Sfogliatelle Ricce is a traditional Italian pastry known for its flaky, layered texture and sweet ricotta filling. Coming from Naples, this nice treat works well for dessert or a special breakfast.

The recipe involves making a dough that is rolled and folded multiple times to create the signature layers, followed by a rich filling of ricotta cheese, sugar, and citrus zest.

Origin of Sfogliatelle Ricce

Sfogliatelle Ricce comes from Naples, Italy, where it has become a loved pastry.

This nice treat is known for its unique flaky layers that create a satisfying crunch with each bite.

The name “sfogliatelle” translates to “many leaves,” which describes the pastry’s layered structure well.

Preparation and Techniques

Making sfogliatelle requires some skill and patience.

The dough is rolled and folded several times, a technique that is important for getting the signature flaky texture.

Each layer contributes to the overall lightness and crispness of the pastry, making it a true labor of love.

Once the dough is prepared, it is rolled out into a thin sheet, cut into circles, and filled with a rich ricotta mixture.

The folding and sealing of the dough are important steps that make sure the filling stays intact during baking.

The Creamy Filling

The filling is what truly sets sfogliatelle apart.

A blend of ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and citrus zest creates a creamy, sweet center that goes well with the flaky exterior.

The addition of orange and lemon zest adds refreshing brightness, making the overall flavor better.

Baking to Perfection

Baking sfogliatelle requires attention to temperature and timing.

The pastries should be placed in a heated oven, letting them rise and develop a golden-brown color.

This stage is important, as it transforms the dough into a crispy shell while keeping the filling warm and soft.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, sfogliatelle are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and makes their visual appeal better.

These pastries can be served as a nice dessert or enjoyed with coffee for breakfast, making them versatile for any occasion.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing sfogliatelle properly is important to maintain their texture.

They can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.

For longer storage, consider freezing them and reheating in the oven to restore their crispness before serving.

Delicious Sfogliatelle Ricce Recipe

This pastry features a crispy outer shell with a soft, creamy ricotta filling. The preparation takes about 2 hours, including chilling time, and yields approximately 12 pastries.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add melted butter, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside.
3. Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin rectangle. Fold it over itself multiple times to create layers, then roll it out again to a thin sheet.
4. Shape the Pastries: Cut the dough into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a shell, pinching the edges to seal.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 12 pastries
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

Sfogliatelle Ricce Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 12 Pastries

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese drained
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

• Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add melted butter, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside.
• Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin rectangle. Fold it over itself multiple times to create layers, then roll it out again to a thin sheet.
• Shape the Pastries: Cut the dough into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a shell, pinching the edges to seal.
• Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
• Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.