Nocino, the deep and aromatic Italian walnut liqueur, adds intrigue to desserts without overwhelming them. Earthy, warm, and slightly sweet, it plays beautifully in fall and winter treats, but its herbal complexity also brings something unexpected to spring pairings. Below are some simple but elegant ideas for incorporating desserts with Nocino, starting with a centerpiece cake that’s as good with coffee on a cool evening as with berries and cream at a garden lunch.
Rustic Walnut Nocino Cake
This one-bowl cake brings together the toasty richness of walnuts and the complexity of nocino. The result is a dessert with depth and aroma, but that doesn’t feel heavy. With olive oil and citrus zest, it bakes into a tender, golden crumb that works just as well for cozy fall and winter celebrations as it does for springtime gatherings. A great example of desserts with Nocino.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely ground or chopped walnuts
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil (or melted unsalted butter)
- 1/4 cup nocino
- 1/2 tsp lemon or orange zest (optional, but lovely in spring)
- powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch round or square pan and line with parchment if desired.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until lightened in color, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add the olive oil and nocino; whisk to combine.
- Stir in the ground walnuts, flour, baking powder, salt, and zest, if using. Mix just until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar once fully cooled.
💡Tip: Serve with fresh berries of choice for a springtime option.
Optional Pairings & Toppings for Desserts with Nocino:
Lemon-Nocino Whipped Cream: 1 cup heavy cream, 1–2 tbsp nocino, 1 tbsp powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp lemon zest. Whip to soft peaks and serve chilled.- Macerated Berries with Nocino: 1 cup strawberries or mixed berries, sliced, 1 tsp sugar or honey, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, optional: splash of nocino (1/2 tsp). Toss and let sit for 10–15 minutes until juicy.
- Roasted Pears or Figs in Nocino Syrup: 2 pears or 6 fresh figs, halved, 2 tbsp nocino, 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey, 1 tsp butter. Roast at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. Spoon syrup and fruit over cake or ice cream.
💡Tip: These toppings pair wonderfully with the walnut cake above, but they’re also excellent companions to other desserts like sponge cakes, simple vanilla or citrus cakes, panna cotta, or even roasted fruit.
~~~~~
Quick Nocino Dessert Ideas:
Add seasonal flair to these easy treats!
- Drizzle over vanilla, coffee, or hazelnut ice cream. In spring, pair with fresh strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or other in-season fruits.
- Flavor a simple custard with nocino and serve it warm over pound cake or shortcakes with in-season strawberries or rhubarb.
- Stir a small amount into your morning or after-dinner coffee. For warmer weather, try it iced with a touch of vanilla!
- Cozy up with a splash of nocino in your hot chocolate. Add whipped cream and grated chocolate, perfect for a chilly spring evening. And frozen hot chocolate is a perfect summer treat!
- Nocino Eggnog is perfect for the winter holidays – or why not as a spring treat? If you’re going traditional, garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and a few pomegranate seeds for color. For a bright spring twist on eggnog, try adding zest or a squeeze of juice from citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, or grapefruits. Incorporate fresh herbs like mint or basil for a subtle, herbaceous note. Maple syrup or honey adds a touch of spring sweetness, or try enhancing eggnog flavor with a splash of vanilla or almond extract.
