Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe is a rich festive bake filled with fruits soaked in Amaretto, warm spices, butter, sugar and prunes that create deep comforting flavor.
This cake tastes incredibly delicious and deeply satisfying. I made this recipe because the tradition inspired me after watching it prepared during holiday cooking shows.
Now I will show step by step how to make this special Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe for seasonal celebrations.
Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe
This Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe is a traditional festive cake made with a mix of dried fruits, prunes, almonds, treacle, and warm spices, all soaked in Amaretto liqueur for enhanced flavor and moisture.
The main speciality of this cake is its rich, deep, and complex taste that comes from soaking the fruits in Amaretto and gradually feeding the cake with more liqueur over time.
This method ensures a moist, flavourful, and aromatic cake that improves with age, making it a true holiday centrepiece.
How To Prepare Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight fruit soaking)
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 35 minutes (excluding soak time)
Course: Dessert / Christmas Cake
Cuisine: British Festive Baking
Yield: 12 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan (optional for warming fruit mix)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 8-inch (20 cm) round deep cake tin
- Baking parchment
- Aluminum foil
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredient
- 300 g / 2 cups plain all purpose flour
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cherries, cranberries)
- ¼ cup finely chopped dried apricots
- ½ cup amaretto liqueur (plus extra for feeding the cake)
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup soft brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest and juice of 2 oranges
- ½ cup roughly chopped almonds (optional but highly recommended)
- 250 g (about 1½ cups) chopped dried prunes
- 2 tablespoons treacle (molasses)
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
1. Soak The Fruit
Put the mixed dried fruits, apricots, prunes, orange zest, orange juice, and Amaretto into a bowl. Cover it and leave the mixture to soak overnight. If you’re short on time, you can warm everything together in a saucepan for about 10 minutes instead.
2. Prepare The Cake Tin
Line an 8-inch cake tin with two layers of baking parchment, making sure to include a collar around the sides. Heat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
3. Cream The Butter And Sugar
Beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Stir in the vanilla and the treacle.
4. Mix The Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg, and ginger. Gently fold this into the butter mixture.
5. Add The Fruit
Tip in the soaked fruit along with the chopped almonds and mix until everything is evenly combined.
6. Bake The Cake
Spoon the batter into the lined tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes, or until a skewer pushed into the centre comes out mostly clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with a piece of foil.
7. Feed And Store
Let the cake cool completely. Prick a few holes in the top with a skewer and pour 1–2 tablespoons of Amaretto over it. Wrap the cake well in parchment and foil. For the richest flavour, “feed” it with a little more Amaretto every 5–7 days right up until Christmas.
8. Serve
Cut into generous slices and enjoy ideally with a cup of tea, coffee, or something festive.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 36 g |
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Serve slices alongside a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
2. Warm slightly and drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top.
3. Pair with a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream for a festive dessert.
4. Arrange on a platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
5. Cut into small squares and serve as bite sized treats during holiday gatherings.
Tips And Variations
Tips
➣ Soaking the dried fruits in amaretto overnight enhances the flavor and keeps the cake moist.
➣ Folding the dry ingredients gently into the butter mixture prevents the cake from becoming dense.
➣ Brushing extra amaretto on the cooled cake adds richness and a deeper aroma.
Variations
➢ Replace prunes with chopped figs for a sweeter, chewier texture.
➢ Swap almonds for pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist.
➢ Add a teaspoon of orange blossom water to brighten the citrus notes.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe contains dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, cherries, and prunes, which provide fiber and antioxidants.
Almonds contribute healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. Eggs supply essential protein and nutrients. Oranges add vitamin C and natural flavor.
Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger support digestion and metabolism. Treacle offers minerals like iron and potassium.
Gradually soaking fruits in Amaretto enhances nutrient absorption. This cake combines indulgence and nourishing ingredients, delivering energy, heart benefits, and essential vitamins in every festive slice.
Why You Should Try This Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe Today?
This Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe delivers a rich, flavourful experience filled with spiced dried fruits, prunes, almonds, and treacle soaked in Amaretto.
The cake offers moist texture, deep taste, and festive charm. Its slow baking and gradual feeding with liqueur create layers of flavor that develop over time.
Every slice provides a warm, indulgent holiday treat that delights family and friends, making celebrations more memorable and bringing traditional seasonal flavours to life.
What Does Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe Taste Like?
The Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe offers a delightful balance of flavours. Sweet, plump dried fruits blend with the nutty almond notes from the amaretto, creating a rich and aromatic profile.
Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give the cake a comforting, festive taste, while orange zest and juice add a fresh, zesty brightness.
Soft, moist, and slightly dense, each bite melts in the mouth with a perfectly sweet and spiced finish.
How To Store Leftovers Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe?
Allow the Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil to keep it moist and flavorful.
Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or tin. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Feeding the cake occasionally with a little amaretto helps maintain its richness and aroma.
Properly stored, the Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe can stay delicious for several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Prepare The Cake Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can replace Amaretto with orange juice, apple juice, or a non-alcoholic liqueur alternative for a similar flavor.
How Long Should I Soak The Fruits?
Soaking overnight is ideal, but at least 4–6 hours will help the fruits absorb the liquid and soften.
How Often Should I Feed The Cake With Amaretto?
Feed every 5–7 days for best flavor and moistness, especially if storing for several weeks.
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead Of Almonds?
Yes, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts work well and add a different texture and taste.
What Is The Best Way To Serve This Cake?
Slice and serve at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, custard, or a dusting of icing sugar.
Conclusion
I had so much fun making this Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe, and the result was deliciously satisfying! It was easier to prepare than I expected, and every bite was full of festive flavours and warmth.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try it at home. I’m excited for you to make it soon bake it, enjoy it, and let me know just how wonderfully delicious it turns out!
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Amaretto Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan (optional for warming fruit mix)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 8-inch (20 cm) round deep cake tin
- Baking parchment
- Aluminum foil
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 300 g / 2 cups plain all purpose flour
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits raisins, sultanas, cherries, cranberries
- ¼ cup finely chopped dried apricots
- ½ cup amaretto liqueur plus extra for feeding the cake
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup soft brown sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest and juice of 2 oranges
- ½ cup roughly chopped almonds optional but highly recommended
- 250 g about 1½ cups chopped dried prunes
- 2 tablespoons treacle molasses
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
Soak The Fruit
- Put the mixed dried fruits, apricots, prunes, orange zest, orange juice, and Amaretto into a bowl. Cover it and leave the mixture to soak overnight. If you’re short on time, you can warm everything together in a saucepan for about 10 minutes instead.
Prepare The Cake Tin
- Line an 8-inch cake tin with two layers of baking parchment, making sure to include a collar around the sides. Heat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
Cream The Butter And Sugar
- Beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Stir in the vanilla and the treacle.
Mix The Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg, and ginger. Gently fold this into the butter mixture.
Add The Fruit
- Tip in the soaked fruit along with the chopped almonds and mix until everything is evenly combined.
Bake The Cake
- Spoon the batter into the lined tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes, or until a skewer pushed into the centre comes out mostly clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with a piece of foil.
Feed And Store
- Let the cake cool completely. Prick a few holes in the top with a skewer and pour 1–2 tablespoons of Amaretto over it. Wrap the cake well in parchment and foil. For the richest flavour, “feed” it with a little more Amaretto every 5–7 days right up until Christmas.
Serve
- Cut into generous slices and enjoy ideally with a cup of tea, coffee, or something festive.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 390 | Carbohydrates: 53 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 17 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 36 g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”