Nigella’s Italian Christmas Cake Recipe

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Nigella’s Italian Christmas Cake, a festive dessert that combines velvety dark chocolate with the bright citrus notes of orange zest. This holiday favorite is both luxurious and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests at your Christmas gatherings. Pair it with whipped cream or mascarpone for the ultimate holiday indulgence.

What Is Nigella’s Italian Christmas Cake?

Nigella’s Italian Christmas Cake is a chocolate-based dessert with Mediterranean-inspired touches. Ground almonds add moisture, while orange zest and optional orange liqueur lend a fragrant and citrusy twist. This cake has a delicate texture and a slightly cracked top, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and indulgent: Perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Festive flavors: Orange and almond pair beautifully with the dark chocolate.
• Gluten-friendly option: Can be adapted for gluten-free diets.
• Simple yet impressive: A straightforward recipe with stunning results.

Ingredients

• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 4 eggs, separated
• 150g caster sugar
• 100g ground almonds
• 50g plain flour (or gluten-free flour, if needed)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp orange liqueur (optional)
• Icing sugar, for dusting

For serving: Whipped cream or mascarpone

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin with baking parchment.
2. Melt chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and softened butter over a pan of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix yolks and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and caster sugar until pale and thick.

Combining Ingredients

4. Incorporate flavors: Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg yolk and sugar mixture. Add the ground almonds, flour, orange zest, and orange liqueur (if using). Mix until just combined.
5. Whisk egg whites: In a separate, clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold in egg whites: Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate batter in batches, ensuring the mixture remains light and airy.

Baking the Cake

7. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly cracked.
8. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin. Once cooled, carefully remove it from the springform tin.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust the cake generously with icing sugar before serving.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for a creamy contrast.
• Serve alongside a cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine to complete the Italian experience.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, bringing it to room temperature before serving.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in cling film and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and dust with icing sugar before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend or additional ground almonds.
• Nut-free: Replace ground almonds with an equal amount of plain flour or gluten-free flour.
• Citrus twist: Swap orange zest for lemon or clementine zest for a different citrus flavor.
• Boozy option: Experiment with other liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Amaretto.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate and butter?
Use a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring frequently to ensure smooth melting. Avoid overheating to prevent the chocolate from seizing.

Can I omit the orange liqueur?
Absolutely. The orange zest provides plenty of citrus flavor without the liqueur.

Nigella’s Italian Christmas Cake is a show-stopping dessert that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season. With its rich chocolate base, vibrant citrus notes, and tender crumb, this cake is sure to become a festive favorite in your home. Try this recipe today and share the magic of Italian-inspired Christmas baking!

Print