During the holiday season, Italian households come alive with the aromas of traditional Christmas baking. Panpepato, a delightful Italian spiced fruit and nut cake, is a hallmark of festive gatherings and makes for a wonderful addition to your holiday table. This decadent treat is a fusion of rich flavors like dark chocolate, honey, dried fruits, and an array of warming spices. The name “Panpepato” translates to “peppered bread,” hinting at the bold and peppery notes that make this dessert truly special. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating your own Panpepato at home.
### Panpepato Spiced Fruit And Nut Cake
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup whole almonds
– 1 cup whole hazelnuts
– 1 cup whole walnuts
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as figs, dates, and raisins), chopped
– 1/2 cup candied orange peel, chopped
– 1/2 cup candied lemon peel, chopped
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Pinch of salt
– 1 cup honey
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, dried fruits, and candied orange and lemon peel.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, and salt. Add this mixture to the nuts and fruits, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the honey, orange zest, and lemon zest until the mixture is thin and easy to pour.
5. Pour the honey mixture over the fruit and nut mixture, stirring well to combine. The mixture should be sticky and cohesive.
6. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, pressing it firmly into an even layer.
8. Bake the Panpepato in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until set and fragrant.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
10. Once cooled, slice the Panpepato into thin wedges or small squares to serve. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or a glass of Vin Santo for a truly festive experience.
Experience the festive flavors of Italy with this delicious Panpepato recipe. The combination of rich nuts, sweet dried fruits, and aromatic spices will transport you to a cozy Christmas kitchen in Tuscany. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a special dessert, this Italian spiced fruit and nut cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of baking this traditional delicacy and savor every bite of this delightful holiday treat. Buon Natale!
