We skipped the Amaretto, but added convenience.
This cake is probably the oldest one in my handwritten cookbook. Do you remember those binders, with flashcards for writing down recipes? I know, I’m dating myself here, and that’s ok.
I’m sure that most of you here do not know what I’m talking about unless your Mom still owns a binder like that.
My binder was (is? I still own it) really cute. It has cherries all over it and all kinds of additions like “recipe given to me by” and “yields” and “baking time.”
How times have changed. Nowadays recipes come as links or screenshots. Or books. Thankfully, we still love cookbooks.
Well, back to the Amaretto Cake, or better yet, the one my children call “yellow cake.”
Traditionally baked in a bundt pan, with the addition of liquor (you can still add the amaretto/almond extract if you want that flavor–we prefer not to), time and need has changed my version to an easier one that doesn’t involve any mixer, any greasing and flouring of pans, any bundt pan, or alcohol.
All you will need is a 9×13 and a whisk. Or even a fork will do. Add all the dry ingredients first.
Give it a quick mix.
Add the wet ingredients.
Mix again.
And that’s all there is to it! A comforting, familiar cake that your whole family will love.
Yes, you can make this in a Bundt, no problem, but there’s something about the 9×13 that will just lead you to make this again and again, erev Shabbos, erev Yom Tov, or anytime.
Amaretto Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- almost 2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 (2.8 oz) package Osem instant vanilla pudding
- ⅔ cup oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a 9×13-inch pan, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla pudding. Give it a quick mix.
- Add the oil, eggs, and orange juice. Mix until well combined and no flour is visible.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Looks delicious but I never have vanilla pudding mix on hand? could I sub with extra flour and some vanilla extract?
You sure can, but I do feel that the vanilla pudding gives this cake that “extra something”
I would try cornstarch+ vanilla sugar as a substitute
make your own vanilla pudding
one part corn starch to two parts sweet and a third part vanilla. it is a great substitute in baking and ice cream
If I want to make it as an amaretto cake–how much amaretto and almond extract does it call for? Do I skip the OJ?
Simply add 3-4 tablespoons of Amaretto. Do not skip the OJ
The original recipe calls for 3/4 c orange juice and 1/4 c amaretto liquor
Origi al recipe also called for vodka
Looks good! But I love the amaretto taste, it’s prob fine to add a tsp of the amaretto extract to this batter right?
Absolutely ! But more like 3-4 Tablespoons, if you want to taste the Amaretto. Enjoy!
Many of us without smartphones still use those recipe index cards:)
Also maybe mention if it’s instant pudding or Not – if I remember correctly it’s not instant
It is instant pudding
Totally! Most (if not all) of the newlyweds I know start off with an album or box of index card recipes. An added benefit is that it’s easier to keep track of than if it’s on a computer or phone, and you can use them on Shabbos
Agreed. I re-write my screenshot recipes into my recipe album so I can use on shabbos..
I just made this recipe! Thanks for posting it in the perfect time. It’s absolutely a winner winner!
You can substitute Triple Sec for the Amaretto for those with nut allergies. Taste is exactly the same!
Hi, great recipe!.
Do you think it would work in a bundt pan?
Thanks
Yes I used three 2lb Bundt pans and it was perfectly delicious!
I make this exact recipe with the addition of 2 tsp. cinnamon. My kids love it and I find myself coming back to the recipe time and again!
I’ve been looking for an amaretto cake recipe that is made from scratch. (Most of the ones online are made from cake mix.)
Can you please add to the directions how to make it with amaretto?? Otherwise I’m sure it’s delicious but it’s just a white cake.
The original amaretto cake recipe calls for the addition of 1/4 c. amaretto liquor and 1/4 c. vodka. You’d also need to decrease the orange juice amount to 3/4 c. instead of 1 c. Enjoy!!
For the oil, can you use extra light olive oil?
In the post it mentions you could add amaretto or almond extract – how much almond extract would you add if using it?
Thanks!
Does this cake freeze well?
Yes!
This took 5 minutes to prepare and kids loved it!
Made it in a Bundt pan. Looks delicious!! I added vanilla extract instead of almond for flavor.
Great cake! I made it for after the fast & everyone loved it.
sooo easy & this came out delicious!! Definitely a keeper ! thanks so much
Mine came out delicious, except the two middle pieces were gooey, anyone know what I did wrong?
Great recipe, very moist. It froze really well. When I defrosted, I added a chocolate coating on top. Delicious!
I made this cake using (same amount) Molino (gluten free) flour and it came out delicious and it’s Mezonos.
@Leah, can you expand on Molino flour? What it is where do you get it?
I am newly diagnosed with celiac and trying to figure out substitutions.
THank you
I use this to make strawberry shortcake instead of the basic sponge cake it calls for. Its moist and soft and id so decadent with the strawberry cream! I sometimes make cupcakes and cut them in half and pipe the cream between layers and on top. Yum!
Love this cake!! I make it in two loaf pans, and use the amaretto. I also substitute passion fruit juice (I use Ceres brand) for the orange juice and it’s amazing!
Cannot wait to make this!! Exactly how much almond extract to use if adding that in?
This cake was delicious!! I made it in a bundt pan.
How long do you bake it in a bundt pan?
About 50 minutes. Check with a toothpick and see if it needs another 5 minutes
can i make this into muffins ?
Can I add blueberries to this ?
How much vanilla pudding is it in tablespoons/cups?
Made this and it’s really delicious! I’ll definitely make it for shabbos each week!
Finally had a Friday when i had both OJ and vanilla pudding mix at the same time, so could try this. I also added cinnamon as someone suggested, and threw in choc chips (bec Grandma is cool that way). Delicious easy recipe. Next time I will try with 1.5 sugar. I imagine it will be delicious with a simple coffee or chocolate glace. Thanks so much.
I used apple juice instead of orange juice and everyone LOVES it! Thanks so much!!
It doesn’t stick to the pan? Shoud I add oil before dumping everything in? Or parchment paper?