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italian panforte fruit nut cake

Italian Panforte Fruit Nut Cake

A traditional Italian Christmas cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Dense, chewy, and sweet, this homemade Panforte is perfect for holiday celebrations or a special dessert with coffee.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup honey
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups almonds toasted
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped
  • ½ cup hazelnuts toasted
  • 1 cup candied orange peel chopped
  • ½ cup dried figs chopped
  • ½ cup raisins or sultanas
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Prep the Nuts and Fruits:
  2. Toast almonds and hazelnuts in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Chop all dried fruits, candied orange peel, and nuts.
  3. Make the Syrup:
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Heat gently until sugar dissolves. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. Stir until fragrant.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
  6. In a large bowl, sift together flour and cocoa powder. Mix in toasted nuts and chopped fruits.
  7. Add Syrup:
  8. Pour warm syrup over dry ingredients. Stir well until it forms a thick, sticky dough.
  9. Shape the Cake:
  10. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan. Smooth the top.
  11. Bake:
  12. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 25–30 minutes. The cake should be firm but slightly soft inside.
  13. Cool and Dust:
  14. Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Remove and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

    • This cake tastes better the next day after flavors meld.
    • You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or cherries.
    • Keep in an airtight container; it stays fresh for weeks.
    • Serve thin slices with coffee, tea, or dessert wine for best results.