Inspired by the many Italian cakes baked on Epiphany Eve as offerings to “La Befana”, this fruity golden cake (with a dash of spirit) is a Witches Cake. According to legend, Befana is an old witch who flies through the night of January 5th on her broom delivering presents to children. And as they lie asleep in their beds, she comes down the chimney and puts gifts and candies in stockings hung by the fireplace. So just as we leave cookies for Santa, in Italy putting out special cakes and cookies for La Befana is a centuries-old tradition.
All kinds of Befana cakes and cookies (called Befani) are made across Italy. In some regions, La Befana’s arrival is celebrated with a Panettone a round yellow fruit bread, in others, a star-shaped bread called Focaccia Della Befana is made. Italians hide a coin inside and whoever finds it will be lucky all year. You can find my recipe for the Focaccia Della Befana (pictured below) in the Winter Celestial Edition of Enchanted Living Magazine.
The recipe for this golden as-the-sun La Befana Cake is inspired by the Venetian traditions of Pinza Cake which contains cornmeal, dried fruit, fennel seeds, and Grappa. Before ovens, it was wrapped in leaves of cabbage and cooked under the hearth!
I kept the traditional elements of cornmeal (so the cake would be golden as the sun) the “fruits of the earth” (currants, candied ginger & orange peel), and the wild fennel seeds for their sunny aromatic spice. But instead of flour, I chose rustic almond flour (there will be far too much processed white flour this holiday season!) so be warned this is a dense cake! You could substitute regular flour instead of almond flour – the same amount. I also used honey in place of sugar ( just over half a cup) and tossed in some dried apricots for their bright color. You could also toss in a few cranberries. Normally the recipe calls for a splash of Grappa (a tartish brandy) but I had none, so in went my rosehip brandy instead.
It may not be a classic Venetian Befana Cake – but it’s pretty close to 12th Night Cakes in general. In old-world traditions, Epiphany Eve is the date of Twelfth Night (the end of Yuletide) a celebration of the rebirth of the sun. It was marked by plenty of round, sweet-spicy bread-like cakes enriched with dried fruit (and a splash of spirits).
The old 12th Night Feast became the Christian Feast of Epiphany, which was held – and still is – in honor of the night the Three Magi found the baby Jesus. That’s what’s so interesting about La Befana. Unlike much of the old pagan goddess lore surrounding the winter holidays, Befana remains alive within the Christian traditions (although reworked a bit as a cautionary story). Briefly, it goes something like this… the Three Wise Men encounter La Befana riding on a broom and ask her to join them to see the baby Jesus. La Befana refuses- but later she regrets her decision. Setting out to bring gifts to the baby Jesus, she cannot find him and instead leaves gifts for children as repentance.
This tale of La Befana can be traced back to the 13th century but I suspect a Christian overlay over what is an older story – what is Befana doing out in winter countryside in the first place? Why should the Wise Men need to address her? Why does Befana need to repent? Could she be some version of the old winter goddesses of the pagan religions that the Church was struggling to suppress?
According to Italian anthropologists and authors Claudia and Luigi Manciocco, Befana’s origins back to Neolithic beliefs in a great goddess associated with fertility and agriculture. Author Judika Illes writes, “Befana may predate Christianity and may originally be a goddess of ancestral spirits, forest, and the passage of time.”
From the British Isles to Russia, Befana is one of many crone goddesses who represented the death of the old year and wandered bare winter landscapes. In her book, “European Mythology,” Jacqueline Simpson describes the Scottish Cailleach as “a tall, blue-faced crone” who is “both a personification of winter and a protectress of wild animals.” In Slavic mythology, Baba Yaga is the wild old woman; the forest witch with a strong association with winter. In Germanic areas, Frau Holda or Holle was a goddess associated with yuletide, witchcraft, and female nocturnal spirits. She rode on a distaff, which closely resembles a broom.
But of all these female winter deities of pre-Christian Europe, Befana is still going strong. Her veneration must have been so deeply embedded in the local populace that the Church would allow an old witch to play a role in Epiphany Celebrations!
Today the arrival of La Befana is just as eagerly awaited as Christmas Eve. And every Epiphany Eve, children put up stockings for the tattered and soot-covered Befana to fill with tangerines, candies, and chocolate coins (for prosperity!)
Many say she will sweep the floor before she leaves, sweeping away of the problems of the old year. Befana also visits grandparents and other relatives so Italian homes are busy with people visiting and of children unwrapping gifts. Tables are laden with cakes and traditional Italian liqueurs, and old songs are sung in honor of La Befana!
Here comes, here comes the Befana
She comes from the mountains in the deep of the night
Look how tired she is! All wrapped up
In snow and frost and the north wind!
Here comes, here comes the Befana!
Giovanni Pascoli
La Befana Cake (Gather Style)
Ingredients:
- 1 & 1/4 cup cornmeal or polenta
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (a little extra or sprinkling on top) or 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/3 cup softened butter
- 3 & 1/2 cups of milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon or orange zest
- 2 tablespoons currants or raisins
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons candied orange peels (chopped)
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons minced candied ginger
- 2 tablespoons dried apricots (finely chopped) or cranberries
- 3/4 cup diced fresh apple
- 1/4 cup of Grappa (or brandy)
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of anise seeds
- A teaspoon or so of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons of almond flakes for garnish
Directions:
- Put all the candied fruit, raisins, ginger, and apricots in a bowl, pour over the brandy, and allow to soften for an hour.
- Bring the milk to a boil with a pinch of salt. Once you have reached the boil, pour in the almond flour and polenta, slowly, mixing well with a whisk, so that it does not form lumps. Reduce heat to low, continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 10-12 minutes. The mixture should be soft and non-gritty so add more milk if necessary. It will be thick.
- Remove from heat, then add the butter in chunks, the diced apple, brown sugar, brandy-soaked dried fruit, fennel, and anise seeds.
- Mix well, then pour the mixture into a pre-greased round springboard cake tin (8 -9 inches). Level it, sprinkle the surface generously with brown sugar. Cook at 350 F for about 50-55 minutes, a beautiful golden-brown crust should form on the surface. If you used honey you may need an additional 7-10 minutes but don’t overbake as it will firm up and set once cool. Let sit overnight so flavors can intermingle and deepen!
What interesting parallels to Santa Claus who also comes thru the chimney bringing gifts. This cake looks soft and delicious, thanks for sharing the recipe and folklore behind it.
I know its so interesting! Looks like Santa and Rudolph etc. and so many traditions were cherry-picked here and there from a grab bag of previous traditions – but all left the feminine aspects out!
so glad you are taking the time to re-introduce us to the Sacred Feminine, Danielle.
I am sure there was a reason..doesn’t bother me at all..everything in due time-Its all good
La Befana predates Santa.
Yes absolutely!
It actually closer to the Three wise men tradition in France, Spain and many other European Countries, than to the concept of Santa Claus which comes in December. The Three Wise men share the same exact date and behavior. Like most “Christian” traditions, Epiphany has its roots in pagan traditions.
Yup, good point!
I have had some experiences with the Archetype of La Befana Christmas season to help heal the female wise-woman tradition of Europe. La Befana was aloud in the church yet have ever come against some those old Italian Mama Mias? Saints, charms and a few Hail Marys would fix anything. Yet my own direct experience this season was I saw La Befana following Eastern Star on her own path. Rather than missing the Christ Child she saw the Holy Child in the face of all children. This of course a different angle on the old tradition which gives the Herbal Wise Women due respect for their healing abilities and the power of the herbs they bring to family, friends and loved ones. I leave with this on this Holy Night of the Three Kings
La Befana’s Prayer. The Italian Christmas Witch.
by Raylenea
She flies on her broomstick amongst the stars. She brings many gifts she has traveled so far. Her wisdom is natural; she sees through the heart, she finds every child and nourishes their Inner Spark. For the Spark of God is in everything we see; from an innocent heart we can fulfill all the needs. Long Live La Befana. Amen.
Fascinating. I so enjoy reading your blogs. Looking forward to trying this recipe, looks yummy. Thank you.
Thank-you, and thank-you for taking the time to comment. These nice comments make my day and keep me going!
Thank you very much for this story. I never knew about La Befana. I was raised Catholic (and still am) but over the years i knew of the Old Beliefs before Christianity. This fits right in. I plan on taking your recipe and making this
Wonderful! I hope it turned out!
Befana huh?🌲❄️ I honestly hadn’t heard of her! I’m charmed and fascinated. Thank you for your folklore and food. I’m a patron and proud of it. Keep up the good work!
I always learn something new, thank you!
Thank you Beth for being a patron! You make these posts possible!!! Thank-you, thank-you!
I’m always excited to read one of your post. Thanks for sharing. I love Itailian inspired desserts
Thank-you! Glad you enjoy them!
Thank you for sharing this. I will try the recipe!!
I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you <3
Thank you for your time in cultivating the deep soul of delicious-ness in so many ways. May Befana be kind to you this hollyday.
Thank-you for taking the time to read & comment. Seasons Blessings to you!
A wonderful, interesting piece of writing – thank you – and the cake recipe looks beautiful! 🙂
Thank-you!
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the brandy, please?
In Ireland the make a golden fruitcake in which the fruit is soaked in a dark tea…you could try that…but may something with flavour might work well… a strong lemon, rosehip or hibiscus or whatever flavour you think might suit the cake!
Oooo. Would you be able to point me to traditional Irish dishes? I have just bought all the La Bafana ingredients and am making my first one tonight for solstice tomorrow. 🌟🌟
No Irish dishes this season but plug in the word Imbolc in the search bar and you’ll find some recipes for the end of January!
Those Christian ‘fathers’ really, really got their cassocks in a twist about old women who were far closer to the true spirit of the season than they were.
’tis true, ’tis true and pity ’tis!
Aye.
I have Celtic heritage and am always fascinated with the corollary between the Church and pre-Christian rituals and celebrations, in all cultures. I especially love the respect and honor of the sacred feminine. I wonder — how did patrimony become so intensely afraid of the sacred feminine? The two should work together …
Thank you for this interesting history.
I so agree! 🙂
Wonderful post! Thanks for honoring La Befana in such a beautiful, rich way!
Thank-you so much!
Question for you, does the brandy get added to the cake or just the fruits soaking in it? I ask because I made this last night and after an hour in the oven it is still pretty liquid and I wonder if it is because I poured the brandy in with the fruits.
Hi Charlie, its a bit wobbly when it comes out of the oven but sets once cool….however “pretty liquid” doesn’t sound right at all! You should put the brandy in with the fruit and let the fruits soak…..how did it turn out?
I think the egregious sin I committed was not being smart enough to realize polenta meant the dry flour not the prepared polenta you get in a tube (I feel very dim for doing that). What I meant about pouring the brandy in with the fruits is that after an hour of soaking we added both the fruits and the brandy they had been soaking in into the cake.
Bought enough for two more attempts before Befana makes her rounds. Will hopefully perfect it in time for her 😉
Yes both brandy and fruits go into the batter! Better luck next time! You want cornmeal, that is best!
Now I finally understand why my Grandmother insisted each of us children received small bags of gold foil covered chocolates. Thank you so much. I continued that tradition for many years to my children and grandchildren, not knowing why, and will be certain to continue it. Wonderful article
I’ve got this beauty in the oven now, (with a few substitutions) I ended up using a smaller pan at the last moment and now I have a really thick cake baking. I hope it still turns out as the batter tasted great and I used some very special strawberry liquor in place of the grappa.
I know, the batter is yummy, I could it eat it alone with a spoon!
Oh, this is a great post and the cake looks delicious. Thank you! In south Louisiana, ‘La Christine’ (also referred to by some as Mrs. Claus) visits homes on New Year’s Eve, leaving behind little gifts of fruit, candy, clothing, or small toys in the stockings the children hang in preparation of her visit. I’m curious to know if our tradition has its roots in the story of La Befana.
I love it! I would love to know more! It could have something to do with La Befana but believe it or not there were other witches who left treats during the holidays – there was one from Germany too!
I love all of your posts and hope to one day make it up to Victoria. I made a few substitutions since we are dairy free in this household. Cashew milk, vegan butter, and coconut sugar. Oh, and Grand Marnier instead of brandy. I really hope this sets properly since it still looks like creamy oatmeal with small pools of oil on top 🙁 How long would you say it takes to set? Fingers crossed…
Blessed Be )o(
Hi Jennifer, never having used those ingredients in this cake I don’t really know how they might affect the baking…it shouldn’t look like oatmeal with pools of oil… it’s best for it to set overnight. This also helps the flavours set too. I hope it worked out! Happy Holidays!
Saluti e Buon Natale, Danielle!
What a wonderful post.
I came across this article as I was scrolling through Facebook.
What an interesting twist You present… using cornmeal instead of flour.
Being italian, of central and southern descent, I have never had Befanini or torte made from anything other than flour or nutmeals.
The use of the polenta/cornmeal is definitely of the northern italian cuisine.
I cannot wait to try this recipe.
Interesting…there are many recipes using cornmeal and regular flour together. Definitely not my creative twist – can’t take credit at all!
wow what an amazing work you are doing.. I was introduced to you from an herb buddy…I love cooking and herbs, and your interweaving of the feminine is like beautiful depth to a fine wine, dandelion that is…haha! I really appreciated this story, this information about la befana. I still have issues with the western santa/christmas theme and always feel like I’m lying to my kids if I support the story. It’s hard to break away from. This cake is something I am baking today for our christmas eve party and I am sharing the story with it. I love Women Who Run with the Wolves, and I can see Baba Yaga and other Befana archetypes in your story aligning with the wild feminine who is rising from the shadows. Can’t thank you enough! Thank you for what you bring into the world!!
Thank-you for your wonderful comments.. Yes I love that book! Time for a reread over the holidays. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve! Blessings!
I am thrilled at finding this site,thanks to a friend who posted on Facebook the story of the female reindeer,bringer of the light at solstice. I will become a patron as this site is rekindling deep soul longings.but it’s late and I must sleep
Thanks so much! Its such a beautiful story isn’t it? xo
I made this cake for a12th Night Dinner Party………..Loved by all…..Thank You…..it’s a beautiful Winter Cake
Wonderful, so glad to hear it worked for you!
How do I leave pictures?
I plan on making this cake on January 4, 2020. I purchased all my ingredients today. I remember tales of La Befana when I lived in Italy during 1976 and 1977.
I hope it turned out for you! xox
This batter smells absolutely amazing! Definitely reminds me of something I’d smell at a traditional Italian feast. I took it out of the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes. The outside is a perfect golden brown, but the inside is still a mushy cream. I’m worried I may have added too much milk during the boil phase. The instructions didn’t specify exactly how “thick” is thick. It was almost bending my whisk, so I assumed it needed a little more milk.
I’m going to try and put it in the oven another 15 minutes and hope that helps.
Should it pass the clean toothpick test? When I put a thermometer in, it did pull out with “batter” stuck to it. Problem is I don’t even know if this recipe calls for an internal temperature. I’m realizing now after comparing it to other recipes, it’s not the conventional type of dough that you knead. I do prefer the pictures of yours. It looks more elegant and moist like a brownie. More like a treat than a panettone. While your other comment states that “wobbly” was ok, I’d love a little more clarity on what the insides should look like.
Also, the instructions don’t specify what to do with the zest. Maybe it soaks in the brandy with the other fruit? Or is it mixed in when the apples are in? Or maybe it was just meant as a garnish at the end?
I hope the cake turned out! The cake is indeed mushy when it first comes out – it needs to sit and set – then it will firm up. I hope I said that in the recipe – will have to go back and check! And sorry about the zest, it goes into either the dried fruit mixture or the batter but would also be delightful as a garnish! Sorry for the confusion – will go back and clarify the recipe.
Thank you for all the wonderful folklore. I wanted to make this cake last year but couldn’t find all the ingredients. I’m now all set up for making it tomorrow and serving the next day for a small dinner party. Really love your tableaux (settings) and photography. Thank you, Danielle! Happy 12th Night.
Sorry for taking so long to reply! Just getting caught up today. Thank-you for making the cake and I hope it turned out for your dinner party! And belated happy 12th night to you!
Just to be clear
No baking powder or baking soda ?
Hope you can answer soon I’m making this tonight ❗️
Yes that’s right! Good luck!
I made this today for our La Befana party! Delicious! I used grappa for the spirits, and substituted almond milk for the regular milk.
Perfect! I wonder what it tastes like with grappa – haven’t actually tried it yet!
This cake was lovely. My husband said it brought back memories, he had forgotten, of his grandmother having something like this…the smell, the texture, the taste, when he was around 5 yrs old. Thank you!!!
I’m sorry I thought I replied to this earlier – so if I did just chalk it up to middle-aged brain. I thought I said how wonderful for the cake to bring back such associations! The magical power of food. Love it.
I’ve just found your blog and I’m in love. Nothing makes me happier than mixing food, folklore and magic!
I was born and raised in northern Italy and we did celebrate the Befana when I was little, although it’s considered a minor tradition and is losing popularity in many areas, simply because our children get way too much during the other holidays, I believe. She’s normally old, with a big nose and stiched old clothes and flies on a broom.
I’m pagan but never really explored the Befana Tradition, but I have beautiful memories of a tradition we have in my area. I’m not sure but I believe it has celtic origins mixed with christian and local folklore. It’s called “Pan e vin”, bread and wine. We make a “falò”, meaning a huge fire and burn the “old lady”. It sounds a lot like burning the witch, and there are some occasion when a sort of theatrical witch trial is played. I think this is the Christian part!
But besides that people all gather around, eat pinza and drink milled wine.
The farmers used to watch where the smoke would go in order to foresee how the harvest would be for the year.
I need to dig a bit more. I’ve never had big love for the Befana, but I guess it’s time to reconsider her!
Oh I love it! Please keep me updated on your explorations around ” Pan e vin” – right up my alley. Thank-you!
I made this for the Epiphany this year. I didn’t know what to expect but everyone was really enchanted by the flavors. I used raisins, figs and mango and also added pistachios. All of it cooked perfectly. I served it topped with a crown and profiteroles that I made. It was such a wonderful witchy evening. I’m so happy I found this site!
That sounds wonderful & delicious! Glad it worked out! xo