Amaretto In Wedding Cakes: A Sweet Surprise

Amaretto is a popular choice for wedding cakes, with its distinctive almond flavour often paired with a vanilla buttercream. This combination is a favourite for weddings, with the rich, buttery, nutty flavour of the cake contrasting with the sweet, creamy buttercream. The almond aroma of the liqueur is a perfect match for the almond extract in the cake, creating an elegant and indulgent dessert. For an extra boozy kick, the cake layers can be brushed with additional amaretto before frosting.

Amaretto wedding cake recipes

Almond and Amaretto cakes are perfect for weddings. Here are some recipes you can try:

Almond Amaretto Cake

This recipe is a must for almond lovers. The almond cake layers are infused with Amaretto liqueur and paired with a classic vanilla buttercream. The recipe includes almond flour, which adds a nice texture to the cake, but this is optional.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup milk, room temperature
• 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur

Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Method:

• Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour three 6" cake rounds and line with parchment.
• In a medium bowl, whisk flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
• Combine milk and Amaretto. Set aside.
• Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on med-high until pale and fluffy (approx 3 mins). Reduce speed and add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Add vanilla.
• Alternate adding flour mixture and milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour (3 additions of flour and 2 of milk). Fully incorporate after each addition.
• Bake for approx. 35 mins or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
• Place cakes on a wire rack to cool for 10 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack. Allow cakes to cool completely.
• Place sugar and water into a small pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 mins. Remove from heat, stir in Amaretto. Cool completely.
• Make the Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream by placing egg whites and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer, whisking until combined.
• Place the bowl over a double boiler on the stove and whisk constantly until the mixture is hot (160F) and no longer grainy to the touch (approx. 3 mins).
• Place the bowl on your stand mixer and whisk on med-high until the meringue is stiff and cooled (approx. 5-10 mins).
• Switch to the paddle attachment. Slowly add cubed butter and mix until smooth. Add vanilla and mix until incorporated.
• Trim the tops of each cake layer slightly (to help the syrup absorb).
• Place one layer of cake on a stand or serving plate. Brush generously with Amaretto Syrup. Top with approximately 2/3 cup of buttercream and spread evenly. Repeat with remaining layers.
• Frost and smooth the outside with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 20 mins. Frost the top and sides of the cake and pipe dollops on top if desired, using an Ateco 867 or Wilton 6B tip.
• Press toasted almonds into the bottom and sprinkle on top of the cake.

Amaretto Cake with Buttercream Frosting

This Italy-inspired amaretto cake combines the delicate almond aroma of amaretto liqueur with a rich buttercream and a moist, tender crumb.

Ingredients:

• 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/3 cups butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 7-1/2 to 8 cups confectioners' sugar
• Optional decorations: toasted sliced almonds, milk chocolate M&M's, and melted chocolate

Method:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Line bottoms of 3 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment and grease paper.
• In a bowl, whisk flour and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk sour cream, milk, and amaretto until blended. In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts.
• Add flour mixture alternately with sour cream mixture, beating well after each addition.
• Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
• In a large

Pairing amaretto with other flavours

Amaretto is a versatile liqueur that pairs well with many flavours. Here are some ideas for flavour pairings with amaretto:

Chocolate

Rich, dark chocolate is a classic pairing with amaretto. The bittersweet notes of the chocolate complement the sweetness of the amaretto, while the smooth texture of chocolate truffles or fondue enhances the sipping experience. For a fun twist, try Nutella-stuffed donuts, which offer a delightful surprise of hazelnut and chocolate flavours.

Citrus

The nutty sweetness of amaretto is beautifully offset by tangy citrus flavours. Lemon bars or lemon sorbet can bring out the citrusy notes of an amaretto sour cocktail, creating a delightful interplay of flavours. For a refreshing summer cocktail, mix amaretto with orange juice, or add a splash of orange cream sickle to your drink for a zesty twist.

Coffee

Coffee is one of the best pairings for amaretto. Whether it's a hot cup of coffee with a shot of amaretto, or a more complex cocktail like the Toasted Almond (amaretto, coffee liqueur, and milk or cream), these two flavours were made for each other. For a fun party shot, try the M&M shooter, which combines amaretto and coffee liqueur for a tasty treat.

Vanilla

The creamy and delicate flavour of vanilla is a perfect match for amaretto. A classic vanilla buttercream is a popular choice for amaretto-infused cakes, and vanilla ice cream is a great way to complement the almond flavour of an amaretto cake. For a more elegant dessert, try a vanilla panna cotta, which will provide a luxurious counterpart to the nutty liqueur.

Fruit

Amaretto is a great mixer for fruity cocktails, especially apple, cranberry, orange, and pear. For a festive drink, try spiked apple cider with aged rum and amaretto, or get into the holiday spirit with an amaretto-spiked eggnog. If you're feeling adventurous, try a pear vodka martini (Peartini) or a tropical gin smoothie (Wedding Cake Cocktail) with pineapple and orange juice.

Non-alcoholic alternatives

Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur with a distinctive almond flavour. It is often used in wedding cakes, but non-alcoholic alternatives can be used instead.

One option is to use non-alcoholic spirits, such as Lyre's Amaretti, which is described as "totally almond on the palate and tangy with spice". Another option is to use non-alcoholic amaretto flavouring, such as the one produced by Olive Nation. These non-alcoholic alternatives can be used in the same quantity as regular amaretto in a wedding cake recipe.

If you are making a cake from scratch, rather than using a boxed mix, you can also replace the amaretto with almond extract. However, almond extract is very strong, so it should be used sparingly. For a cake that calls for 1/4 cup of amaretto, for example, you would use at most 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract and increase the milk by 1/4 cup.

Decorating an amaretto wedding cake

An amaretto wedding cake is a great choice for an indulgent and elegant wedding cake. Here are some tips and ideas for decorating an amaretto wedding cake:

Flavour and Syrup

Amaretto liqueur is a must for infusing the cake layers with a distinctive almond flavour. You can also brush each cake layer with a mixture of amaretto and simple syrup before frosting for an extra kick. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can use almond extract instead, but be sparing as it can be overpowering.

Frosting

A classic vanilla buttercream pairs well with the almond flavour of the cake. You can also add amaretto to the buttercream for a more intense flavour. For a lighter, more elegant finish, top the cake with Italian meringue instead of buttercream.

Decorations

Decorating the top of the cake with candies and nuts, such as toasted sliced almonds, enhances the special-occasion feel. You can also add texture and visual appeal with milk chocolate M&M's and melted chocolate. For extra crunch and nuttiness, add a layer of homemade cinnamon almond praline between the cake layers or sprinkle it on top. Fresh or dried fruit, like cherries or apricots, can also be incorporated into the batter for a fruity twist.

Assembly

Start by placing one cake layer on a serving plate and spread it with frosting. Top it with the remaining cake layer, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream. Pipe the reserved frosting around the bottom edge of the cake. Finally, decorate the cake with your chosen toppings.

Presentation

For a smooth buttercream finish, start with a crumb coat. Apply a thin layer of frosting to the entire cake and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to seal in the crumbs before applying the final coat of frosting.

History of amaretto wedding cakes

The history of amaretto wedding cakes is a rich and indulgent one, much like the cake itself. Amaretto, an almond-flavoured liqueur, is a key ingredient in this cake, adding a distinctive almond flavour to both the cake and its frosting. The use of amaretto in baking, including wedding cakes, has become popular due to its ability to infuse a rich, buttery flavour and a moist, tender crumb.

The exact origins of the amaretto wedding cake are unclear, but it is safe to assume that it draws its inspiration from traditional almond-flavoured cakes, which have been enjoyed for centuries. Almonds have been used in desserts for centuries, with recipes for almond-based sweets dating back to ancient times. Over time, the distinctive flavour of almond extract and amaretto liqueur has become a beloved component of cakes and desserts worldwide.

The combination of amaretto and cake is a match made in culinary heaven. The liqueur, with its Italian roots, adds a unique twist to the traditional wedding cake, creating a dessert that is both elegant and indulgent. The cake typically consists of multiple layers, infused with the delicate aroma of amaretto, and paired with a rich buttercream frosting. The result is a cake that is not only visually stunning but also offers a sensory experience with each bite.

The versatility of the amaretto wedding cake is another contributing factor to its popularity. It can be customised to suit different tastes and occasions, such as adding a layer of cinnamon almond praline or incorporating fresh or dried fruit like cherries or apricots. The cake can also be made more boozy by brushing each layer with additional amaretto before frosting, creating an adult version with a more pronounced almond kick.

The amaretto wedding cake has become a beloved choice for couples looking to add a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to their special day. With its indulgent flavours and versatile nature, it is a cake that continues to captivate bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Frequently asked questions