Have I just ruined my Christmas cakes?

[purplepingu]

I've been soaking fruit for the last two weeks waiting for the time to bake.

Halfway through cooking I've realised I've forgotten the chopped almonds. Have I just ruined them?

Nah
last year I remembered chopped almonds in one and not the other. Couldn’t tell the difference!

You could always use them to decorate

It depends on how much you like almonds. I love them, but wouldn't consider a cake ruined without them.

I like them enough in the cake but don't have any desire to put them on top!

I have never put chopped almonds in. Am clearly a Christmas cake heathen.

The omission of Ground almonds might make a difference to a rich fruit cake but not chopped ones, I think. Unless you particularly like them, as a PP said.
I left out ground almonds once and the cake was fine but not quite as moist as it should be. The keeping quality can also be affected, I think. (Not a problem chez Sharpe 😉)

In that case, have a piece of Christmas cake in one hand and a florentine in the other. Alternate bites.

Luckily, I know I won't have the self control to wait until December to try said Christmas cakes so I shoved some batter in a cupcake case.

I can confirm that the Christmas cake bun I've just pulled out of the oven tastes ok. I don't know if it's better or worse without the missing almonds ffs!

Don’t panic, I think you’ll be fine. If you want to add more almond flavour then consider feeding with amaretto. Either way, I’m sure they’ll be great!

It will be fine. Rich fruit cake does not need nuts.