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Zelten

A traditional Italian holiday fruitcake packed with dried figs, raisins, and toasted nuts scented with citrus zest and rum. Rich and dense, it is typically enjoyed during the winter festive season.

75 minMediumServes 8380 cal/serving

ItalianDessertOvenVegetarianKosher-styleSoy-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeLow-SodiumNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried figs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 3 tbsp dark rum
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, grated

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak 1 cup chopped dried figs, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup chopped walnut halves, 1/2 cup chopped raw almonds, and 1/4 cup pine nuts in 3 tbsp dark rum for at least 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a round 9-inch baking dish.

  3. 3

    Beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, then mix in 2 beaten eggs and 1 tsp grated lemon zest.

  4. 4

    Stir in 1.5 cups all-purpose flour and 1.5 tsp baking powder until a thick dough forms.

  5. 5

    Fold the soaked fruit and nut mixture into the dough along with any remaining liquid.

  6. 6

    Press dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes until golden brown and firm.

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Questions

What is Zelten?

A traditional Italian holiday fruitcake packed with dried figs, raisins, and toasted nuts scented with citrus zest and rum. Rich and dense, it is typically enjoyed during the winter festive season. This reference files it under Italian dessert: made in the oven, rated medium and about 75 minutes start to finish.

What should Zelten look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 4: cook until a thick dough forms. Step 6: cook until golden brown and firm.

Is there a substitute for pine nuts in Zelten?

The entry for Zelten calls for 1/4 cup pine nuts. In its place: Toasted slivered almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds keep it nut-free.

Is Zelten vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and 2 eggs, beaten. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Does Zelten contain tree nuts?

Yes: 1/2 cup walnut halves, chopped, 1/2 cup raw almonds, chopped and 1/4 cup pine nuts. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy, eggs and tree nuts. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Zelten?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 380 calories, with 7 g protein, 58 g carbohydrate and 14 g fat, plus 4 g fiber and 120 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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