“Did you hear the news? Christmas is just around the corner!” As the holiday season approaches, the scent of baked treats fills the air, and nothing quite compares to the nostalgic charm of a homemade Italian Christmas Cake (Pitta ‘mpigliata). This festive Calabrian treat wraps sweet raisins and crunchy walnuts in delicate pastry coils, bringing warmth and tradition to your seasonal celebrations. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its rich flavors enhanced by aromatic spices and a splash of whiskey but also in its manageable steps that make it perfect for both seasoned chefs and those new to holiday baking. Plus, you can prep this cake ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully! Ready to find out how to create this delightful dessert for your own holiday gatherings? Let’s dive in!
Why is Italian Christmas Cake Special?
Festive Flavors: Experience a delightful fusion of sweet raisins and crunchy walnuts, enhanced by warm spices and whiskey, that truly capture the essence of the season.
A Family Tradition: This traditional Calabrian cake is steeped in heritage, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings and a delightful way to share stories with loved ones.
Easy Steps: Although it looks intricate, the recipe is accessible for all skill levels. Prep ahead of time to enjoy stress-free baking during the busy holiday season.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to make it your own! Substitute with different nuts or dried fruits, or even try adding spices like nutmeg for a unique twist.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: This cake is sure to impress your guests, often becoming the highlight of dessert platters and a cherished recipe for years to come.
For more delicious holiday delights, check out our Strawberry Shortcake Cake or Crab Cake Egg for festive inspiration!
Italian Christmas Cake Ingredients
• Discover the perfect components for a delightful holiday treat.
For the Filling
- Raisins – Sweetness and moisture; substitute with dried currants or sultanas if needed.
- Walnuts – Adds a delightful crunch; consider almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Whiskey – Enhances the filling flavors; can be replaced with rum or omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Sugar – Sweetening agent; both brown and white sugar work well, depending on your taste.
- Cinnamon – Spices the filling; swap with mixed spice if desired.
- Juice of 1 Orange – Offers freshness and acidity; use lemon juice as an alternative.
- Dash of Anisette – Adds a light anise flavor; feel free to omit for simpler taste.
For the Pastry
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the pastry; whole wheat flour can be a heartier alternative.
- White Wine – Adds moisture and flavor; any dry white wine works or substitute with apple cider or vinegar.
- Eggs – Binds the dough; no direct substitute, but a flax egg may work for a vegan option.
- Lemon & Orange Zest – Imparts citrus aroma and flavor; use just one if you prefer.
- Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture; melted butter can give a richer taste.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and aroma; omit if creating a nut-free version.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent; baking powder is a viable alternative.
For the Glaze & Decoration
- Honey – Glazes for finishing; optional for a simpler cake design.
- Colored Sprinkles – Decorative finish; skip if you prefer a more rustic look.
Let the flavors of your Italian Christmas Cake shine through this holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Christmas Cake
Step 1: Prepare Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine raisins, chopped walnuts, whiskey, sugar, cinnamon, orange juice, and anisette. Stir well to blend the flavors as you cover the bowl tightly. Allow this mixture to sit overnight at room temperature, letting the raisins plump and absorb the whiskey, creating a delightful, aromatic filling for your Italian Christmas Cake.
Step 2: Make Dough
On a clean surface, mound your all-purpose flour, creating a well in the center. Add eggs, vegetable oil, white wine, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and baking soda into the well. Using your hands, mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms, adjusting with more flour as needed. The dough should be pliable and smooth, perfect for the pastry wrapping.
Step 3: Kneading
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3-4 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Divide the kneaded dough into 8 equal balls, covering the remaining pieces with a clean cloth to prevent drying out. This preparation ensures your pastry will have the right texture for wrapping the filling later.
Step 4: Roll Dough
Using a pasta roller or rolling pin, flatten each ball of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the flattened dough into 2.5-inch wide strips, ensuring they are uniform for even baking. As you roll out the dough, keep it dusted with flour to prevent sticking, creating perfect strips for filling with that delicious walnut and raisin mixture.
Step 5: Fill Strips
Take a strip of dough and place a generous amount of the walnut-raisin mixture along the center. Fold the dough over the filling and roll gently to form a coil shape, sealing the edges to ensure that the filling stays inside. Use toothpicks to secure the ends if needed, setting the filled coils aside on a floured surface.
Step 6: Bake Cakes
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the coiled pastries on the prepared sheet, spacing them apart for even baking. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fragrant, giving you a beautifully baked Italian Christmas Cake.
Step 7: Finish
Remove the cakes from the oven and immediately brush them with melted honey for a glossy finish. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to set the glaze. Once done, sprinkle with colored sprinkles for a festive touch, then let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before storing or wrapping for your holiday festivities.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Italian Christmas Cake (Pitta ‘mpigliata) ahead of time is a fantastic way to simplify your holiday baking! You can make the filling—combining raisins, walnuts, and spices—up to 24 hours in advance and let it sit in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors. The dough can also be made ahead and stored, tightly wrapped, in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the dough, fill it, and shape the coils as instructed. To maintain quality, ensure everything is well-sealed to prevent drying out. This way, you can enjoy fresh, delicious Italian Christmas Cake with minimal effort when the festivities begin!
Storage Tips for Italian Christmas Cake
Room Temperature: Store the cooled Italian Christmas Cake tightly wrapped in foil for up to 3 days at room temperature, keeping it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the wrapped cake for up to a week, although it may slightly alter the texture—make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the wrapped cake for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s well sealed in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw the frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If desired, warm it gently in the oven (wrapped in foil) at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Helpful Tricks for Italian Christmas Cake
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Rest Your Dough: Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes before rolling. This ensures it rolls out thin and even, preventing tears.
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Flour Management: Use enough flour on your surfaces while rolling out the dough to avoid sticking, but don’t overdo it—too much will alter the cake’s texture.
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Filling Consistency: Ensure your walnut-raisin mixture is moist but not overly wet. Too much liquid can result in soggy pastry.
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Egg Substitution: If you’re going vegan, the flax egg is your friend! Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens.
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Baking Tip: Keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can vary, and you want that perfect golden brown finish without overbaking.
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Freezing Advice: When freezing your Italian Christmas Cake, wait until it’s fully cool. Wait to add honey and sprinkles until after thawing to keep it looking fresh.
What to Serve with Italian Christmas Cake?
The lovely layers of a festive gathering are completed beautifully with these delightful pairings that enhance your holiday experience.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee brings out the rich flavors of the cake, making each bite an indulgent treat.
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Sweet Red Wine: The fruity notes of a sweet red wine create a heavenly match, elevating the cake’s spiced filling to new heights.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a creamy contrast, enhancing the delightful sweetness of the Italian Christmas Cake.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits complements the dense cake, providing a bright burst of flavor that cleanses the palate.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider to evoke cozy holiday memories, blending perfectly with the delightful spices found in the cake.
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Nuts and Dried Fruit Platter: A simple yet elegant addition, this platter offers textures and flavors that will resonate with the cake’s nutty filling.
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Chocolate Truffles: Indulge in a few rich chocolate truffles for a sweet surprise, contrasting the chewy texture of the cake with smooth decadence.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream enhances each decadent slice, providing a cool, sweet, and satisfying finish.
Embrace the joyous flavors of the season by combining these suggestions with your Italian Christmas Cake for the ultimate festive experience!
Italian Christmas Cake Variations
Feel like putting a personal twist on your Italian Christmas Cake? Let your creativity shine with these delightful variations.
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Dried Fruit Swap: Replace raisins with chopped figs or dried cranberries for a new fruitiness that enhances texture. The sweet and tart notes will surprise your taste buds, adding a festive twist!
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Nutty Options: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts. Each nut brings its unique flavor and crunch, elevating your cake to new heights!
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Spice It Up: Add warm spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile. These spices evoke a cozy holiday spirit, making every bite feel like a warm embrace.
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Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. The result will still be delicious, allowing everyone at your gathering to enjoy this festive treat.
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Non-Alcoholic Twist: Replace whiskey with apple cider or simply omit it for a delightful non-alcoholic version. You won’t lose flavor, but gain a family-friendly dessert perfect for all ages!
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Lemon Zest: Try using only lemon zest instead of both lemon and orange for a brighter, more zesty flavor. This refreshingly citrusy twist is sure to awaken your senses.
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Choco-Lovers Delight: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent surprise. This chocolatey indulgence pairs beautifully with the other flavors, pleasing even the pickiest of palates.
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Adventurous Decoration: Instead of colored sprinkles, consider topping with crushed nuts or coconut flakes for a different festive flair. These toppings add not only color but also texture to your gorgeous creation!
Explore these delectable variations to make your Italian Christmas Cake truly one-of-a-kind! For more festive inspirations, don’t miss our Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed or Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
Italian Christmas Cake (Pitta ‘mpigliata) Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for this Italian Christmas Cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose plump, moist raisins without dark spots or wrinkles. Fresh walnuts should be firm with a pleasant nutty aroma. If using citrus, look for firm fruits with bright colors; they should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness.
What’s the best way to store the Italian Christmas Cake?
To maintain freshness, wrap your cooled Italian Christmas Cake tightly in foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for about a week or frozen for up to 2 months. Always ensure it’s well-wrapped to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze the Italian Christmas Cake?
Yes, you can! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and warm it gently if desired.
What should I do if my pastry dough is too sticky?
Very! If your dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead it. Make sure to work in small amounts at a time to keep the dough pliable. If it’s overly dry, add a splash of water or oil gradually until you achieve a soft and smooth consistency.
Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! If you’re making this for guests, be mindful of nut allergies and consider substituting walnuts with seeds or gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, ensure you use alcohol-free substitutes if serving to children or individuals who avoid alcohol. Always ask about dietary restrictions ahead of time!
How long will the flavors deepen if I make the cake ahead of time?
The flavors of the Italian Christmas Cake (Pitta ‘mpigliata) will deepen beautifully if you make it a day or two in advance! Storing it in an airtight container allows the filling to mellow and the spices to meld, creating a more harmonious flavor that truly enhances this festive treat.
Italian Christmas Cake: Savor Festive Flavors This Season
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine raisins, chopped walnuts, whiskey, sugar, cinnamon, orange juice, and anisette. Stir well and cover tightly. Let sit overnight.
- On a clean surface, mound flour and make a well in the center. Add eggs, vegetable oil, white wine, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and baking soda into the well. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes. Divide into 8 balls and cover to prevent drying out.
- Flatten each ball to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 2.5-inch wide strips, dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- Place a generous amount of walnut-raisin mixture along the center of each strip. Fold and roll gently to form coils, sealing edges.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Arrange coils on the sheet and bake for approximately 35 minutes until golden.
- Remove from oven and brush with melted honey. Return to oven for another 5 minutes to set glaze. Sprinkle with colored sprinkles and cool on a wire rack.
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