Desserts

Homemade Panforte

So here comes another Italian in our books…..

Panforte.

What is Panforte? It is a traditional chewy Italian dessert that contains fruits and nuts. If you are familiar with ‘Florentine’, this dessert that we are talking about is close to it, just a little bit thicker. Panforte is very popular all over Italy, and it has also made its way to different places in the world. In fact, it has become one of the favorite treats during Christmas and other holidays.

If you haven’t had Panforte yet, you should try it soon, following the recipe below. Once you’ve perfected how to make it, you can actually serve this special dessert for Thanksgiving dinner or even on Christmas eve. Trust me, if you and your loved ones like candied fruits, nuts, and honey, then this treat will certainly be your new favorite.

In general, Panforte is very simple to make. But it requires you to be organized and quick when making it so you will be able to achieve the best results. And, of course, make sure that you have all the ingredients in front of you before you start with the process.

So are you ready to try the go-to holiday treat of the Italians? Here you go:

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Homemade Panforte


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  • Author: Myles
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

For the upcoming holidays, this ‘fruit cake’ from Siena is definitely a must-try. Made with honey, candied fruits, and nuts, it is going to be your family’s new favorite dessert!


Ingredients

Scale

3 c. flour

2 c. whole almonds (blanched and toasted)

2 1/2 c. whole hazelnuts (toasted)

1/2 c. chocolate chips (semi-sweetened)

3/4 c. dried figs

1/2 c. candied orange peel

3/4 c. powdered sugar (add 2 tbsp for serving)

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1/2 honey

1 c. cold water

a pinch each of clove powder, nutmeg, and salt

butter and flour


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour the pan (about 9-inch in size) and then put a baking paper at the bottom.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, nutmeg, clove powder, salt, candied orange peel, almonds, hazelnuts, chocolate chips, and dried figs.
  3. Add honey and sugar in a small pan and dissolve the sugar over medium-low heat. As soon as it starts boiling, add water. Make sure to stir water and honey mixture very well and then remove from heat.
  4. Add sugar to the flour mixture and combine well before pouring it into the greased pan. Using your hands, press the mixture evenly onto the pan.
  5. Put the pan into the oven and bake for up to 35 minutes.
  6. Once done, allow it to cool. Sprinkle a little bit of the powdered sugar on top before slicing and serving.

Notes

When pouring the sugar mixture into the flour mixture, make sure that it is warm and not hot. This should allow the chocolate chips to melt. You can also utilize a bigger pan, but that would mean extending the cooking time.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Panforte is best consumed with wine or coffee. You really don’t have to wait for the holidays to make this dessert for your family. Try it today, perfect it, and enjoy it each and every time you make it. Come Christmas time, this dessert will be the star!

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