Classic Castagnaccio: Authentic Tuscan Chestnut Flour Cake

A quintessential autumn delight, Castagnaccio is Tuscany’s beloved chestnut cake—rich, aromatic, and steeped in tradition.

  • ( Scored 5 on 2 reviews )

Serena:

I wasn't sure if my kids would go for the veggie combo here, but since we're die-hard pumpkin fans, we had to give it a shot. Glad we did, since ther...

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A masterpiece of rustic Italian baking, Castagnaccio is a time-honored chestnut flour cake from the heart of Tuscany. Celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor, this historic dessert has delighted generations of chestnut lovers—and its unfussy preparation makes it a perennial favorite.

Thanks to the widespread availability of chestnut flour year-round, you can whip up this enchanting treat whenever inspiration strikes. However, Castagnaccio holds a special place in Tuscan kitchens as the unmistakable harbinger of autumn. Its rich, earthy taste—lifted by the aromatic fragrance of fresh rosemary and the subtle crunch of pine nuts—offers a unique sensory experience, transforming even the simplest gathering into a memorable occasion.

Castagnaccio’s origins trace back to the rustic villages of Tuscany, but over centuries the recipe has travelled across Italy, inspiring countless regional interpretations. Some versions dial up the sweetness with raisins or chocolate, while others remain true to the savory roots of the original. Our rendition stays faithful to tradition, relying on the nuanced flavors of extra-virgin olive oil and chestnut flour to achieve its signature texture and aroma. Which version will become your family’s new favorite? We invite you to experiment, enjoy, and discover the Castagnaccio that speaks to your heart and palate.

Ingredients

play video recipe for 6 servings

Chestnut Flour Cake ingredients

  • Chestnut flour 300 grams
  • Water 300 grams
  • Whole Milk 350 grams
  • Sugar (Granulated) 2 table-spoon
  • Extra-virgin olive oil 2 table-spoon
  • Salt 1 pinch
  • Pine nuts as needed
  • Rosemary (Branch) as needed

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Preparation

play video recipe

for 6 servings

Step

1

Of 2

Mix the Chestnut Flour Batter

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together chestnut flour, a pinch of fine salt, and granulated sugar to ensure even distribution and a smooth batter.

Gradually incorporate cool water, your preferred milk (dairy or plant-based), and a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Whisk vigorously with a sturdy whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and lump-free, achieving a consistency akin to thick pancake batter.

Historically, local spring water was prized for this step, believed to subtly enhance the chestnut’s flavor—consider using filtered water for a purer taste.

tagAlt.chestnut castagnaccio
tagAlt.chestnut cake

Step

2

Of 2

Bake, Garnish, and Enjoy

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Carefully line a baking pan with parchment paper trimmed to fit, and brush the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Pour the prepared chestnut batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Scatter a generous handful of pine nuts across the surface and tuck in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for an unmistakable Tuscan aroma.

Bake at 150°C for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F) and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.

Allow the cake to cool before slicing it into rustic wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for a modern touch. Buon appetito!

tagAlt.chestnut cake batter
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Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

...Great Italian Goodies!

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Reviews

Serena Sunday 1st of November 2020

Orange and green wins for dinner

I wasn't sure if my kids would go for the veggie combo here, but since we're die-hard pumpkin fans, we had to give it a shot. Glad we did, since there were totally no leftovers and everyone borderline licked their plates. A definite win with fresh pasta and even fresher veggies. Great blend!

Rosanna Wednesday 4th of November 2020

Creamy and smooth

I once ventured into a bakery in the city center of Florence and saw this spectacular tray of brown, dewy cake festooned with raisins and pine nuts. Obviously, I couldn't resist that, and it was love at first bite. I'm so glad to find this recipe, and discover it was spot-on with what I enjoyed from my travels in Tuscany.

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