With Christmas just around the corner, homes across Goa are bustling with festive cheer and preparations. One of the most cherished traditions is the making of the Christmas plum cake — a ritual that brings families together, turning kitchens into spaces of laughter, teamwork, and nostalgia. From chopping fruits and soaking them in spirits to washing and drying bottles, every family member has a role to play.
What started as a homegrown tradition has grown over the years. Bakeries and even luxury resorts now join in, keeping the festive spirit alive across the state.
A master at work
Pastry chef Ashwin Arun Fernandes, a seasoned baker, has been preparing Christmas plum cakes for decades. This year, he has made over 500 kg of dried fruit mix, enough to last through the year. “Instead of making small batches, we prepare one large quantity and let it mature. The fruits soak beautifully in alcohol over time, giving the cake its rich, deep flavor,” says Chef Ashwin.
Fruits, spices, and family magic
Raisins, cashews, cranberries, dried orange peels, dates, tutti-frutti, cherries, and more — all form the heart of a traditional plum cake. Families like the Fernandes family from Margao already have their 5-kg fruit mix ready. “We like to prepare the mix five weeks before baking. By then, the fruits are perfectly soaked and taste amazing,” says Mario Fernandes, who enjoys the process with his children.
Evenings are dedicated to chopping and soaking. “After our evening siesta, we cut the fruits and soak them in rum,” Mario explains. Some families stick to a single spirit, while others experiment with a blend — whiskey, rum, brandy, wine, and even a few drops of local feni — creating unique flavors. Aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and bay leaves add that extra festive magic.
Memories stirred in every mix
For many, cake-mixing day is more than preparation — it’s laughter, storytelling, and a little mischief. “My sister loved cashew nuts, so she was never asked to chop them — half the packet would disappear into her tummy!” laughs Maria Rodrigues from Velsao. “This year, we soaked the fruits a month earlier because of a family wedding in November,” she adds.
As the festive season draws closer, the warm aroma of freshly baked cakes will soon fill homes across Goa, bringing joy, nostalgia, and the true spirit of Christmas. Every slice carries memories, love, and a celebration of togetherness.
