Italian Christmas Cake Recipe expresses a classic holiday treasure from Italian kitchens, filled with rich citrus notes, warm spice, honey sweetness, and tender dough.
The result delivers a deeply delicious seasonal centrepiece. I made this recipe after seeing traditional bakers shape and roll it by hand in a charming village setting, inspiring me to bring that tradition home.
I now show step by step guidance so this festive creation becomes easy for anyone to prepare.
Italian Christmas Cake Recipe
This Italian Christmas Cake Recipe is a festive holiday dessert filled with warm spices, citrus zest, and a rich walnut raisin mixture wrapped in a soft, aromatic dough.
Its flavours of honey, wine, and anisette give it a uniquely traditional Italian character. The main speciality of this cake is its combination of a tender bread like exterior with a sweet, boozy nut filling that becomes even more fragrant after baking.
It captures the essence of Italian holiday baking comforting, celebratory, and beautifully decorative.
How To Prepare Italian Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Dough whisk or wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan
- Round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpicks
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Dough
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- ¾ cup white wine
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- Toothpicks (for securing dough rolls)
For The Filling
- ⅓ cup raisins
- ⅓ cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1 tablespoon rum or warm water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- A dash of anisette liqueur
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 pound coarsely chopped walnuts
- ½ cup whiskey
For The Topping
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Colored sprinkles
How To Make Italian Christmas Cake Recipe?
1. Wake Up The Yeast
Stir the warm milk, honey, and yeast together in a small bowl. Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top that’s your sign the yeast is alive and ready.
2. Make The Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add the eggs, extra yolk, vanilla, oil, white wine, citrus zest, softened butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and feels smooth and stretchy. Knead for about 8–10 minutes. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for roughly an hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare The Filling
Soak the raisins in rum or warm water for about 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, anisette, orange and lemon zest, chopped walnuts, whiskey, the drained raisins, and the candied orange peel. Stir until everything is evenly coated and aromatic.
4. Roll Out And Fill
After the dough has risen, roll it into a large, thin rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface. Starting from one of the long sides, roll it up tightly into a log.
5. Shape The Cake
Curl the filled log into a spiral or wreath shape. Place it in a greased, parchment-lined cake pan. Insert toothpicks here and there to help keep the layers from shifting as it bakes.
6. Bake
Brush the top with a little melted butter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is nicely golden and the cake is cooked through. Remove the toothpicks once it’s out of the oven.
7. Finish With The Topping
Warm the honey until it loosens, then brush it generously over the warm cake. Sprinkle with colourful sprinkles, and give it a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Estimated Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 33g |
Usage Suggestions
1. Serve slices slightly warm to highlight the citrus aroma and nutty sweetness.
2. Pair each portion with a small glass of dessert wine to enhance the holiday flavours.
3. Present it on a festive platter topped with extra powdered sugar for a classic look.
4. Offer thin slices alongside espresso for a traditional Italian style treat.
5. Wrap individual pieces in decorative paper for gifting during holiday gatherings.
Pro Tips And Tricks
➢ Warm the milk gently so the yeast becomes active quickly and creates a lighter, fluffier dough.
➢ Knead until the dough turns smooth and elastic, this ensures an even rise and tender texture.
➢ Toast the walnuts briefly to deepen their flavor before mixing them into the filling.
➢ Allow the rolled dough to rest a few minutes before baking to prevent cracking.
➢ Brush the finished cake generously with warmed honey to lock in moisture and enhance aroma.
How To Make More Delicious Italian Christmas Cake Recipe?
Italian Christmas Cake Recipe gains deeper flavor through slow rising dough, warm spices, and a rich fruit blend.
Milk, honey, and yeast create a gentle start, followed followed by soft dough enriched using butter, eggs, wine, and citrus.
A fragrant filling of raisins, walnuts, zest, and liqueur brings festive character. Rolling the dough into a tight coil seals moisture inside.
Golden baking and a final honey glaze give a tender interior and glowing finish that delights every table through its joyful aroma
Why We Love This Italian Christmas Cake Recipe?
We love this Italian Christmas Cake Recipe because it carries deep holiday character, blending tender dough, bright citrus, warm spice, honey richness, and hearty nuts into a festive centrepiece that feels nostalgic and generous.
Each slice offers comforting flavor echoes from cherished Italian traditions, inspiring gatherings and memories.
The recipe also brings a sense of celebration through its layered texture and seasonal ingredients, creating a dessert that stands out on any holiday table while honouring timeless culinary heritage for generations.
How To Store The Finished Italian Christmas Cake Recipe?
Allow the Italian Christmas Cake Recipe to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to preserve moisture and prevent drying.
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, ensuring it remains wrapped to protect flavor.
Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature for soft texture and rich aroma, keeping the honey glaze and sprinkles intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Dough Need A Long Rising Time?
Yes, proper rising helps create a tender, flavourful texture.
Can The Filling Be Customised?
Raisins, walnuts, citrus peel, and spices are traditional, though similar dried fruits or nuts work.
Is Alcohol Required?
Alcohol enhances flavor, but non alcoholic substitutions like warm water or juice may be used.
Can This Cake Be Made Ahead?
Yes, the flavor improves slightly after resting, making advance preparation convenient.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this easy and delicious Italian Christmas Cake Recipe as much as I enjoyed sharing it. Its sweet aroma, rich filling, and beautiful holiday flavours make it a wonderful success for any celebration.
I truly hope it inspires you to try making it in your own kitchen. It’s simpler than it looks, rewarding to prepare, and absolutely delightful to taste.
Make Italian Christmas Cake Recipe soon, enjoy every bite, and let me know just how delicious it turns out for you!
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Italian Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Dough whisk or wooden spoon
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan
- Round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpicks
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Dough
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- ¾ cup white wine
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- Toothpicks for securing dough rolls
For The Filling
- ⅓ cup raisins
- ⅓ cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1 tablespoon rum or warm water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- A dash of anisette liqueur
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 pound coarsely chopped walnuts
- ½ cup whiskey
For The Topping
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Colored sprinkles
Instructions
Wake Up The Yeast
- Stir the warm milk, honey, and yeast together in a small bowl. Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top that’s your sign the yeast is alive and ready.
Make The Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add the eggs, extra yolk, vanilla, oil, white wine, citrus zest, softened butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and feels smooth and stretchy. Knead for about 8–10 minutes. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for roughly an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare The Filling
- Soak the raisins in rum or warm water for about 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, anisette, orange and lemon zest, chopped walnuts, whiskey, the drained raisins, and the candied orange peel. Stir until everything is evenly coated and aromatic.
Roll Out And Fill
- After the dough has risen, roll it into a large, thin rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface. Starting from one of the long sides, roll it up tightly into a log.
Shape The Cake
- Curl the filled log into a spiral or wreath shape. Place it in a greased, parchment-lined cake pan. Insert toothpicks here and there to help keep the layers from shifting as it bakes.
Bake
- Brush the top with a little melted butter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is nicely golden and the cake is cooked through. Remove the toothpicks once it’s out of the oven.
Finish With The Topping
- Warm the honey until it loosens, then brush it generously over the warm cake. Sprinkle with colourful sprinkles, and give it a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 420 | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 33gHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!