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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)

How to Make Italian Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake- a festive Pandoro Christmas Tree layered with luscious mascarpone whipped cream vibrant raspberry jam decorated with pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and powdered sugar. Experience a taste of Italian tradition in every slice. Customize toppings to your preference! It;s a fantastic Christmas cake for the holiday season. 

Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Calories: 824 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Cake:
  • 1 good quality store-bought Pandoro or this one
  • 1 cup raspberry jam + 1 tablespoon hot water combined
For the Mascarpone Whipped Cream:
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 17.5 ounce mascarpone cheese 500 gr, room temperature
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
For Decoration:
  • shelled pistachios quantity as desired
  • pomegranate seeds red currants, or small berries (quantity as desired)
  • powdered sugar for dusting
  • Decoration: White Star

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare the Pandoro: Carefully unwrap the Pandoro and cut it into five large horizontal slices. Set aside.  
  2. Make the Mascarpone Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Using handheld beaters or an electric mixer, whip the cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
  3. Add the mascarpone, and lemon zest, extract in another bowl, and beat with an electric mixer until well combined. 
  4. Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream mixture until evenly combined. 
  5. Assemble the Cake: Place the bottom piece of the Pandoro on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a layer of raspberry jam on top of the Pandoro layer. Add a quarter of the cream mixture on top of the raspberry jam.
  6. Offset the next slice of pandoro on top of the last so the points don't match (to resemble a Christmas tree). 
  7. Continue layering, alternating between Pandoro, raspberry jam, and mascarpone whipped cream, until you've used all the Pandoro layers. 
  8. Decorate the Cake: Starting from the top of the cake, gently press-shelled pistachios into the mascarpone whipped cream. Scatter pomegranate seeds and pistachios over the top of the cake for a festive and colorful touch.Finish by dusting the entire cake with powdered sugar, resembling snow on a Christmas tree.
  9. Chill (optional) and Serve: Place the decorated Pandoro Christmas tree cake in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour or overnight (optional). Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up and is great for making ahead of time.
  10. Before serving, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing. Slice using a serrated knife and enjoy your festive Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake!

Notes

  • Start with Quality Pandoro: Begin with a high-quality store-bought Pandoro as your cake base. Look for one that is fresh and has a good flavor.
  • Slice Carefully: When slicing the Pandoro, use a sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to create even layers. Take your time to ensure each layer is the desired thickness.
  • Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. This ensures a stable mascarpone whipped cream that holds its shape and doesn't become too runny.
  • Room Temperature Mascarpone: This helps the mascarpone meld better with the whipped cream mixture.

  • Layer Evenly: Assemble the cake layers evenly to create a symmetrical Christmas tree shape. Spread the mascarpone whipped cream and jam evenly between layers to maintain balance.

    Use a Sharp Serrated Knife for slicing.

  • Use a Sharp Serrated Knife for slicing.

Nutrition Information

Calories 824kcal (41%) Carbohydrates 77g (26%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 53g (82%) Saturated Fat 33g (165%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 170mg (57%) Sodium 334mg (14%) Potassium 123mg (4%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 54g (108%) Vitamin A 1805IU (36%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 183mg (18%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6-8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 824

% Daily Value*

Calories 824kcal 41%
Carbohydrates 77g 26%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 53g 82%
Saturated Fat 33g 165%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 170mg 57%
Sodium 334mg 14%
Potassium 123mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 54g 108%
Vitamin A 1805IU 36%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 183mg 18%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.