Sienese Panforte
Sienese Panforte is a traditional Italian dessert that envelops your taste buds in a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This dense, chewy confection features notes of spicy cinnamon, sweet candied fruits, and crunchy almonds, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings, Sienese Panforte transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1/2 cup candied citrus peel (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup dried figs (chopped)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Fold in the almonds, pine nuts (if using), candied citrus peel, and dried figs until coated with dry ingredients.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the honey until runny but not boiling. Pour over the nut-fruit mixture while stirring continuously.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until firm to touch but still soft inside; let cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Toast nuts before adding them for enhanced flavor. Feel free to substitute almonds with pistachios or adjust sweetness as desired.