29/11/2024
Italy’s culinary traditions truly shine during the holiday season, with festive desserts that are as rich in history as they are in flavor. Navigating these traditions can be challenging for celiacs, as many classic Italian Christmas treats contain gluten. However, with growing awareness and options for gluten-free alternatives, enjoying these festive specialties is more accessible than ever.
Classic Italian Christmas Desserts
As is true about many elements of Italian culture, each region has its own unique take on Christmas traditions and delicacies. Below are just a few of the beloved traditional Italian desserts found in different regions across the country.
Panettone
Arguably the most iconic Italian holiday dessert, this sweet bread, originally from Milan, is traditionally made with candied fruits, raisins, and a fluffy, buttery dough—which, yes, contains gluten. But never fear: many specialty gluten-free bakeries and packaged brands produce gluten-free panettone around the holiday season, allowing everyone to partake in this cherished tradition. While the classic version features candied fruits and raisins, many “alternative” versions exist today with add-ins like chocolate chips or pistachio cream-filled centers.
Many brands including NutriFree, Schar, Bauli, and Piaceri Mediterranei produce gluten-free panettone which are largely available in supermarkets and gluten-free specialty stores around Italy.
Pandoro
Another staple of the holiday season, Pandoro originates from Verona. Its tall, star-shaped structure and delicate vanilla flavor make it a favorite among Italians and more palatable to those that might be put off by the texture of panettone. Imagine a simple, sweet sponge cake dusted with powdered sugar—light, fluffy, and perfect for holiday celebrations. In fact, packaged pandoro almost always comes with a separate small bag of powdered sugar. Italians often pour this sugar into the packaging bag and shake it to coat the pandoro- a practice beloved by both children and adults.
Gluten-free versions of pandoro are increasingly available, often found in supermarkets, specialty gluten-free stores, or online during the holidays. Common brands include NutriFree, Bauli, and Piaceri Mediterranei,
Torrone
Torrone is a nougat-like sweet made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds (or other nuts) originating from Sardinia. This dessert is, in most cases, naturally gluten-free! However, always be sure to check the ingredient list for potential added gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contact risks.
Tuscan Treats
Tuscany is home to a variety of unique holiday treats, each with its own history and flavor profile. These are a few of the iconic desserts you’ll often find in our region during the festive season.
Panforte
Hailing from Siena and dating back to at least the 13th century, this dense, spiced cake is made with dried fruits, nuts, and honey. The word “panforte” in Italian literally translates to “strong bread” which is a testament to its strong, spicy flavor. Though the typical version is made with wheat flour, some artisanal producers offer gluten-free options like this one from La Fabbrica del Panforte.
Ricciarelli
These soft, almond-based cookies from Siena (similar to marzipan) are a Tuscan Christmas classic. They’re made with ground almonds, sugar, egg whites, and flavored with almond extract and a hint of orange zest…making them naturally gluten-free in most cases. Their chewy texture and delicate sweetness make them a favorite alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet Vin Santo. When purchasing Ricciarelli, look for the “senza glutine” label or the Spiga Barrata symbol to ensure they’re safe for celiacs.
Cavallucci
Cavallucci are traditional Tuscan cookies often enjoyed during the holiday season. They feature a dense, chewy texture and are flavored with anise, candied fruits, and nuts. Historically, they were a snack for travelers and horsemen- hence the name “Cavallucci,” which translates to “little horses.”
Befanini
Rounding out the holiday season, befanini are colorful, festive cookies traditionally baked for Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th. Originating from Tuscany, these buttery, shortbread-like cookies are flavored with citrus zest and often decorated with colorful sprinkles or icing…not at all unlike the decorated sugar cookies American children excitedly prepare to leave for Santa Claus. Befanini are tied to the folklore of La Befana, the kind witch who brings gifts to children, making these cookies a charming and delicious way to close out the holiday season.
Where to Find Gluten-Free Holiday Treats in Florence
When looking for these gluten-free holiday treats, you’ll find that most chain supermarkets in the city have at least a few options. The most common chain supermarkets include Conad, Carrefour, Coop, and Esselunga. That said, specialty gluten-free grocery stores will always have a wider selection with more variety. In Florence, we have two 100% gluten-free (and AIC accredited) specialty grocery stores which are sure to have a plethora of holiday treats: Bottega Artigiana del Gusto and Riccardo Gasperini Senza Glutine. For more artisanal bake goods, there are a handful of AIC accredited bakeries in Florence that will offer gluten-free Christmas delicacies this holiday season including Pasticceria Gualtieri and Pasticceria Stefania.
With these gluten-free options, celiacs can fully enjoy the magic of an Italian Christmas. Buon Natale e buon appetito!