Sienese Panforte

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 2
Traditional Sienese Panforte for a sweet treat
in Dessert

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

1 hour

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...

Ingredients

3 cups whole blanched almonds , roughly chopped
1 3/4 cups hazelnuts , roughly chopped ( skinned or unskinned )
2 cups diced candied orange peel ( as for fruitcake ) or 2 cups mixed candied citron peel ( as for fruitcake )
6 ounces dried apricots , diced
5 ounces dried figs , diced
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups honey
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
confectioners ' sugar , for dusting

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
10-12
Calories
459
Sugar
54g
Fat
20g
Sienese Panforte is a traditional dessert from Siena, Tuscany, Italy. It's a dense and chewy cake that's packed with almonds, hazelnuts, candied orange, figs and apricots, spiced with cinnamon, cocoa, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, and sweetened with honey and sugar. It's a very old recipe that dates back to the Middle Ages and was often used as a source of nourishment and energy by pilgrims and travelers. The Sienese Panforte is usually served as a holiday treat during Christmas and Easter and is also a popular souvenir for tourists visiting Siena. It's a delicious and hearty dessert that pairs well with coffee, tea, and wine.

Instructions

1.Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and line a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
2.In a large bowl, combine the almonds, hazelnuts, orange peel, apricots, figs and flour. Mix well to coat all the fruit and nuts.
3.In a separate bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, cocoa powder, orange zest, salt, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and black pepper.
4.In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the sugar, honey and butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
5.Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6.Pour the hot syrup over the nut mixture and stir well to combine.
7.Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
8.Bake the panforte for 35-40 minutes until it starts to darken on the top. It should still be a bit soft when you take it out of the oven.
9.Let the panforte cool down completely in the pan before removing it.
10.Once the panforte has cooled, dust it generously with confectioner's sugar.
11.Cut the Sienese Panforte into thin wedges and serve.
12.

PROS

This traditional Italian dessert is packed with nuts and dried fruit, making it a healthy snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

It’s easy to make and can be stored for several weeks if wrapped and kept in an airtight container.

CONS

The Sienese Panforte contains a lot of sugar, honey, and butter, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It’s also a very dense and rich dessert, so it might not be ideal for those who prefer lighter treats.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The Sienese Panforte contains a lot of nuts and dried fruit, which are great sources of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Almonds and hazelnuts, in particular, are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect your heart and brain health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Dried apricots and figs are also high in fiber, which can help improve digestion, regulate blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction.

Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.