Frequently Asked Questions
What is Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Nut Panforte?
It is a rich and chewy dessert made with a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and dairy-free chocolate, specifically designed to be gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, and egg-free.
Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Yes, the recipe uses gluten-free plain flour and is specifically labeled as gluten-free and wheat-free.
Does this panforte contain dairy?
No, this recipe is dairy-free and uses dairy-free chocolate and oil or non-dairy butter for greasing.
Is this an egg-free recipe?
Yes, this Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Nut Panforte is completely egg-free.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 16 equal square servings.
What is the estimated cost per serving?
The cost is approximately AU$1.70 per serving.
What size pan is required?
You should use a 20cm square cake pan.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 180°C, or 160°C if you are using a fan-forced oven.
How do I prepare the cake pan?
Grease the pan with oil or non-dairy butter and line it with baking paper for easy removal.
Which nuts are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 100g of macadamias and 100g of blanched almonds.
Which dried fruits are used?
The panforte contains 200g of chopped dried figs and 100g of raisins.
What spices give the panforte its flavor?
A combination of 1 teaspoon of mixed spice and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon is used.
How do I make the syrup for the panforte?
Combine honey and caster sugar in a saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
When should the dairy-free chocolate be added?
Remove the syrup from the heat and immediately add the broken chocolate pieces, stirring until melted.
How should I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Quickly pour the melted chocolate syrup into the flour, fruit, and nut mixture and knead lightly with a wooden spoon or your hands.
What should the consistency of the mixture be?
The mixture will be sticky and should be pressed firmly into the pan to create a flat surface.
How long does the panforte need to bake?
Bake for approximately 25 minutes until the panforte appears just set and firm.
Should I remove the panforte from the pan immediately after baking?
No, allow it to cool completely in the pan to help it solidify further before removing.
How is the panforte decorated?
Once cooled, sprinkle the top with a tablespoon of sifted icing sugar.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of sifted gluten-free plain flour.
Can I use regular chocolate?
To keep the recipe allergy-friendly and dairy-free, you must use dairy-free chocolate.
What kind of sugar is used in the syrup?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of caster sugar.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was originally featured in the Coles Autumn Magazine 2010.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Yes, its elegant presentation and long-lasting chewy texture make it a perfect sweet gift.
Does this recipe require any special preparation for the figs?
The dried figs should be chopped before being added to the mixture.
Is the panforte wheat-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free flour, this recipe is safe for those avoiding wheat.
How much honey is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of honey.
What is the texture of the finished panforte?
It has a rich, dense, and chewy texture filled with crunchy nuts and soft fruit.
How should the icing sugar be applied?
It should be sifted over the top of the cooled panforte for a clean, decorative finish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the dusting sugar.