Simple Panocha Recipe

My mom taught me since I was young how to make Panocha, It’s a traditional Mexican dessert. Made from piloncillo, it’s sweet and dense. The treat is popular during holidays and special occasions.

I love the taste of panocha; it reminds me of my youth. The recipe I shared today is super easy to make, and you can make it even better with your favorite nuts.

Panocha is a type of dessert that you can make at home and enjoy, bringing back the memories of your childhood.

Why do I love to Make Panocha?

I love making panocha because it reminds me of my childhood and the wonderful times I spent with my mom in the kitchen. The rich caramel of the piloncillo takes me back to those cozy afternoons when we’d mix, stir, and laugh together, and of course, the caramel taste that will give you a good filling in your mouth when you taste it, So it’s a special dessert for in my heart.

Ingredients

• 2 cups piloncillo (or dark brown sugar if unavailable)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Panocha?

Step 1:

In a medium saucepan, combine the piloncillo and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened.

Step 2:

While the piloncillo syrup simmers, take a large mixing bowl and combine the whole wheat flour, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3:

Once the piloncillo syrup has thickened, Pour it into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring vigorously. This step requires attention to prevent any lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth mixture. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract.

Step 4:

Transfer the smooth batter to a greased baking dish, spread it evenly, and Allow the panocha mixture to cool and set at room temperature for several hours.

Step 5:

Once the panocha has set firm, cut it into squares and enjoy it.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Greased baking dish or individual molds

Helpful Tips!

• To make the best Panocha you need to have piloncillo, if not, you can use dark brown sugar instead.
• Try a little bit of the sugar water before mixing it with the other stuff. You can add more or less depending on how sweet you want it.
• Try putting different nuts like almonds or pistachios to make it crunchy and tasty.
• Mix the sugar water slowly with the dry stuff so it becomes smooth and not lumpy.

What to Serve with Panocha?

I love to pair my Panocha with a drizzle of caramel sauce, since I was a kid, Panocha and caramel sauce have been the best combination to have as a dessert. Fresh fruits like strawberries add a refreshing taste to it, while a sprinkle of nuts enhances its crunchy texture. For drinks, I love it with a Salted Nut Roll Shot or a Mexican coffee, also hot chocolate can add a great taste to the dessert.

FAQ

Can I use regular sugar instead of piloncillo?

Yes, you can use dark brown sugar, but piloncillo gives more flavor to panocha.

How long does panocha take to set?

Panocha usually takes several hours or overnight to set properly at room temperature. so be patient.

Can I make panocha without nuts?

If you have nut allergies or simply prefer it without nuts, you can omit them and still enjoy a delicious panocha.

What’s the best way to store panocha?

Store panocha in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I add other flavors to the panocha?

Add spices like nutmeg or ground cloves, or even mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits if you want to.

Conclusion

I hope you love this classic Panocha dessert, It’s a delightful way to bring a taste of Mexican flavors into your home. If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes.