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Nigella Italian Christmas Cake

Nigella Italian Christmas Cake: A Festive Creamy Delight

Experience the indulgent flavors of Nigella Italian Christmas Cake with layers of panettone and mascarpone, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 6 tablespoons Tuaca liqueur Any preferred liqueur can be used for a similar effect.
  • 2 large eggs Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification.
  • 75 grams caster sugar
  • 500 grams mascarpone cheese Use at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • 250 millilitres double cream Allow to warm to room temperature for optimal emulsification.
  • 125 millilitres Marsala wine
  • 75 grams marrons glacés
  • 125 grams mini chocolate chips Regular chocolate chips can be substituted.
  • 100 grams shelled pistachios Chopped almonds can be a substitute if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds Use fresh if possible for the best texture.
For Assembly
  • sliced panettone

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Stand mixer
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by slicing your panettone into 1 cm thick pieces. Take a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with these panettone slices, ensuring they cover the bottom completely.
  2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of Tuaca liqueur evenly over the panettone in the springform pan and let it soak in while you prepare the filling.
  3. In a stand mixer, whisk together the eggs and caster sugar until light and frothy—about 3-4 minutes. Gradually mix in the mascarpone cheese, double cream, and Marsala wine.
  4. Set aside 250 ml of the creamy filling mixture in a separate bowl for the final topping of your cake.
  5. Fold in the chopped marrons glacés, mini chocolate chips, and shelled pistachios into the remaining filling.
  6. Spread half of the filling mixture evenly over the layer of panettone. Add another layer of panettone on top, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of Tuaca liqueur.
  7. Add the remaining filling over the second panettone layer, smoothing it out. Top with a final layer of panettone and drizzle the remaining Tuaca liqueur on top.
  8. Cover the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to chill.
  9. When ready to serve, unmould the cake from the springform pan and spread the reserved filling on top. Garnish with remaining chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and pomegranate seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better emulsification. Be liberal with liqueur drizzles to enhance flavor.

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