Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Naples with the most magical Easter dessert you'll ever taste! Pastiera Napoletana is not just a cake – it's a centuries-old tradition that captures the essence of Italian celebration, with a recipe so sublime it will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. This legendary dessert combines the richness of ricotta, the delicate touch of orange blossom, and the unique texture of cooked wheat into a masterpiece that has been cherished for generations.
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked wheat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pie crust
- ½ cup candied fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the wheat by draining cooked wheat and letting it cool completely. If using dried wheat, soak overnight and cook until tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Add orange blossom water and ground cinnamon to the ricotta mixture. Stir until well incorporated.
- Fold the cooled cooked wheat into the ricotta mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and line a 9-inch round baking dish, trimming excess dough from edges.
- Gently pour the wheat and ricotta mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Sprinkle candied fruit evenly across the top of the filling.
- Create a lattice pattern with remaining pie crust strips across the top of the pie if desired.
- Bake in preheated oven for approximately 70 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Wheat Preparation is Key: Use high-quality wheat and take your time cooking and cooling it properly. If possible, prepare the wheat a day in advance to ensure the best texture.
- Ricotta Quality Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality ricotta cheese for the creamiest filling. Drain it well to prevent excess moisture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and ricotta are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better integration.
- Patience is a Virtue: Allow the pastiera to cool completely (at least 2 hours) before serving. This helps the filling set and enhances the flavors.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dessert actually improves if made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Decorative Touch: Create a beautiful lattice top or simply dust with powdered sugar for an authentic Neapolitan presentation.
- Serving Suggestion: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature, preferably with a small glass of sweet dessert wine.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
