Panforte, an iconic Italian dessert from Siena, is a rich and indulgent fruit and nut cake. This classic treat combines sweet, spicy, and earthy flavors with a dense, chewy texture. Traditionally served during the Christmas season, Panforte is beloved for its deep flavors and long shelf life. Here’s how to make a classic Italian Panforte with dried fruit and nuts:
Ingredients:
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Dried fruit:
- 1 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup golden raisins or sultanas
- 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries (optional)
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Nuts:
- 1 cup almonds, whole or chopped
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
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Flour and spices:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (optional, for added spice)
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Sweeteners:
- 3/4 cup honey
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
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Other:
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing the pan)
Equipment:
- 9-inch round cake pan (or a springform pan)
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper, allowing some paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped dried fruit (figs, apricots, raisins, and cherries), nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts), and flour.
- In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and black pepper (if using).
- Toss the fruit, nuts, and flour mixture with the spices to evenly coat the dry ingredients. This will help the ingredients stay well-distributed when the honey mixture is added later.
3. Prepare the Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- Pour the hot honey mixture into the bowl of dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
- Stir vigorously using a wooden spoon or spatula to combine everything into a thick, sticky dough-like consistency. Be careful as the mixture will be hot.
5. Transfer to the Pan:
- Once fully mixed, transfer the dough into the prepared cake pan.
- Use the back of a spoon or your hands (you may want to lightly oil them to prevent sticking) to press the mixture into the pan evenly. The dough should fill the pan and be about 1 inch thick.
6. Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The Panforte should be firm to the touch and slightly golden at the edges.
- Let it cool completely in the pan before removing it.
7. Serve and Store:
- Once cooled, dust the top of the Panforte with powdered sugar (optional) for a festive touch.
- Carefully lift the Panforte out of the pan using the parchment paper.
- Slice into thin wedges, as it is very rich and dense.
Storage:
- Panforte can be stored at room temperature for up to a month. It improves in flavor over time, so it’s ideal to make it a few days before serving.
- For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
Tips:
- You can customize the dried fruit and nuts based on personal preferences. Some variations include adding candied citrus peel, pine nuts, or other dried fruits like dates or raisins.
- If you want a more traditional Italian touch, you can include a pinch of edible gold leaf or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top.
- For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free flour or omit the flour altogether for a firmer, more chewy result.
Conclusion:
Making a classic Italian Panforte with dried fruit and nuts is a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy a piece of Italian culinary history. With a combination of sweet fruits, rich nuts, and fragrant spices, it’s the perfect treat for holidays, gifting, or any occasion that calls for a special dessert. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with a cup of espresso, Panforte is sure to leave a lasting impression.