Description
The Classic Italian Zuccotto Cake is a tantalizing blend of texture and taste, a dessert that brings a slice of Italian charm right to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf of sponge cake (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup chocolate liqueur (optional)
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Begin by lining a large bowl with plastic wrap. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove once set. Cut the sponge cake into thin slices and meticulously line the bowl, overlapping the slices slightly to ensure complete coverage without gaps.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients until smooth and well-integrated, using your mixer at medium speed. This will be the creamy heart of your cake.
- In another separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks, a crucial step ensuring the filling is light and airy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the volume.
- In a double boiler or microwave, melt the dark chocolate, stirring until silky and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before folding it alongside the chopped, toasted hazelnuts into the cheese mixture for a delightful textural contrast.
- Pour the prepared filling into the sponge cake-lined bowl, smoothing the surface to ensure an even distribution. Cover the filling with additional sponge cake slices, sealing your cake with care.
- Wrap the entire bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly—overnight chilling is even better.
- When ready to serve, invert the bowl onto a serving platter, remove the plastic wrap, and generously dust with cocoa powder for a classic, velvety finish.
Notes
Always make sure your chocolate is cooled before adding it to your mixture to prevent melting your other ingredients too soon.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Protein: 7 g