Quick Florentines are delightful sweet treats that combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the crunch of nuts and the chewiness of dried fruit. These little morsels come together quickly and are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a snack. With their satisfying texture and great taste, they are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 12 pieces
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 160
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 25mg
Why Make This Quick Florentines
Quick Florentines offer a blend of taste and texture that’s hard to resist. Crunchy on the outside with a chewy interior, these treats are not only delicious but also customizable to fit your preferences. They’re an excellent way to use up leftover nuts or dried fruits in your pantry, allowing you to get creative. Plus, they come together in just under half an hour, making them a great last-minute dessert or party snack.
How to Make Quick Florentines
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This makes for easy clean-up and prevents the Florentines from sticking.
Step 2: Mixing
In a saucepan, melt the butter, glucose syrup (or honey), and sugar together over medium heat. Stir continuously until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
Step 3: Cooking
Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the chopped nuts, dried fruit, and flour until everything is well incorporated. This creates a sticky yet manageable mixture.
Step 4: Finishing
Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, leaving enough space between each for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Let them cool slightly before melting the dark chocolate and dipping the cooled Florentines into it. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Ingredients:
- 100g dark chocolate
- 75g mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts), chopped
- 75g dried fruit (such as cranberries or apricots), chopped
- 50g glucose syrup or honey
- 50g butter
- 50g sugar
- 50g flour
How to Serve Quick Florentines
Quick Florentines can be served on their own as a sweet snack or paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make a beautiful addition to a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit, or can be crumbled over yogurt for a tasty breakfast treat.
How to Store Quick Florentines
To keep your Quick Florentines fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, maintaining their deliciousness. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to three months—just ensure they’re well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips for Perfect Quick Florentines
- For an extra layer of flavor, toast the nuts before chopping and adding them to the mixture.
- If you don’t have glucose syrup, honey can be an excellent alternative, adding a slightly different flavor.
- Be sure to allow enough space between each spoonful on the baking tray as they spread while cooking.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; the golden color indicates they are done.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of dipping the Florentines in chocolate, you can drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decorative touch.
- Flavored Florentines: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the butter mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute nuts with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds to make a nut-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate according to your preference.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
What other nuts can I use?
Feel free to mix and match! Pecans, pistachios, or macadamia nuts can all add a unique flavor to your Florentines.
Is it possible to make these without sugar?
You can use sugar substitutes in place of regular sugar, but this might affect the texture slightly.
How do I know when the Florentines are done baking?
They should turn a golden brown color around the edges but remain slightly soft in the middle.
Conclusion
Quick Florentines are not just easy to make, they are also a treat that pleases both the eyes and the palate. With a delightful mix of chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits, these little bites are perfect for any occasion. Whether you whip them up for a party or enjoy them during a cozy night in, they are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; your taste buds will thank you!
