If you’re craving something that’s irresistibly crunchy, sweet, and nutty all at once, let me introduce you to this Quick Florentines Recipe. These delicate treats combine golden toasted almonds with a luscious honey and cream base, finished off with a drizzle of rich dark chocolate. They’re perfect for whenever you want to whip up a show-stopping snack or dessert with minimal fuss, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a fast favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Quick Florentines Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a key role in creating those signature chewy, nutty bites. Every component is essential to get that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that lovely golden color you’ll want to show off.
- Sliced Almonds: 1 cup – They provide a lovely crunch and toasty flavor that are the heart of a great Florentine.
- Honey: 1/3 cup – Adds sweetness and a sticky, caramel-like texture that binds everything together.
- Caster Sugar: 1/3 cup – Helps the Florentines caramelize beautifully and adds a delicate sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons – Gives richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness to the cookies.
- Plain Flour: 1 tablespoon – A little goes a long way to help bind the mixture without weighing it down.
- Double Cream: 2 tablespoons – Brings creaminess, making the texture luscious and more indulgent.
- Dark Chocolate: 50g, melted – For that decadent finishing touch, adding a bold contrast in flavor and smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Infuses the Florentines with a warm, fragrant note that enhances every bite.
How to Make Quick Florentines Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by lining a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. This ensures your Florentines won’t stick and will come off easily once baked. It’s a small step but saves a lot of hassle later.
Step 2: Warm the Sweet Mixture
Combine the honey, caster sugar, unsalted butter, and double cream in a saucepan and gently heat until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This step is where all the magic begins, as the ingredients melt together to form the flavorful base.
Step 3: Add Flour and Vanilla
Once your mixture is smooth, stir in the plain flour and vanilla extract. The flour helps give a subtle structure, while the vanilla adds a lovely aromatic depth that makes these Florentines stand out.
Step 4: Fold in the Almonds
Mix in the sliced almonds thoroughly so that every sliver is coated in that luscious honey and cream blend. This ensures every bite is packed with perfectly toasted nuts.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the almond mixture thinly and evenly over your prepared baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye so they turn beautifully golden without burning.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the Florentines cool slightly on the sheet so they firm up but remain pliable for cutting. Then slice them into your favorite shapes—rounds, squares, or rustic shards all work beautifully.
Step 7: Add the Chocolate Drizzle
Finally, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the cooled Florentines. This step not only adds a stunning finish but also a rich contrast that lifts the whole treat to the next level. Let the chocolate set before serving.
How to Serve Quick Florentines Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few flakes of sea salt or a sprinkle of finely chopped candied orange peel on top of the chocolate drizzle can bring an exciting twist. These garnishes enhance the flavor complexity and add a pop of contrast that makes the Florentines even more memorable.
Side Dishes
Quick Florentines are divine served alongside a cup of strong black coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. Their sweet, nutty crunch complements warm beverages superbly, making for a perfect teatime treat or a delightful after-dinner nibble.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Florentines in small towers tied with a ribbon for an elegant gift, or sandwiching a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone between two pieces for an indulgent twist. Serving them on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and edible flowers can also turn your dessert into a real showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Quick Florentines keep best in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to a week if stored properly away from heat and humidity. This makes them perfect for making ahead if you want a quick treat on hand.
Freezing
You can freeze Florentines, but do so only if they are well-wrapped in plastic and placed inside a rigid container to prevent breakage. Thaw them gently at room temperature and enjoy within a couple of weeks for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Since these are delicately crispy cookies, reheating is not usually necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warmed, pop a few in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for just a couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften them too much.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! While sliced almonds are traditional, chopped hazelnuts or walnuts work wonderfully and give a delightful twist to the texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How long do Quick Florentines take to bake?
The baking time is quite short—around 8 to 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F). It’s important to watch them closely to avoid burning since they can go from perfectly golden to overdone very quickly.
Can I omit the chocolate drizzle?
Of course! While the chocolate adds richness and visual appeal, the Florentines are tasty on their own. You can also swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
What is the texture of these Florentines like?
They have a lovely combination of crunchy toasted nuts and a slightly chewy, caramelized base, finished with a smooth layer of chocolate, making every bite a real treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about making Quick Florentines Recipe at home—it’s a combination of simple ingredients turned into a luxurious, crunchy snack that feels a little fancy yet is so easy to pull off. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough; they’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a quiet cup of tea. Happy baking!
Print
Quick Florentines Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12-15 Florentines
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Quick Florentines recipe offers a delightful combination of caramelized almonds with a crisp, buttery base topped with rich dark chocolate. Perfect as an elegant snack or a sweet treat to enjoy with tea or coffee, these Florentines are quick to prepare and bake, delivering a satisfyingly crunchy texture with a luscious chocolate finish.
Ingredients
Florentine Base
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup caster sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 2 tablespoons double cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 50g dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the Florentines after baking.
- Heat Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine honey, caster sugar, unsalted butter, and double cream. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Flour and Vanilla: Stir in the plain flour and vanilla extract thoroughly into the smooth mixture to create a thick batter.
- Incorporate Almonds: Mix the sliced almonds evenly into the batter, ensuring all almonds are coated with the mixture.
- Spread Mixture: Spoon and spread the almond mixture thinly and evenly onto the prepared baking sheet to create an even layer for crisp baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and allow the Florentines to cool slightly on the baking sheet. While still warm, cut them into desired shapes or squares.
- Chocolate Topping: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the cooled Florentines evenly and allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the mixture is spread thinly for crisp Florentines.
- Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Allow the chocolate to fully set for best presentation and taste.
- Store Florentines in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
- For a variation, use white or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for topping.
