ITALIAN HAZELNUT-BASED DELIGHTS: A PERFECT MIX OF CRUNCHY AND DELICIOUS

Welcome to EasyGusto, your online destination to discover the treasures of Italian pastry! Today, we invite you to explore the world of hazelnut-based cakes, these delights which wonderfully combine crispy texture and rich flavors.

The gold of the Apennines: the Italian hazelnut

Hazelnut is an iconic ingredient in Italian cuisine, particularly in the northern regions of the country. Cultivated in the green valleys of the Apennines, these small nuts with golden highlights are renowned for their exceptional quality. Their generous flesh and subtle taste make them an essential element of many pastry specialties.

Origin and varieties

The most famous Italian hazelnuts come from the Piedmont region, where they benefit from a temperate climate and mineral-rich soil. The main varieties grown are Tonda Gentile delle Langhe, Tonda di Giffoni and Nocciola di Piemonte, each with its own characteristics.

The Tonda Gentile des Langhe, for example, is distinguished by its round shape and its delicate, slightly sweet taste. The Tonda di Giffoni, for its part, is characterized by its more generous size and its more pronounced aroma. Finally, Nocciola di Piemonte stands out for its crunchy texture and intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits

In addition to their taste qualities, Italian hazelnuts are also recognized for their nutritional virtues. Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, fiber and vitamins, they constitute an ingredient of choice for a balanced diet. Their high content of magnesium, potassium and antioxidants makes them real allies for health.

Hazelnut cakes: classics of Italian pastry

The Italians have been able to highlight the flavors of hazelnut in numerous cake recipes, which have become true classics of their culinary heritage.

The Torrone

Torrone is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Italian desserts made with hazelnuts. This soft confectionery, composed of nougat and hazelnuts, is traditionally eaten during Christmas celebrations. Its variations can include honey, chocolate or even almonds.

The Gianduiotto

Originally from the Turin region, Gianduiotto is a delicious candy made from chocolate and hazelnut paste. Its characteristic half-moon shape and unique taste make it one of the symbols of Piedmontese pastry.

The Bacio di Dama

Bacio di Dama, or “lady’s kiss”, is a small biscuit made from two meringue shells filled with a creamy hazelnut cream. Its melting texture and elegant appearance make it a must in the Italian pastry tradition.

The Panpepato

Panpepato is a dense and spicy cake, originating from the Umbria region. Its main ingredients are flour, honey, spices (pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg) and, of course, hazelnuts. This intensely flavored dessert is often served during Christmas parties.

Creativity and innovation in hazelnut-based pastries

If the classics of Italian pastry based on hazelnuts are unanimous, the country's chefs and pastry chefs do not hesitate to show creativity to revisit these emblematic recipes.

Soft and tender cakes

Some pastry chefs play on the texture of hazelnut cakes, making them softer and more tender. This is the case of Torta Gianduia, a chocolate and hazelnut paste cake, or even Tortino di Nocciole, a small fondant with a runny center.

Frozen desserts

Italian hazelnuts also pair wonderfully with frozen desserts. Gelato alla Nocciola, a hazelnut ice cream, is one of the summer classics. Some pastry chefs also offer variations such as Semifreddo alle Nocciole, a frozen dessert with a creamy texture.

Fine and elegant pastries

Finally, hazelnuts are also featured in fine and elegant pastries, such as Millefoglie alle Nocciole, a delicate puff pastry topped with hazelnut cream, or Profiteroles con Crema di Nocciole, choux pastry filled with creamy cream.

Conclusion: an invitation to tasting

Whether you are a fan of traditional pastries or looking for new flavors, Italian desserts made with hazelnuts will seduce you. Their crunchy texture, subtle taste and refinement make them real delights to be enjoyed without moderation.

Join us on EasyGusto to discover our selection of quality Italian products, including the best hazelnuts from the Apennines. Let yourself be tempted by these treasures of transalpine pastry and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience!