Somerset must-eat festive foods for Christmas
What is Christmas without a delightful assortment of deliciously decadent treats to get stuck into? Whether you’re treating the kids, giving a gourmet gift, or indulging yourself, there are some great independent Somerset businesses putting a lip-lickingly tasty, festive twists on cakes, puddings, pastries and biscuits. If you’re after some exciting, festive foods for Christmas to enhance your Yuletide celebrations, these Somerset treats are definitely worth seeking out and trying!
Of course, the combination of children in your household consuming more sugar than usual, along with the frenzied levels of Christmas excitement, does require some serious energy-burning activities. Luckily lots of attractions in Somerset are open for wintry family entertainment – offering everything from ice skating to tobogganing and festive light trails.
To set your festive tastebuds tingling, I’ve whittled down some of the best Yuletide culinary delights in Somerset.
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Somerset festive Christmas foods
Gingerbread house, PIP’S RAILWAY CARRIAGE
If you’re looking for some gingerbread house fun with the kids this Christmas, but foresee the inevitable destruction of your kitchen, let the gorgeous Pip’s Railway Carriage near South Petherton save you from icing-splattered walls.
From the kitchens of their quirky 1850s railway carriage, their baker will be rustling up charming miniature gingerbread houses filled with a lemon cheesecake, edible snow path and a mini meringue Christmas tree and snowman.
Each one comes with a mini piping bag of ‘fluff’ snow, so you can add the finishing touches yourself. Best eaten alongside one of their S’mores hot chocolates (if your sweet tooth can handle it!)
THE TRADING POST FARM SHOP
If you’ve ever shopped in The Trading Post near South Petherton, you can’t have missed the array of tempting treats homemade for the farm shop by Justine Wilkinson (on Instagram as @can_i_bake_you_a_cake).
Come Christmastime, she ramps the deliciousness up a festive notch with her Mini Rocky Road, Tiffin Christmas puddings and crumble-topped mince pies. If you’re looking for a large batch or different size version (there are five types available), be sure to reach out to her early via DM to order your own personal box to share with family and friends.
For even more festive sweetness (think marzipan fruit, chocolate steam trains, and 40 varieties of Turkish Delight), head through The Trading Post to the Aladdin’s Cave-style Christmas marquee at the back.
*18 Best farm shops in Somerset*
EXMOOR FUDGE KITCHEN
Those partial to a sweet Yuletide treat will relish the festive flavour selection from Exmoor Fudge Kitchen. Founder Caroline Pearse whips up the award-winning fudge in her kitchen, collaborating with other local artisan producers to showcase the best of the county.
In addition to kid-enticing flavours such as salted caramel and billionaire shortcake (all additive, colour and preservative-free), this winter’s handcrafted delights include marzipan and dark chocolate, cranberries and white chocolate, plus a little something for the adults in the form of Somerset-based cider producer, Sheppy’s mulled apple cider fudge, Christmas cake fudge soaked in Somerset Cider Brandy, and mulled wine fudge.
Order by request from their website. Capital YUM.
THE PASTRY BENCH
The Pastry Bench, based at Jordan’s Courtyard near Ilminster, specialises in French-inspired patisserie treats. Give your family’s winter breakfast a glow-up with their selection of festive Cruffin flavours; chai latte, chocolate cherry, white chocolate cranberry and brown butter pecan.
And if that’s got your mouth watering, check out their website for handmade seasonally-flavoured macarons, Yule logs (available to pre-order) and chocolate bar gift boxes.
Alternatively, seek them out at various Somerset markets – Langport (first Saturday of the month), Taunton Independent Market (second Sundays) and Haynes Motor Museum Independent Market (last Saturdays).
THE SOMERSET CHEESECAKERY
For family-pleasing desserts, drop by Ilminster High Street for handmade, loaded cheesecakes at The Somerset Cheesecakery. Alongside their usual offering, this year’s Christmassy flavour combinations include mince pie and gingerbread, plus a new special treat just for the festive season: cheesecake-filled profiteroles. Is that what you call a culinary mic drop?
Hurry, though! It’s first come, first served on individual cakes – pre-order in the shop or on social media if you need more than 10, or if you’re after a larger size for your festive gatherings. Or, give the gift of cheesecake – vouchers are available.
FARM & FIELD CAFE
At Farm and Field Cafe, based on Frogmary Farm near South Petherton, you’ll find a delightful selection of Christmas treats available during the festive season.
The flower-filled cafe offers a range of delicious winter indulgences such as marshmallow snowman-topped hot chocolate and Christmas tree cookie pies. Need I say more?
BURNS THE BREAD
The mince pies from Burns the Bread in Castle Cary and Glastonbury are given a Viennese makeover. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth wonders are filled with a classic mince mixture and look a tiny bit fancier than your standard mince pies.
Burns the Bread has been a staple in the local community since its founding in 1983, and it continues to be known for its artisanal baked goods.
FARRINGTON’S FESTIVE GERT POSH TEA
Farrington’s is home to an excellent Farm Shop selling homegrown and homemade produce, a café and huge play barn, making it a great day out with little ones.
Refuel after a fun-packed morning with their festive gert posh afternoon tea – an assortment of savoury treats and sandwiches, accompanied by scones, festive biscuits, pigs in blankets and more, all served with unlimited tea or coffee. Available from Monday to Saturday starting at 2 PM. Booking and prepayment required.
*During your visit, don’t miss their swinging forest of Christmas trees, open from the last weekend of November.
Eaten something delicious and festive in Somerset and don’t see it on the list – get in touch!
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