Chocolate and Nut Cake

This chocolate and nut cake is a healthified version of Roman Christmas cake, typically with a golden crust. It is made with dried and candied fruit in just one bowl.

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This seasonal recipe reminds me of the Christmas cake we have in Panama, my hometown since it shares some commonalities, such as candied and dry fruits and nuts. However, what makes it very different is the presence of chocolate, honey, and saffron.

I made two versions: a traditional one, where I only changed the only non-vegan ingredient to make it vegan: Maple Syrup in place of honey.

Jump to:

• 🧾 Ingredients
• 🔪 Instructions
• 🍒 Adding Goji Berries to your diet
• 🎄 More Holiday season recipes
• 📋 Recipe
• 🌡️ Food safety
• 💬 Reviews and Comments

🧾 Ingredients

We replaced some of the ingredients from the traditional version. For example, we changed some of the raisins for Goji Berries and organic candied ginger. Also, we changed a portion of the chocolate for Organic Cocoa Nibs. Also, I changed the standard all-purpose flour for almond flour. So it resulted in fewer calories and a barely noticeable change in the flavor.

• Dark chocolate
• Cacao nibs
• Maple syrup
• Dry cherries and/or goji berries
• Walnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Almonds
• All-purpose flour
• Pistachios
• Candied ginger
• Orange peel
• Lemon peel

See quantities and complete instructions in the recipe card.

🔪 Instructions

Mix all the ingredients in a Food Processor.

With your hands, make a thick plate shape on top of parchment paper.

Take it out of the oven after approximately 40 minutes. Done!

This second version follows the same proportions. I made it a little healthier by changing a couple of ingredients.

🍒 Adding Goji Berries to your diet

According to Medical News Today, There are significant benefits related to adding goji berries to your diet, including:

• Preventing liver damage
• Protecting the eyes
• Providing immune system support
• Protecting against cancer
• Promoting healthy skin
• Stabilization of blood sugar
• Improvement on depression, anxiety, and sleep.

What about cherries

Pangiallo is a rich, spiced cake made with dried fruit, usually containing at least two types of chopped dried cherries.

The cake can be made weeks ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until the holiday season, where it is usually served with a holiday meal or as part of dessert. Recipes vary from family to family, but cherries are a common fruit included in many variations.

Nutritional Benefits of Cherries

Cherries are a great source of vitamin A, B, and C. they contain high amounts of antioxidants that benefit the body by helping to prevent cancer and heart disease. Cherries have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.

The cherries are also good for dent and swelling in arthritis patients. Other benefits of cherries include healthy bones and teeth while also containing anti-aging properties.

They are good for skin health because they contain antioxidants to help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Cherries are high in fiber which will lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Most importantly cherries can help control blood sugar levels.

Cherries have been found to be good for the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys.

Eating a handful of cherries a day can help prevent kidney stones from forming. They are also helpful in preventing UTIs by flushing out bacteria in the body through urination.

Including more Ginger in your daily routine

As we did in this recipe, we include ginger in our morning juicing because ginger has excellent immune system support and anti-inflammatory properties.

Curious to see the Traditional Pangiallo Romano Recipe?

More Sweet Healthy Options?

Try this super easy, one-pot creamy cardamom rice pudding. For a fresher summery option, check out the vegan berry ice cream or the peanut butter banana ice cream.

🎄 More Holiday season recipes

Vegan Christmas Menu

⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

📋 Recipe

🌡️ Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking points to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.

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