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–+ servings
Italian Christmas Cake

Delicious Italian Christmas Cake: A Chewy Holiday Delight

This Italian Christmas Cake, Panforte, is a chewy, festive treat filled with fruits, nuts, and spices, perfect for the holiday season.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup Whole Almonds Substitute with other whole or coarsely chopped nuts
  • 1 cup Whole Hazelnuts Any nut can replace based on preference
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries/Cherries/Raisins Consider using chopped dried apricots, pears, or figs
  • 1 cup Mixed Candied Citrus Peel No substitutions suggested
  • 1 cup Ground Almonds/Almond Flour Can use any other nut flour if needed
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder No substitutions suggested
  • 1 cup Rice Flour For non-gluten-free, all-purpose flour works well
  • 2 teaspoons Spices (Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves, Nutmeg, White Pepper) Adjust white/black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt No substitutions suggested
  • 1 cup Sugar Opt for natural evaporated cane sugar for better results
  • 1/2 cup Honey No substitutions suggested
  • 1/2 cup Water No substitutions suggested
  • 1 cup Icing Sugar For dusting the final cake

Equipment

  • 8-inch springform pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Prep and Bake
  1. Start by greasing an 8-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole almonds, hazelnuts, dried fruits, and candied citrus peel.
  3. Add ground almonds, cocoa powder, rice flour, spice mixture, sea salt, and white pepper.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, sugar, and water, and heat until bubbling for about 5 minutes.
  5. Pour the syrup over the dry ingredients and mix well with a sturdy wooden spoon.
  6. Press the mixture into the prepared springform pan evenly.
  7. Let batter rest for about 1 hour at room temperature, then preheat oven to 325°F (170°C). Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
  8. Allow to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then dust with icing sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 120mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Wrap leftovers tightly in parchment and store in a cool place; they can last up to three months for future indulgence or festive gifting.

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