desi replacement for butter; it's a feature of the cake itself.

All said and done, did you just think where did the name Bushy come from? Well, well...it has a mini story of its own. And we’re sharing it with you, right here, right now! So, read on, folks! Remarkably, Aslam's father, the genial Mohammed Jumerati, adopted the nickname Bushy as a nickname for himself because of his thick beard, which he then transferred to his cherished bakery.

And it was because of his cooking attempts, guided by an elderly Anglo woman from the Railway settlement, that the Allahabadi Cake was created!

After learning the fascinating backstory behind this iconic desi cake, here are some more things to keep in mind. Right now, you have to wait for Bushy's Allahabadi cake; you can't just eat one. Schedule a time, wait politely for your turn, bring your supplies, and then watch as the Bushy's crew works their special magic. Because much of the preparation is done by hand, the cake has a richer flavor and is even more remarkable.

Shakespeare was quite correct when he asked, "What's in a name?" Whether you refer to it as Prayagraj or Allahabad, the city's famous Christmas cake embodies the Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb (cultural fusion) of ages ago; the cake's masterful execution is mostly attributed to a Muslim baker. This implies that while Allahabad can now be referred to as Prayagraj, the delicious Christmas treat known as Allahabadi Cake will always be loved. Regardless of their religious beliefs, the locals can't live without it since it packs a tasty punch. Put plainly: it's identical to them. An infinite kaleidoscope of diverse inspirations and hues. and incredibly independent – just like the lives they lead!

Without any more delay, let's begin with making the Allahabadi cake recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups All-purpose flour
• 6 Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
• 2 tsp Ground spices
• 1/2 tsp Mondelez Royal Baking Powder
• 1/2 Jar Marmalade
• 1 cup Mixed candied fruits
• 2 cups Sugar

Directions:

• Add sugar to a hot skillet and cook until it becomes brown.
• After that, add some warm water. After thoroughly mixing to dissolve the sugar, bring the mixture to a boil.
• After taking the pan off of the burner, set it aside. Beat the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
• Next, add the eggs one at a time and beat until combined.
• Add the petha and soaked raisins to the batter next.
• Finally, add all the remaining ingredients to the batter and mix very well.
• Make sure there are no lumps remaining, and the cake batter is smooth.
• Grease a cake tin to a high degree. After adding the cake batter, bake it. When it's prepared, remove and savor!

Remember to share this dish widely because it's designed to be shared with friends and family. It's a delicious delight. Merry Christmas!