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Dishes like Florentine steak and pappa al pomodoro are inclined to get all of the glory after we discuss Tuscan meals, however do you know that a few of Florence’s desserts are simply as tasty?
The Renaissance Metropolis has fairly a number of candy treats to its identify, a few of which I’ve even added to the itinerary for my Florence meals excursions. Whereas favorites like tiramisu and Caprese chocolate cake are broadly accessible, I feel Tuscany’s capital actually shines on the subject of native specialties.
To tease that candy tooth of yours, I’ve compiled a listing of probably the most delectable Florence desserts you merely must attempt.
Gelato
Essentially the most iconic Florence dessert needs to be gelato, an Italian tackle ice cream made with a superbly balanced mix of milk, cream, and sugar.
I’ve heard a number of variations about how gelato got here to be, however Bernardo Buontalenti has lengthy been credited with inventing this pleasant creation. Because the story goes, Buontalenti introduced the Italian-born queen of France Catherina dei Medici with this frozen snack within the sixteenth century, and the remaining is historical past!
Gelato is available in a endless choice of flavors, and you’ll be able to get pleasure from it in both a cup or a waffle cone.
The place to Eat It?
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato is definitely considered one of my favourite gelaterias in Florence, and it occurs to be simply a number of steps from the Duomo di Firenze.
Certain, it’s at all times busy and somewhat touristy, however wherever with a whole wall that’s been made right into a chocolate fountain is a should in my books.
My go-to order is a double scoop of pistachio gelato in a chocolate-topped cone. The distinction between the velvety gelato and the crunchy cone is unimaginable, as is the mixture of buttery, nutty pistachio and wealthy chocolate.
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato (€€) – By way of dei Calzaiuoli, 65/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open each Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 1:00 am and each Friday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:30 am
Schiacciata Fiorentina
Schiacciata Fiorentina, a lightweight, orange-infused sponge cake, may simply be one of many much less recognizable Florence desserts on this listing.
Although the specifics have modified over time, schiacciata Fiorentina has been synonymous with Florence, in some type, for hundreds of years now. Nuns often ready it, and prisoners had been typically served it of their remaining days.
This flat, yeast-based cake is often topped with powdered sugar and is particularly simple to search out throughout Florence’s annual Carnival pageant. The truth is, this celebration first launched me to this mouthwatering dessert.
The place to Eat It?
Pasticceria Giorgio is a beautiful pastry store and caffè that I discovered about from a pal of mine. Situated within the Soiffiano neighborhood, it’s somewhat exterior the middle of Florence, however I promise, it’s definitely worth the journey!
It’s an old-school spot with a basic wood inside, a sun-soaked outside patio, and extra dreamy Italian desserts than I may depend.
I got here right here particularly for his or her schiacciata Fiorentina, and left with a eager for one other slice of this moist but ethereal cake. With only a trace of sugar and somewhat orange zest, every chunk was flippantly candy with a zingy kick from the citrussy flavors.
Pasticceria Giorgio (€€€) – By way of Duccio di Buoninsegna, 36, 50143 Firenze FI, Italy – Closed each Monday, open each Tuesday to Saturday from 7:00 am to eight:30 pm, and each Sunday from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm
Schiacciata all’uva
Schiacciata all’uva is a grape-filled flatbread that’s a beloved Florence dessert. Not your common confection, schiacciata all’uva consists of two layers of doughy bread filled with pink grapes and paired with quirky elements like olive oil and rosemary.
The origins of this dish are considerably unclear, however schiacciata all’uva is a staple in Florentine bakeries and houses each fall in the course of the grape-harvesting season.
Easy however oh-so-delicious, schiacciata all’uva is greatest served with only a dusting of icing sugar for added sweetness.
The place to Eat It?
Focacceria San Marco Srl in Piazza San Marco is the most effective within the enterprise after we’re speaking about schiacciata all’uva. Due to its nature, this dessert is solely accessible in September and October, when the grapes are in season. As such, I needed to time my go to accordingly.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to safe one of many handful of seats and tucked into my schiacciata all’uva whereas admiring the white-washed wood decor.
The grapes cooked down right into a thick, honey-like jam, and the savory notes from the rosemary leveled out the flavors. What I beloved much more was the feel of the bread, as the dough was fluffy and barely chewy.
Focacceria San Marco Srl (€€) – P.za di San Marco, 9 B, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy – Open each Monday to Saturday from 7:45 am to 7:15 pm, closed each Sunday
Cantuccini with Vin Santo
In Florence, Italy’s revered biscotti is called cantuccini. These almond cookies are a fairly nice on-the-go snack, however they’re even higher when dipped in vin santo, a sugary Italian dessert wine.
Based on historians, these two-baked biscuits date again to the Renaissance interval. Right now, troopers used cantuccini to remain energized throughout battle, although the addition of wine got here a lot later.
I by no means thought I’d be a fan of dipping dried cookies right into a glass of wine, however this uncommon serving technique is a supremely satisfying one!
The place to Eat It?
Across the nook from Basilica di San Lorenzo is Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo. The cantuccini listed here are second to none, and I’ve been recommending it to fellow foodies for years now.
It’s a no-nonsense, trendy bakery with super-friendly workers and an inviting ambiance.
They provide a few variations on the unique recipe, however I want to stay to the standard almond version. The wine’s caramel and apricot undertones elevate the cantuccini’s nutty flavors and work to counter the cookie’s crispy, dry consistency.
Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo (€€) – By way of Faenza, 23/pink, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open each Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm and closed each Sunday
Conclusion
For a pocket of Italy extra sometimes acclaimed for its Chianti wine tastings and olive oil manufacturing, Florentines know a factor or two about high quality confections.
From the town’s esteemed gelato to regionally beloved snacks like cantuccini, no go to to Florence is full with out sampling a few of these desserts on supply.
