Cuban Florentines

Recipe

Cuban Florentines

Tropical Delight Florentines

4.6 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.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Cookie› Florentines
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine
Cuisine of the Americas› Caribbean cuisine› Cuban cuisine

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.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 180 kcal / 753 kJ
  • Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
  • Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugar: 12g)
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 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. 3.
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced almonds, dried pineapple, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, raisins, and all-purpose flour.
  4. 4.
    Pour the warm rum mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
  5. 5.
    Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  6. 6.
    Flatten each mound slightly with the back of the spoon to create a round shape.
  7. 7.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  8. 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.

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