Finally, one of my favorite autumn dessert recipes, and a symbol of Tuscany, Castagnaccio. Can you already smell the chestnuts in the air, the aroma of rosemary, and the scent of toasted pine nuts?

Tuscan Chestnut Cake (Castagnaccio)

Guido Pasquariello

Castagnaccio it's a simple, yet richly flavored dessert combining chestnut flour, pine nuts, and raisins, perfect for those cozy days.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Equipment

Glass mixing bowl
Whisk
8-inch cake pan

Ingredients

2 cups chestnut flour
1 ⅓ cups water
2 tablespoons sugar optional
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup pine nuts
A pinch of salt
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Olive oil extra virgin, for the pan

Instructions

Make the Batter: In a glass mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chestnut flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt. Gradually add 1 ⅓ cups of water while continuing to whisk, ensuring the batter is smooth, thick, and free of lumps.
2 cups chestnut flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, A pinch of salt, 1 ⅓ cups water
Add Raisins and Pine Nuts: Soak the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften. Drain and squeeze out the excess water. Stir the moist raisins and ¼ cup of pine nuts into the batter. Save some pine nuts and raisins for topping the cake.
¼ cup raisins, ¼ cup pine nuts
Bake the Cake: Brush your 8-inch cake pan with olive oil. Pour the batter into the pan. Sprinkle the top with the reserved raisins, pine nuts, and a few fresh rosemary sprigs for that aromatic touch. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is set and slightly crisp on top.
Olive oil, Fresh rosemary sprigs
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool down completely before slicing. Enjoy this Tuscan delight as a dessert or a snack, perhaps with a glass of red wine, embracing the essence of autumn in Italy.

Notes

For an extra touch, some variations include chopped walnuts. Adding them brings a nice crunch and flavor that complements the chestnut beautifully. Feel free to experiment to make it your own!

A Tuscan Autumn on Your Plate: My Personal Castagnaccio Story

In the photo, we see a whole castagnaccio, a traditional Tuscan chestnut flour cake, freshly baked in a round metal baking tin. The top of the cake is cracked, suggesting a crispy outer layer with a rich, fudgy interior. Scattered across the surface are plump raisins or currants and pine nuts, which add textural contrast and sweetness to the nutty flavor of the cake. Sprigs of fresh rosemary are also visible, providing a fragrant herbal note that complements the earthiness of the chestnuts. The cake sits on a wooden board, placed on a white and grey surface, lending a rustic, authentic feel to the presentation.

Castagnaccio is not just a cake; it’s a slice of Tuscan heritage that tells a story with every bite. As the leaves turn golden and fall to the ground, Tuscan kitchens come alive with the aroma of this chestnut delicacy.

In the image, there is a slice of castagnaccio, a traditional Italian dessert. The castagnaccio is a dark brown color, with a moist and dense texture indicative of chestnut flour preparation. Scattered on top are pine nuts, adding a lighter color contrast and a crunchy texture. There are also visible green specks, likely rosemary or another aromatic herb, which are typical in this recipe and provide a flavor contrast. The slice is cleanly cut, suggesting that the dessert has a firm consistency that holds its shape well. The castagnaccio sits on a light-colored surface, highlighting its color and texture.

My connection to Castagnaccio runs deep— it brings back the warmth of my Nonna Iolanda’s kitchen, where love was measured in spoonfuls of chestnut flour and the happiness was found in the crackling sound of pine nuts. Each ingredient is a chapter of our Italian countryside, where chestnuts have sustained generations.

This image features a stack of two dense, brown slices, likely of castagnaccio, which is a type of Italian chestnut cake. The slices have a rich, dark color consistent with the use of chestnut flour, and the surface shows signs of being baked until slightly cracked, which is characteristic of this dessert. Topped with rosemary needles and pine nuts, these garnishes are a traditional combination, providing an aromatic flavor and a nutty crunch. There are also some dark spots that could be raisins or other dried fruit, commonly mixed into the batter before baking. The cake sits on crinkled white paper, often used for separating or serving bakery items, which adds to the rustic presentation of this traditional Italian sweet.

The addition of rosemary, picked from the wild bushes that dance along the Tuscan hills, marries the sweet and savory in an embrace that can only be described as culinary poetry. For those looking to explore the gastronomic richness of Lucca, visit https://whyitalians.com/lucca-food-specialties/ to discover more traditional dishes that echo the city’s history and landscape, just as the beloved Castagnaccio does.