15 Italian Candied Fruit Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!

Published on: Mar 15, 2024

Another key element in making a delicious Italian candied fruit recipe is the process of candying the fruit. While the ingredients and proportions are important, the method of candying the fruit is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. There are several techniques for candying fruit, but the traditional Italian method involves a slow and gradual process that truly brings out the essence of the fruit. In this article, we will dive into the step-by-step process of candying fruit like a true Italian chef.

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Candied Fruit Biscotti

Main Ingredients: Butter, White Sugar, Anise Extract, Egg, All Purpose

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Impress your guests this holiday season with this delicious and festive twist on traditional biscotti. The candied fruit adds a burst of color and sweetness to every bite, making it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot coffee or tea. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make!

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Christmas Pudding

Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs

Nigellas Ultimate Christmas Pudding | Ace Food & Beverage News

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A staple of British holiday celebrations, Christmas pudding is a rich and decadent dessert that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Packed with dried fruits, spices, and a generous splash of brandy, this traditional dessert is a must-have on your holiday table.

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Mini Italian Panettone Cakes

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Sugar, Milk, Lemon Zest

Mini Panettone Christmas Cakes - Mondomulia

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If you love the taste of panettone but don't want to commit to a whole loaf, these mini cakes are the perfect solution. They're fluffy, moist, and packed with all of the classic flavors of this Italian Christmas bread. Plus, they make for a beautiful and impressive dessert option.

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Cucciddati | Italian Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Figs, Raisins, Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Orange

Classic Italian Christmas Cookies | Lil' Luna

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These festive cookies are a staple in many Italian households during the holidays. The dough is filled with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, making for a flavorful and satisfying treat. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday indulgence.

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Sicilian Cassata Cake

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Caster Sugar, Vanilla Essence, Lemon, Boiling

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This traditional Sicilian dessert is a showstopper. Layers of sponge cake, ricotta cream, and candied fruits are topped with a marzipan layer and decorated with colorful sprinkles. It's a labor of love to make, but the end result is well worth it.

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Cannoli Siciliani

Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Lard, Cocoa Powder, Espresso, Egg

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No holiday celebration is complete without cannoli. These crispy, fried pastries are filled with a creamy and sweet ricotta filling, making them a crowd-pleaser. Serve them as a dessert or as a sweet snack throughout the day.

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How to Make Cannoli—the Classic Sicilian Dessert

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Fine Salt, Unsalted Butter

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Want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert? Look no further than this classic Sicilian cannoli recipe. With a crispy shell and a rich, creamy filling, these cannoli are sure to be a hit. Don't forget to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

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ZEPPOLE (Italian Fried Cookies)

Main Ingredients: Water, Butter, Salt, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Eggs

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Zepole, also known as Italian fried cookies, are a staple at many holiday celebrations. These bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Dust them with powdered sugar and serve them warm for the ultimate indulgence.

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This Homemade Cannoli Tastes Like Something From an...

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Melted Butter

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You don't have to travel to Italy to taste authentic cannoli. This homemade version will transport you to the streets of Sicily with every bite. The trick is to use fresh, high-quality ricotta for the filling, which makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

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Authentic Italian Cannoli

Main Ingredients: Flour, Cocoa Powder, Icing Sugar, Lard, Salt, Cinnamon

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For an even more authentic cannoli experience, try making your own shells at home. While it may seem intimidating, with a little practice, you'll be able to achieve perfectly crispy and flaky cannoli shells. And of course, don't forget the chocolate chips in the filling for a classic touch.

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Italian Honey Ball Dessert

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Lemon Zest, Salt

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This traditional Italian dessert, also known as struffoli, is a sweet and sticky treat that is perfect for the holidays. The dough is fried and then coated in a honey and lemon glaze, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve them as is or add some colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

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Italian Christmas Bread

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Butter, Large Eggs, Chocolate

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Panettone and pandoro are two classic Italian Christmas breads that are a must-try during the holiday season. Both are sweet, fluffy, and studded with dried fruits and nuts, making them the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

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Sanguinaccio Dolce | Authentic Italian Pig Blood...

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, All Purpose Flour

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While it may sound strange, this traditional Italian pudding is a beloved holiday dessert in many regions of Italy. Made with pig's blood, chocolate, and spices, it's a rich and unique treat that is not for the faint of heart. But if you're feeling adventurous, give it a try for a truly authentic Italian experience.

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Layered Cannoli Cake

Main Ingredients: 00 Flour, Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Salt, Marsala, Cocoa

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If you can't decide between cannoli and cake, why not have both? This stunning layered cake is a combination of moist vanilla cake and creamy cannoli filling, topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. It's sure to impress your guests and satisfy all of your dessert cravings.

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Christmas Fruitcake

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Light Brown Sugar, Vegan Butter

Christmas Apricot and Walnut Fruitcake - Lord Byron's Kitchen

Forget everything you know about fruitcake and give this traditional Italian version a try. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of rum, this moist and flavorful cake is a welcome addition to any holiday spread. It's also a great make-ahead dessert, as the flavors only get better with time.

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Turkish Tahini Cake

Main Ingredients: Tahini, Sugar, Baking Soda, Cognac, All Purpose Flour

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While not traditionally Italian, this tahini cake is a popular dessert in many Middle Eastern countries, including Turkey. It's a dense and nutty cake that is drizzled with a sweet syrup, making it a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee during the holidays.

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Dark Fruitcake

Main Ingredients: Candied Fruit, Candied Ginger, Raisins, Golden Raisins

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For a richer and more flavorful version of traditional fruitcake, try making a dark fruitcake. Packed with candied fruits and nuts, and soaked in brandy for several weeks, this cake is sure to be a hit with fruitcake lovers and skeptics alike.

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Rosca de Reyes

Main Ingredients: Unbleached Flour, Evaporated Cane Juice, Instant Yeast

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This traditional Mexican Christmas bread is a festive and delicious treat to serve during the holidays. The dough is studded with dried fruits and shaped into a ring, symbolizing the crown of the Three Kings. Don't forget to hide a doll or toy inside for good luck!

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Ripe Breadfruit Cake

Main Ingredients: Mush, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Freshly

Breadfruit is a popular ingredient in many Caribbean countries, and this cake is a great way to use up any ripe breadfruit you may have. It's similar in texture to a banana bread, but with a unique and delicious flavor. Top it with a coconut glaze for an extra tropical touch.

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Christmas Stollen Sweet Bread

Main Ingredients: Water, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Large Eggs, Butter

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This German Christmas bread is a holiday staple in many households around the world. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of marzipan, this bread is a rich and indulgent treat that is perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season.

The Traditional Italian Candying Method

Step 1: Choosing the Right Fruit

Italian candied fruit recipes typically call for citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and citron, as well as stone fruits like apricots and cherries. It's important to choose ripe and firm fruit to ensure a good result. Make sure to wash and dry the fruit thoroughly before beginning the candying process.

Step 2: Prepping the Fruit

Once you have chosen your fruit, it's time to prep them for candying. Start by peeling and removing any seeds or pits. For larger fruits like peaches or apricots, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even candying.

Step 3: Creating the Syrup

The key to Italian candied fruit is the syrup used to preserve and sweeten the fruit. In a large pot, combine equal parts water and sugar, along with any desired spices such as cinnamon or cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Candying the Fruit

Once the syrup is ready, add the prepared fruit to the pot. Lower the heat and let the fruit simmer in the syrup for about 30 minutes, or until the fruit has absorbed the syrup and becomes translucent. Be careful not to overcook the fruit, as it can become mushy.

Step 5: Drying and Storing

After the fruit has finished cooking, remove it from the syrup and place it on a drying rack. Let it dry for at least 24 hours, or until the fruit is no longer sticky. Once dried, the candied fruit can be stored in an airtight container for several months.

Incorporating Candied Fruit into Your Recipes

Now that you have mastered the art of candying fruit, it's time to put it to use in your favorite recipes. Candied fruit can be used in a variety of Italian desserts such as panettone, fruitcakes, and cannoli filling. It can also be added to savory dishes like salads and roasted meats for a touch of sweetness. With this traditional Italian candying method, you can elevate your cooking and impress your family and friends with delicious homemade candied fruit. So why not give it a try and experience the true flavors of Italy in your own kitchen?