CASSATELLE SICILIANE: A RICOTTA FILLING DELIGHTS

Enter the world of Cassatelle Siciliane, delightful little pastries filled with creamy ricotta and kissed with a hint of lemon.

These golden, crispy delights are a true taste of Sicilian hospitality.

Perfect for a special occasion or an everyday indulgence, ensuring there are plenty to share with friends and family.

So, let’s get ready to bring a slice of Sicily into your home!

Why Love This Recipe?

• Authentic Sicilian Flavors: Combines the creamy sweetness of ricotta with a citrusy twist of lemon zest.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family treat, these pastries never fail to impress.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Mini chocolate chips are optional, offering an additional layer of indulgence.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Servings

• Makes: About 12-15 Cassatelle

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 large eggs
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine (e.g., Marsala)

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups (375g) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (50g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Method

For the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk the eggs with the white wine. Make a well in the dry mixture and pour in the egg-wine mix.
4. Form the Dough: Mix until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add more wine a teaspoon at a time.
5. Knead: On a floured surface, knead the dough until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

For the Filling:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Optional Addition: Stir in the mini chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness and texture.

Assembling the Cassatelle:

1. Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the rested dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 4-inch circles using a cutter or glass.
2. Fill and Fold: Place a spoonful of ricotta filling in the center of each circle. Fold in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
3. Egg Wash: Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the tops of the Cassatelle.

Baking:

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Arrange the Cassatelle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Cool and Dust: Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.

Tips for Success

• Ricotta Preparation: Drain ricotta well before using to prevent soggy filling.
• Perfect Seals: Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
• Alternative Cooking Method: For a more traditional take, fry the Cassatelle in hot oil until golden instead of baking.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Savor the delicate crunch of the golden pastry and the creamy, lemon-kissed ricotta filling. Cassatelle Siciliane are a delightful way to bring a piece of Sicily into your home, one bite at a time.

Buon appetito! 🍋

Cassatelle Siciliane Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough:

• 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup 56g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 large eggs
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup 60ml white wine (e.g., Marsala)

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups 375g whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
• 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup 50g mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 egg yolk for egg wash
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

For the Dough:

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
• Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk the eggs with the white wine. Make a well in the dry mixture and pour in the egg-wine mix.
• Form the Dough: Mix until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add more wine a teaspoon at a time.
• Knead: On a floured surface, knead the dough until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

For the Filling:

• Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Optional Addition: Stir in the mini chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness and texture.

Assembling the Cassatelle:

• Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the rested dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 4-inch circles using a cutter or glass.
• Fill and Fold: Place a spoonful of ricotta filling in the center of each circle. Fold in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
• Egg Wash: Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the tops of the Cassatelle.

Baking:

• Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake: Arrange the Cassatelle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Cool and Dust: Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.

Notes

Makes about 12-15 Cassatelle