Nutty Delights: Italian Hazelnut Desserts to Savor

Hazelnuts have this irresistible charm, and no one disagrees. That warm, nutty flavor and that perfect little crunch can transform any dessert into an unforgettable experience. Their buttery, almost luxurious essence works wonders with the sweet ingredients of Italian desserts. Whether you’re grinding them into a fine meal to fold into cakes and pastries or just tossing them on top as a garnish, hazelnuts bring a kind of depth that makes every bite so much more interesting, and makes you ask for more!

And when you think about Italian desserts, hazelnuts really take the center stage. From the classic torta di nocciole (that melt-in-your-mouth hazelnut cake) to the ever-charming baci di dama (those delicate little lady’s kiss cookies), they’re everywhere and everybody loves them. Italians just know blending them into creamy fillings or sprinkling them over gelato for that perfect crunch against smooth, rich flavors. Its allure lies in the taste, the texture, that contrast, that intermittent bursts of nuttiness.

1. Torta di Nocciole aka Hazelnut Cake

This traditional Italian cake is perfect for special occasions or a cozy afternoon treat, offering a delightful nutty flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 200 gm hazelnuts, toasted and finely ground
• 150 gm sugar
• 150 gm unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 100 gm all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time. Do not forget to mix well after each addition.
4. Add the vanilla extract and mix again.
5. In another bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients (the butter and sugar mixture), mixing until just combined. Make sure there are no lumps.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool before serving.

2. Bacio di Dama aka Lady's Kiss Cookies

Charm your guests with these delightful Italian cookies that bring together the rich flavor of hazelnuts with a rich chocolate filling. It is fancy, lovely and delightful. It matches vibes with any celebratory occasion.

Ingredients:

• 100 gm hazelnuts, finely ground
• 100 gm all-purpose flour
• 75 gm butter, softened
• 75 gm sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 50 gm dark chocolate, melted (for filling)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the ground hazelnuts, flour, sugar, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until a smooth dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
4. Bake at 180°C for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let them cool completely.
5. Once cooled, sandwich two cookies together with melted dark chocolate as the filling.

3. Hazelnut Gelato

This homemade gelato is rich and creamy. Its uniqueness lies in its lovely density. Gelato speaks of luxury and indulgence, and the flavor profile of hazelnuts makes it just perfect for cooling off during warm days.

Ingredients:

• 200 gm hazelnuts, toasted
• 500 ml milk
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 150 gm sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Method:

1. In a blender, combine the toasted hazelnuts and blend until smooth, creating a hazelnut paste. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream together until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale.
3. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the hazelnut paste, vanilla extract, and salt. Allow the mixture to cool.
5. Once cooled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Freeze until firm before serving.

Indulging in these Italian hazelnut desserts offers a delightful experience that blends rich flavors and textures, making each bite a celebration of taste. As you savor these treats, don't forget to explore other exquisite desserts like sandesh and mysore pak, which showcase the diversity of sweet delights across cultures. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and elevate any occasion.