Panforte is an Italian dessert that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor. This deliciously dense fruitcake is packed with a blend of candied fruits, nuts, and spices, all wrapped up in a sweet, honeyed base and dusted with powdered sugar.
The combination of dark chocolate and the mix of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives it a unique depth of flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s an indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or can be enjoyed as an after-dinner sweet.
If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, try pairing Panforte with some premium Mulled Wine to enhance the dessert’s rich flavor. The bitterness of the chocolate complements the sweetness of the panforte, making for an unforgettable combination.
Why You’ll Love Panforte?
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices creates a satisfying, robust flavor.
- Perfect for Gifting: Panforte is an ideal homemade gift, beautifully wrapped to share with loved ones during the holidays.
- Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavors, it comes together relatively easily, allowing you to enjoy it without much fuss.
Panforte Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch (23cm) springform pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Sifter
- Small saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Baking parchment
- Knife for slicing
Ingredients
- 1 cup 150 grams blanched almonds toasted
- 1 cup 135 grams hazelnuts nuts toasted and skins discarded
- 1 cup 180 grams chopped dried figs stems discarded
- ½ cup 40 grams chopped candied orange
- 1 cup 125 grams all purpose (plain) flour
- ¼ cup 25 grams cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup 180mls honey
- 1 cup 200 grams granulated white sugar (castor)
- ⅔ cup 115 grams chopped semisweet (dark) chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted almonds, hazelnuts, figs, and candied orange.
- Combine Flour and Spices: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, spices, and salt into the nut mixture and toss to combine.
- Heat Honey and Sugar: In a small saucepan, heat the honey and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Simmer on low for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the chocolate, stirring until melted.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the honey-chocolate mixture over the flour and nut mixture, stirring well to form a thick, sticky dough.
- Press into Pan: Firmly press the dough into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing thinly to serve.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 279 kcal |
| Cholesterol | 1 g |
| Sodium | 37 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fibre | 4 g |
Variations that Are Good to Go!
1. Add Dried Cherries or Apricots
If you love a touch of tartness, replace half of the dried figs with chopped dried cherries or apricots. The slight tanginess pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of honey and dark chocolate, adding a new layer of complexity to the flavor.
2. Spiced with Cardamom or Star Anise
For a more exotic twist, try adding a pinch of ground cardamom or star anise along with the other spices. Both spices bring a warm, aromatic flavor that deepens the overall taste of the dessert. Just be mindful of star anise, as a little goes a long way!
3. Coconut Infusion
Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the nut and fig mixture. This will bring a tropical, slightly chewy texture that complements the richness of the honey and chocolate while balancing the overall sweetness.
4. Substitute Maple Syrup for Honey
For a different kind of sweetness with a more robust, woodsy flavor, swap out the honey for pure maple syrup. It will still add moisture, but the maple syrup offers a distinct taste that complements the spices beautifully.
5. Use Dark Rum or Orange Liqueur
Infuse a bit of depth by adding 2 tablespoons of dark rum or orange liqueur to the honey-sugar mixture. The alcohol will evaporate during baking, leaving behind a rich, warming undertone that enhances the nuts and figs.
6. Add Sea Salt Flakes
If you’re a fan of the sweet-and-salty combo, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the dough before baking. The salt will accentuate the chocolate and honey while balancing the sweetness in a sophisticated way.
7. Experiment with Different Nuts
While almonds and hazelnuts are the stars here, you could experiment with other nuts like pistachios or macadamia nuts for a different texture and flavor profile. Pistachios, in particular, would add a pop of color and a slightly salty edge.
These variations will add some unexpected flair to your original recipe, allowing you to tailor it to different flavor preferences or to simply keep things fresh!