Valtellina fruit cake (bisciola della Valtellina)

This tasty cake is also known as panettone della Valtellina, though it is moister and richer than traditional panettone – Mario Matassa shares his recipe…

Valtellina fruit cake (bisciola della Valtellina)

Recipe & photo © Mario Matassa

Valtellina fruit cake | Bisciola della Valtellina

➤ Makes: One loaf
➤ PREPARATION: 20 minutes
➤ CHILLING: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 200g plain flour
  • 50g rye flour
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 2 medium free-range eggs
  • 25g caster sugar
  • 100ml milk
  • a pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 100g sultanas
  • 150g dried figs, roughly chopped
  • 50g walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/Gas Mark 4. In a large bowl, mix together the flours, butter, eggs, sugar, milk, salt and baking powder, until you obtain a smooth dough.
  2. Next, add the dried fruits and walnuts, mixing them in well.
  3. Finally, shape the dough into a long loaf shape, brush with egg wash if desired, place on a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for 40 minutes.

TOP TIP: For an adult version, soak the figs and sultanas in some rum before adding to the mixture.

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