Castagnaccio Recipe

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Castagnaccio is a rustic Italian cake made from chestnut flour, olive oil, and earthy toppings like raisins and rosemary. It’s simple, traditional, and intensely flavorful. Originating in Tuscany, this naturally gluten-free and vegan dessert is loved for its rich history and wholesome ingredients. Whether served warm or at room temperature, Castagnaccio offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet. It’s the perfect treat for fall or anytime you crave something comforting and authentic from Italian cuisine.

Why You Will Love the Castagnaccio Recipe

This ancient recipe brings warmth and simplicity to your kitchen. Castagnaccio is a celebration of tradition, health, and flavor—all in one humble chestnut cake.

• Naturally gluten-free and vegan with no eggs or refined sugar.
• Packed with natural sweetness from raisins and chestnut flour.
• Made with healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil.
• Contains antioxidants and fiber from wholesome ingredients.
• Ideal for fall and winter with its cozy, earthy aroma.
• Simple to prepare with only a handful of pantry items.
• Delicious on its own or paired with creamy ricotta.

Ingredients You Will Need

Gather these few essential ingredients to create a soft, moist, and rich Castagnaccio that honors the rustic charm of Italian countryside traditions.

• 250g chestnut flour
• 350ml water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 50g raisins
• 30g pine nuts
• Fresh rosemary (a few needles)
• A pinch of salt

How to Make Castagnaccio

Making Castagnaccio is easy and requires just a few steps. Follow this traditional method to bring out the best flavor and texture in your chestnut flour cake.

Step 1: Make the batter

Sift the chestnut flour into a bowl with salt. Gradually add water while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. The batter should be smooth and pourable.

Step 2: Add nuts and raisins

Soak the raisins in warm water for a few minutes. Drain and fold them into the batter along with half of the pine nuts. Mix gently for even distribution.

Step 3: Pour and garnish

Grease a shallow baking dish with olive oil. Pour in the batter evenly. Sprinkle the remaining pine nuts and rosemary on top. Drizzle the final tablespoon of olive oil over everything.

Step 4: Bake and cool

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes until cracks form on the surface. The texture should remain soft. Cool completely before slicing and serving for best flavor.

Castagnaccio

Castagnaccio is a traditional Italian chestnut flour cake from Tuscany and surrounding regions. Naturally gluten-free and rustic, it features a moist texture, subtle sweetness, and earthy flavors from chestnut flour, raisins, pine nuts, and rosemary. This simple, hearty cake celebrates the flavors of the Italian countryside.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 Slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Italian (Tuscany)

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 250 g chestnut flour
• 350 ml water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 50 g raisins
• 30 g pine nuts
• Fresh rosemary needles a few
• A pinch of salt

Method

 

1. Make the Batter: Sift chestnut flour with salt into a bowl. Gradually whisk in water to avoid lumps. Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil until smooth and pourable.
2. Add Nuts and Raisins: Soak raisins in warm water for a few minutes. Drain and fold into batter with half the pine nuts. Mix gently.
3. Pour and Garnish: Grease a shallow baking dish with olive oil. Pour batter evenly. Sprinkle remaining pine nuts and rosemary on top. Drizzle with the last tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Bake and Cool: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes until surface cracks and cake is soft. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use good-quality chestnut flour for authentic flavor. Soaking raisins plumps them and adds moisture. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Drizzle with honey or chestnut honey for a sweeter touch. Pair with ricotta or mascarpone cheese for creaminess. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and add walnuts for texture. Slice thinly, as the cake is dense and rich.

Serving Tips for Castagnaccio

This chestnut cake is best served simply, allowing its subtle flavors to shine. These serving ideas add comfort and contrast to enhance the overall experience.

• Enjoy at room temperature or slightly warmed.
• Drizzle with honey or chestnut honey for sweetness.
• Serve with ricotta or mascarpone on the side.
• Pair with Vin Santo or another sweet dessert wine.
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
• Add a few chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
• Slice the cake thinly, as it is naturally rich and dense.

Nutritional Benefits of Castagnaccio

Castagnaccio is packed with nutrients from its natural ingredients. Chestnut flour is gluten-free, low in fat, and rich in fiber, potassium, and B vitamins. Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. Raisins add iron, potassium, and natural sugars, while pine nuts supply protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. 

With no added sugar, eggs, or dairy, Castagnaccio is suitable for vegan and allergy-conscious diets. Its simple composition supports digestion and energy while offering a nourishing dessert option. It’s a wholesome, plant-based treat that blends tradition with modern health values, making it a smart and satisfying choice.

Conclusion

Castagnaccio is more than a cake—it’s a slice of Italian heritage. Made with chestnut flour, olive oil, raisins, and rosemary, this dish is healthy, hearty, and comforting. This gluten-free, vegan dessert suits many diets and tastes. Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, Castagnaccio offers a timeless experience. Bake it once, and you’ll return to this simple, soulful recipe again and again.