As the holiday season rolls around, we often find ourselves returning to the same classic dishes that grace our tables year after year. But when it comes to dessert, why not shake things up? This year, let’s embrace the flavors of Italy. "Italian baking masterpieces, like panettone or pandoro, are incredible but not always the easiest to whip up at home," says Giuseppe Dell’Anno, the winner of The Great British Bake Off and the author of Giuseppe’s Easy Bakes.
Giuseppe believes that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. “I’ve handpicked these recipes for their simplicity and irresistible flavor combinations—yes, they’re unapologetically Italian—but they’re also easy enough for anyone to make. These treats are perfect for adding a touch of Italy to your holiday table,” he explains. So, let’s dive into some scrumptious Italian-inspired desserts that will make your guests go wild!
Nonna’s Apple Cake
A Sweet Nostalgic Treat
(Serves 10)
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3 sweet apples
Zest of 1 lemon
3 1⁄3 tbsp. lemon juice
4 eggs, at room temperature
3⁄4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste
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1⁄8 tsp. salt
1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1⁄2 cup mascarpone
1 3⁄4 cups plus 2 tbsp. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1⁄4 tsp. cloves
2 tbsp. superfine sugar
2 1⁄4 oz. apricot or peach jam
Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey slice of apple cake? This recipe is inspired by the kind of cakes your Italian grandmother might have made. The combination of sweet apples, mascarpone, and warm spices will make your home smell like pure holiday magic. Here’s how to bake it:
Directions:
1. Start by prepping your pan. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Now, dice two of the apples and toss them in a bowl with the lemon zest and juice to prevent browning.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, and salt on high for about five minutes until light and fluffy. Slowly trickle in the melted butter while continuing to whisk, then add the mascarpone and mix for another minute.
3. Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and diced apples into the batter. Once everything is combined, pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Core and thinly slice the third apple, arranging the slices on top of the batter. Sprinkle with superfine sugar before baking for an hour.
4. After the cake has baked, let it cool for about five minutes in the pan. While it cools, microwave the apricot or peach jam for 20 seconds to make it easier to spread. Brush the warm jam over the top of the cake for a glossy finish. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack before serving.
PER SERVING: 346 calories, 5 grams protein, 46 grams carbs, 3 grams fiber, 24 grams sugar, 16 grams fat.
Pine Nut Cookies
Crunchy and Delightful
(Serves 24)
1⁄2 cup pine nuts
1 2⁄3 cups flour, plus extra for dusting
1⁄2 cup superfine sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1⁄8 tsp. salt
1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
1 medium egg
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste
Zest of 1 orange
Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
Pine nuts may be small, but they pack a powerful flavor punch. These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves a little crunch in their desserts. Plus, the hint of orange zest adds a refreshing twist to the classic cookie experience.
Directions:
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside two large spoonfuls of pine nuts for decoration, then roughly chop the remaining nuts and set them aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, superfine sugar, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the vegetable oil, egg, vanilla bean paste, and orange zest. Stir the mixture first with a spoon, then by hand, until it forms a soft dough.
3. Incorporate the chopped pine nuts into the dough, mixing until evenly distributed. Divide the dough into 24 equal-sized balls. Press each ball into the reserved whole pine nuts so that a few stick to the surface. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 16 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, dust generously with confectioner’s sugar before serving. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, so don’t hesitate to dig in!
PER SERVING: 90 calories, 2 grams protein, 12 grams carbs, 0 grams fiber, 5 grams sugar, 5 grams fat.
Chestnut Squares
Rich and Nutty
(Serves 24)
3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1⁄2 cup raisins
1⁄2 cup pine nuts
3 1⁄2 cups plus 1 tbsp. chestnut flour
1⁄4 tsp. salt
2 1⁄2 cups cold water
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 tsp. fresh rosemary leaves, stripped from stalks
3 tbsp. chestnut honey or clear honey
Chestnut squares are a unique and delicious dessert that brings the rich flavors of Italy to your holiday table. These squares are not only packed with flavor but also have a satisfying texture that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and brush a 9x13-inch jelly roll pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Soak the raisins in hot water in a small bowl to plump them up, and toast the pine nuts in a small nonstick pan over medium heat until golden brown.
2. Sift the chestnut flour into a large mixing bowl and add the salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place a damp dish towel under the bowl to keep it steady while you slowly trickle in the cold water, whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and liquidy. Drain the raisins and fold in half of them along with half of the chopped walnuts and toasted pine nuts. Whisk the batter again to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and scatter the remaining raisins, walnuts, pine nuts, and fresh rosemary leaves over the top. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the surface and bake for 21 to 23 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan before removing them and cutting into 24 even squares. Just before serving, drizzle each square with chestnut honey or clear honey for a touch of sweetness. Enjoy the rich and nutty goodness!
PER SERVING: 127 calories, 2 grams protein, 19 grams carbs, 2 grams fiber, 4 grams sugar, 5 grams fat.
