Chef Mynhardt’s much-loved Christmas cakes return with a seriously fabulous new look.
Christmas cake has entered its glamorous era. Chef Mynhardt Joubert, the man behind some of South Africa’s most generous and joyful food, has given his celebrated annual festive fruit cakes a spectacular new makeover, and frankly, we want one under the tree immediately.
This year, the cake is only half the gift. The presentation has been elevated into a full-blown gifting experience, with exuberant botanicals, florals, birds, ribbons and theatrical details inspired by Mynhardt’s love of travel, European patisserie and beautiful things. Think Boere-Baroque meets Afri-French fantasy, with all the glorious abundance you’d expect from Mynhardt.
“The way a gift is presented tells someone that a lot of love and care have gone into choosing it,” says Mynhardt. “I wanted the wrapping to carry the same generosity as the cake inside.”
And generous is definitely the word. These are not your average Christmas cakes. Mynhardt’s signature recipe is packed with luxury green figs, whole glacé cherries and blanched nuts, then generously drenched in Cape brandy. Rich, nostalgic and unapologetically indulgent, they have all the festive drama of a beautifully boxed panettone, panforte or artisanal stollen, but with a distinctly South African personality.
This year’s collection comes in three suitably fabulous characters.
Miss Classic is the traditionalist, but with standards. Generously made and wrapped with old-school festive charm, she believes raisins deserve respect, brandy is a love language and proper butter is non-negotiable.
Miss Luxe is the maximalist. Rich, glamorous and gloriously extra, she is packed with decadent green figs and designed to make a statement wherever she lands, whether that’s beneath the Christmas tree or at the centre of a festive table.
Then there’s Miss Cracker, the smaller, cheekier member of the family. Sweet, playful and perfectly sized for a thoughtful gift, host present or little festive indulgence.
The collection has been created with a group of respected creatives, turning a familiar Christmas favourite into something that feels almost too pretty to unwrap. Almost.
Mynhardt’s festive cakes have built up something of a cult following over the years, with previous limited batches selling out within weeks. This new collection keeps the nostalgia and generosity of the annual tradition, while giving it a fresh, design-led and distinctly Mynhardt twist.
Because yes, it’s a fruit cake. But it’s also a gift, a table centrepiece and quite possibly the most fabulous thing you’ll unwrap this Christmas.
The details: Pre-orders are now open at cake@mynhardt.co.za. Prices range from R500 to R850. Find out more at mynhardt.co.za.