Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Pune's Christmas Cakes: Tradition and Emotion
In Pune, Christmas cakes are more than just desserts; they are a big part of the city's traditions.
Old bakeries and home bakers make these cakes with special recipes that have been passed down for generations.
The cakes are made with fruits soaked in rum or wine for a long time, and they are very popular during the Christmas season.
People love these cakes because they remind them of their childhood and family.
Some bakeries have been around for almost 100 years, and they still use the same old methods to make their cakes.
Even though some people now want healthier options, the bakers make sure to keep the traditional taste that everyone loves.
Pune's Christmas cakes are deeply rooted in tradition, faith, and family connections, with bakeries like Husseny Bakery and home bakers like Shalini D’Souza preserving the city’s festive culture.
Husseny Bakery, established in 1932, has been baking Christmas cakes for over 93 years, with Dr S M M Irani personally involved for over 50 years.
Home baker Shalini D’Souza, founder of ‘Bakeology by Shalini’, has been baking Christmas cakes since 2017, focusing on homemade, preservative-free options.
Irani bakeries like Persian Bakery, Royal Bakery, Pasteur Bakery, and Imperial Bakery continue to anchor Pune’s festive culture with century-old recipes and traditional techniques.
While traditional fruit and plum cakes remain popular, there is a growing demand for healthier options like eggless cakes and less sugar.
- Who
- Bakers and home bakers in Pune, including Dr S M M Irani, Shalini D’Souza, and various Irani bakeries
- What
- The tradition and emotional significance of baking and selling Christmas cakes in Pune
- When
- During the Christmas season, with preparations starting months in advance
- Where
- In Pune, at various bakeries and home kitchens, including Husseny Bakery, Bakeology by Shalini, Persian Bakery, Royal Bakery, Pasteur Bakery, and Imperial Bakery
- Why
- To preserve and celebrate the city’s festive traditions, faith, and family connections
- Husseny Bakery
- Established in 1932, known for traditional fruit and plum cakes
- Dr S M M Irani
- 74-year-old baker at Husseny Bakery with over 50 years of experience
- Bakeology by Shalini
- Home bakery founded by Shalini D’Souza in 2017, offers preservative-free cakes
- Persian Bakery
- Known for plum and rum cakes, follows century-old recipes
- Royal Bakery
- Established in 1914, soaks fruits in rum for three months before baking
- Pasteur Bakery
- Established in 1939, known for moist plum and fruit cakes
- Imperial Bakery
- Founded in 1955, soaks fruits in wine for 40 days before baking
