Description
This classic Italian Torrone is a chewy, nut-filled nougat flavored with honey, vanilla, and citrus zest. Traditionally enjoyed during the holidays, this sweet treat is delicious year-round and pairs perfectly with coffee or espresso!
Ingredients
Scale
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For the Torrone:
- 2 cups (500g) honey
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange or lemon zest (optional, for aroma)
- 2 ½ cups mixed toasted nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios)
- Rice paper (wafer sheets) (for lining, optional but traditional)
Instructions
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Toast the Nuts
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios on a baking sheet.
- Toast for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
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Heat the Honey & Sugar
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat honey and sugar over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until the mixture reaches 250°F (121°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).
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Beat the Egg Whites
- While the honey mixture is heating, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt in a clean, grease-free bowl until soft peaks form.
- Once the honey reaches 250°F, slowly drizzle it into the whipped egg whites, beating continuously.
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Cook the Torrone Mixture
- Continue beating the egg white mixture over low heat for about 20 minutes, until thick, glossy, and pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
- Stir in vanilla extract, citrus zest, and toasted nuts until well combined.
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Shape & Set the Torrone
- Line a baking dish with rice paper (or parchment paper greased with butter).
- Pour the hot nougat mixture into the pan, smoothing it evenly.
- Top with another sheet of rice paper (if using).
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Let it Cool
- Let it cool at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until firm.
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Slice & Serve
- Use a sharp knife to cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- If you don’t have rice paper, parchment paper greased with butter will work fine, though it won’t have the traditional crisp texture.
- Be sure to use a candy thermometer to get the honey mixture to the proper temperature for the perfect texture.
- You can mix up the types of nuts you use depending on your preference, but almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios are the classic combination.
- Store Torrone at room temperature in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0gv
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg