Recipe
Cuban Florentines
Tropical Delight Florentines
4.8 out of 5
In the vibrant cuisine of Cuba, we have adapted the classic Italian Florentines to create a tropical twist. These Cuban Florentines are a delightful combination of crunchy almonds, chewy dried fruits, and a hint of rum. Perfectly sweet and nutty, they are a delicious treat that captures the essence of Cuban flavors.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
12-15 minutes
Total time
35 minutes
Yields
Makes approximately 12 Cuban Florentines
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Dairy-free (if using dairy-free butter substitute), Nut-free (if almonds are substituted with seeds or oats), Low cholesterol, Low sodium
Allergens
Tree nuts (almonds), Dairy (butter), Gluten (all-purpose flour)
Not suitable for
Vegan (contains dairy), Gluten-free (contains all-purpose flour)
Ingredients
While the original Italian Florentines are typically made with ingredients like candied orange peel and dark chocolate, our Cuban adaptation incorporates tropical flavors such as dried pineapple and coconut. We have also added a touch of rum to infuse the cookies with a distinct Cuban flair. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.
-
1 cup (100g) sliced almonds 1 cup (100g) sliced almonds
-
1/2 cup (75g) dried pineapple, finely chopped 1/2 cup (75g) dried pineapple, finely chopped
-
1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut 1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut
-
1/4 cup (30g) dried cranberries, chopped 1/4 cup (30g) dried cranberries, chopped
-
1/4 cup (30g) raisins 1/4 cup (30g) raisins
-
1/4 cup (60ml) rum 1/4 cup (60ml) rum
-
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
-
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
-
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
-
2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal / 753 kJ
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
- Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugar: 12g)
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Salt: 0.1g
Preparation
-
1.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
2.In a small saucepan, combine the rum, sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
-
3.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced almonds, dried pineapple, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, raisins, and all-purpose flour.
-
4.Pour the warm rum mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
-
5.Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
6.Flatten each mound slightly with the back of the spoon to create a round shape.
-
7.Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
-
8.Remove from the oven and let the Florentines cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Almonds — Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This will enhance their flavor in the Florentines.
- Rum — Use a good quality rum to add a rich and authentic Cuban taste to the cookies. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the rum with pineapple juice.
Tips & Tricks
- For extra crunch, you can sprinkle some additional shredded coconut on top of each Florentine before baking.
- If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
- Experiment with different dried fruits such as mango or papaya to add variety to your Cuban Florentines.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
- Serve the Florentines with a cup of Cuban coffee for an authentic Cuban experience.
Serving advice
Serve the Cuban Florentines as a delightful dessert or enjoy them with a cup of coffee as a sweet snack. They also make a lovely addition to a tropical-themed party or as a homemade gift.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Cuban Florentines on a decorative platter or in colorful cupcake liners to enhance their visual appeal. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
More recipes...
For Florentines » Browse all
For Italian cuisine » Browse all
More Italian cuisine dishes » Browse all
Cavallucci
Cavallucci are a traditional Italian cookie that are typically eaten during the holiday season. These small, diamond-shaped cookies are crunchy...
Bazzoffia
Pork and bean soup
Bazzoffia is a traditional Italian soup made with beans, potatoes, and vegetables. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day.
Fagioli alla maruzzara
Maruzzara beans
Fagioli alla maruzzara is a traditional Italian dish made with beans and vegetables.
More Cuban cuisine dishes » Browse all
Pizza cubana
Cuban Pizza
Pizza cubana is a unique pizza that is known for its spicy and flavorful toppings. It is a popular dish in Cuba and is often served with a variety...
Torta Cubana
Cuban sandwich
Torta Cubana is a traditional Mexican sandwich that is typically served as a hearty meal. It consists of a soft roll that is filled with various...
Yuca al mojo
Garlic Yuca
Yuca al mojo is a traditional Cuban dish that translates to "yucca with garlic sauce". It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a...