Cheese And Fruit Cake: A Christmas Match Made In Heaven

The pairing of Christmas cake with cheese is a tradition that dates back to at least the Victorian era in Yorkshire, England. While it may seem like an unusual combination, the sharp and crumbly cheese is said to pair perfectly with the moist, rich fruitcake, creating a salty-sweet flavour profile. The tradition has largely remained confined to Yorkshire, where it is customary to serve Wensleydale cheese, a cheese made from cow's milk, with Christmas cake. However, other types of crumbly cheeses such as Cheshire, Lancashire, Caerphilly, and blue cheese have also been suggested as suitable pairings.

Why Wensleydale is the traditional Christmas cake cheese

Wensleydale is the traditional cheese to eat with Christmas cake, a custom that originated in Yorkshire and dates back to at least the Victorian era. According to food historian Peter Brears, Wensleydale was originally a winter cheese, made only during the spring and summer months and left to mature until the autumn. As a result, it was considered a special cheese for consumption at Christmas.

In his book 'Studies in Nidderdale' from 1871, Joseph Lucas describes the tradition: "On Christmas Eve, one Yule Cake is given to each member of the family, along with a piece of Christmas cheese. As a rule, part of it is left for Christmas morning and eaten at breakfast."

The sharp and crumbly texture of Wensleydale pairs perfectly with the moist, rich fruitcake. The lactic 'bite' of the cheese offsets the rich, dense, and fruity notes of the cake. This unique combination of sweet and savoury flavours creates a delightful contrast that has been enjoyed for generations.

While the tradition of eating Christmas cake with cheese may be limited mainly to Yorkshire, it has gained interest in other parts of the UK as well. Northern British affineurs (cheesemongers) have helped spread the word, offering a variety of Yule cake couplings, including veiny blues and fine fetas.

So, if you're looking for a unique way to enjoy your Christmas cake this year, why not give Wensleydale cheese a try? It might just become your new holiday tradition!

The history of eating cheese with Christmas cake

The tradition of eating cheese with Christmas cake is believed to have originated in Yorkshire, England, and can be traced back to at least the Victorian era. According to food historian Peter Brears, the custom of pairing cheese with Christmas cake began in Wensleydale, Yorkshire, during the 19th century.

During this time, Wensleydale cheese was typically made during the spring and summer months and reached maturity around the Christmas season. As a result, it was considered a special cheese for consumption during the winter months, particularly at Christmas. The sharp and crumbly texture of Wensleydale cheese was found to pair perfectly with the moist and rich flavours of Christmas cake, creating a delightful salty-sweet combination.

Over time, this tradition spread throughout the other northern counties of England, including Lancashire and Cheshire. While it remains a local custom predominantly enjoyed in Yorkshire, the increasing popularity of northern British cheeses such as Wensleydale, Lancashire, and Cheshire has sparked interest in this unique pairing across the country.

The first written reference to the tradition of eating cheese with Christmas cake can be found in Joseph Lucas's book, 'Studies in Nidderdale', published in 1871. In it, Lucas describes the custom of giving each family member a Yule Cake and a piece of Christmas cheese on Christmas Eve, with any remaining cake and cheese being saved for breakfast on Christmas morning.

Today, the combination of rich, fruity Christmas cake and sharp, crumbly cheese is considered a delicious treat by many in Yorkshire and beyond. Cheesemongers and cheese shops in the region often sell a variety of cheeses specifically recommended for pairing with Christmas cake, including traditional crumbly cheeses such as Wensleydale, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Caerphilly.

How to serve Christmas cake and cheese

Christmas cake and cheese is a classic combination, especially in Yorkshire, England. While it may seem like an unusual pairing, it is a tradition that dates back to at least the Victorian era. So, how can you serve Christmas cake and cheese? Here are some tips to create the perfect salty-sweet combo:

Choose the Right Cheese:

Select a cheese that will complement the rich, fruity flavours of the Christmas cake. Traditional options include crumbly cheeses such as Wensleydale, Cheshire, Lancashire, Caerphilly, or a local variety. These cheeses have a sharp, tangy, or zesty flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.

Prepare the Cake:

Christmas cake is typically made with dried fruits soaked in alcohol and benefits from being prepared ahead of time. It is recommended to make the cake up to two months in advance to allow the flavours to mellow and blend as the cake is regularly dowsed with alcohol.

Serving Suggestions:

When serving Christmas cake and cheese, you can simply place a slice of cheese on top of the cake or serve them side by side. For a more elaborate presentation, try serving the cake with two or more slices of different cheeses. You can also offer a selection of cheeses alongside the cake, such as a vintage cheddar or a blue cheese like Hartington Dovedale Blue Cheese.

A Yorkshire Tradition:

The combination of Christmas cake and cheese is deeply rooted in Yorkshire culture, and it is believed to have originated in the Victorian era, specifically in Wensleydale, Yorkshire. Wensleydale cheese, made from cow's milk, was traditionally a winter cheese, reaching maturity around the Christmas season. The sharp and crumbly texture of the cheese paired perfectly with the moist, fruit-laden cake, creating a match made in culinary heaven.

So, if you're looking to add a touch of Yorkshire charm to your holiday celebrations, don't forget to include a slice of cheese with your Christmas cake!

Other cheeses that go with Christmas cake

While Wensleydale is the traditional cheese served with Christmas cake, other cheeses can also complement this sweet treat. According to Andy Swinscoe, the owner of the Courtyard Dairy, a crumbly cheese with a zesty, clean flavour and a sharp finish is the ideal match for a rich fruitcake. Here are some other cheeses that fit this description:

Cheshire

A smooth and creamy cheese with a distinctive tang, Cheshire is a close relative of Wensleydale and Lancashire. It is an excellent choice for those who want to stick to the traditional pairing but are looking for a slightly different flavour profile.

Lancashire

A rich and zesty cheese, Lancashire is the choice of Swinscoe's wife, who is originally from Lancashire. It is a popular pairing with local currant-filled Eccles cakes.

Caerphilly

A crumbly Welsh cheese with a fresh and tangy taste, Caerphilly is another variety that can stand up to the rich, dense flavours of a Christmas cake.

While the combination of cheese and Christmas cake might be unusual to some, it is a tradition that dates back to at least the Victorian era in Yorkshire. So, if you're looking for a new way to enjoy your Christmas cake this year, why not give one of these cheeses a try?

Other cakes that go with cheese

While Christmas cake is the most well-known cake to be paired with cheese, there are several other cakes that can be enjoyed with cheese.

In Yorkshire, England, it is traditional to pair fruitcake with cheese. According to food historian Peter Brears, this combination dates back to at least the Victorian era, when Wensleydale cheese was a special cheese for consumption at Christmas. Other Northern English cakes such as Eccles cakes and Blackburn cakes are also popular choices to be eaten with cheese, particularly Lancashire cheese.

Cheese is also commonly paired with cheesecakes and pound cakes, which often include cream cheese as an ingredient. Some examples of cheesecakes that go well with cheese are peach cobbler cheesecake, Funfetti cheesecake, pecan pie cheesecake, and chocolate-covered strawberry cheesecakes. Cream cheese pound cake is a moist, dense, and delicious dessert that can also be enjoyed with cheese.

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