A mix of tradition, culture, customs, heritage and innovation

The earliest form of cake has been traced back to Egyptians, who made something that was essentially bread soaked with honey. Yet the modern recognition came from Europeans, who invented whisking tools and turned simple baked bread into an art. Then came the cake mixing ceremony, a joyful Christmas tradition that has now been embraced completely in this part of the world, though not without some local variation.

Marking the beginning of the Christmas season, the simple yet significant activity combines old English traditions with some local Punjabi flavours to keep this practice alive.

In Amritsar, several hotels and popular bakeries host cake mixing ceremonies, inviting community to bond and have some fun while mixing diverse ingredients that eventually come together to form a delicious, rich cake. A talk of social symbolism.

A practice or custom that began somewhere in 16th century Europe, cake mixing was mostly a family affair until more recently when communities engaged in it made it a festive affair.

“Families start the cake mixing ceremony in mid-September or October. People also make a wish while mixing all ingredients that traditionally include nuts, fruits and spirits. Now, spices have made way into the cake mix, adding some flavourful twist,” shared Vanessa, an English tourist, who is visiting India as part of a large tour. At 70, both she and her husband Richard enjoyed a warm Christmas feel at season’s first cake mixing ceremony hosted by Le Méridien, Amritsar.

Vanessa has been making Christmas cakes for almost all her life. Her secret for a hearty, flavourful Christmas cake is to start early. “So, traditionally in North England, where I come from, we start cake mixing process almost six months before or by September. Plums soaked in spirits to extract rich flavour and mixed with nuts and spices are then kept for fermentation. Every few days, we take it out and stir it with a fork, poking holes for aeration. Close to Christmas, we complete the process of baking by adding flour, eggs and other ingredients. Now, as many as 20 ingredients are used in making a Christmas cake,” she shared.

Baldeep Singh, executive chef, Le Méridien, said, “Cake mixing coincides with the annual activation of La Fête by Le Méridien, the brand’s globally recognised winter programme.”

“The traditional cake mixing, a cherished prelude to the holiday season, brings everyone together in a shared spirit of joy and celebration. We use an aromatic blend of dry fruits, nuts, spices and spirits, symbolising warmth, togetherness and the joy of giving. This annual ritual, steeped in tradition, signifies prosperity and the anticipation of festive cheer. As for the spirits, we use traditional rum, whiskey and fruit juices to add layers of flavour,” he said.

His version of the cake also had cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger powder, rum, whiskey, cranberries and whole other spices.

La Fête by Le Méridien, meaning “the celebration” in French, is an annual winter programme that celebrates the brand’s European heritage and timeless art of entertaining.

“It reflects the philosophy of savouring the good life, curated experiences designed to inspire connection and shared delight. It allows us to celebrate both community and creativity, true to the legacy of European elegance and cultural expression,” said Anukam Tiwary, General Manager, Le Méridien, Amritsar.

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