Description
This authentic Italian Panforte is a dense, chewy dessert packed with toasted nuts, dried fruits, warm spices, and sweet honey. A festive and traditional treat from Siena, it’s perfect for holidays, gifting, or enjoying with coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) almonds, toasted
- 1 cup (120 g) hazelnuts, toasted
- 1 cup (150 g) candied orange peel, chopped
- 1 cup (150 g) dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar, as needed for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast the almonds and hazelnuts on a baking sheet for 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly and roughly chop.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped nuts, candied orange peel, figs, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, and cloves. Mix well.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey and granulated sugar over medium heat until bubbly and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Immediately pour the hot syrup over the dry ingredients and stir quickly to combine before it firms up.
- Line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the pan and smooth the top.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are set and center is still slightly soft.
- Cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove from the pan and dust the top generously with powdered sugar.
- Slice thinly to serve. Best enjoyed at room temperature.
Notes
- Swap hazelnuts with walnuts or pecans for a different nut profile.
- Use other dried fruits like cherries, cranberries, or apricots.
- Add orange or lemon zest for extra citrus aroma.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Flavor improves after a day or two of resting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
