{"id":"zuccotto_443cdf10e0","slug":"zuccotto","title":"Zuccotto","description":"A classic Florentine dome-shaped dessert featuring layers of liqueur-soaked sponge cake filled with a decadent mixture of sweetened ricotta, dark chocolate, and toasted nuts.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":40,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":40,"activeMinutes":40},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"400g sponge cake (Pan di Spagna) or ladyfingers","name":"Sponge Cake","quantity":400,"unit":"g","usQuantity":14.1,"usUnit":"oz","form":"sliced","notes":"Pan di Spagna preferred","group":"Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"120ml Alchermes liqueur (or Maraschino)","name":"Liqueur","quantity":120,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"liquid","notes":"Alchermes or Maraschino","group":"Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"500g ricotta cheese, drained","name":"Ricotta","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":17.6,"usUnit":"oz","form":"fresh","notes":"ricotta, sheep milk preferred","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"150g powdered sugar","name":"Sugar","quantity":150,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1 1/4","usUnit":"cup","form":"powdered","notes":"confectioners sugar","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"250ml heavy cream, whipped","name":"Cream","quantity":250,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"whipped","notes":"heavy whipping cream","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"100g dark chocolate, chopped","name":"Dark Chocolate","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3.5,"usUnit":"oz","form":"chopped","notes":"at least 70% cocoa","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"50g toasted hazelnuts, chopped","name":"Hazlenuts","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.8,"usUnit":"oz","form":"chopped and toasted","notes":"or almonds","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"50g candied orange peel, diced","name":"Candied Orange Peel","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.8,"usUnit":"oz","form":"diced","notes":"candied","group":"Filling","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"1 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting","name":"Cocoa Powder","quantity":7,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"powder","notes":"unsweetened","group":"Garnish","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Line a 1.5-quart (1.4-liter) bowl with plastic wrap, leaving some overhang on the sides.","group":"Preparation","title":"Line a 1.5-quart bowl","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Cut the sponge cake into 1/2-inch thick slices or triangles. Lightly brush or dip the slices into the Alchermes liqueur until they are colored but not falling apart.","group":"Assembly","title":"Cut the sponge cake","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Assembly"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Line the bottom and sides of the bowl with the soaked sponge cake pieces, fitting them tightly together so there are no gaps. Reserve enough cake to cover the top later.","group":"Assembly","title":"Line the bottom and sides of the bowl","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Assembly"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"In a large bowl, whisk the drained ricotta with powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the ricotta mixture.","group":"Filling","title":"Whisk the drained ricotta","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Filling"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Fold the chopped chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and candied orange peel into the ricotta cream.","group":"Filling","title":"Fold the chopped chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and candied orange peel","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Filling"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Fill the cake-lined bowl with the cream mixture. Level the top with a spatula.","group":"Assembly","title":"Fill the cake-lined bowl","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Assembly"},{"id":"instruction-7","text":"Cover the top with the remaining soaked sponge cake slices. Fold the plastic wrap overhang over the top to seal.","group":"Assembly","title":"Cover the top with the remaining soaked sponge cake slices","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Assembly"},{"id":"instruction-8","text":"Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the structure to set.","group":"Chilling","title":"Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight,","timerMinutes":360,"sourceTitle":"Chilling"},{"id":"instruction-9","text":"When ready to serve, pull back the plastic wrap, place a serving plate over the bowl, and invert. Remove the bowl and plastic wrap. Dust generously with cocoa powder.","group":"Garnish","title":"When ready to serve, pull back the plastic wrap","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Garnish"}],"notes":"Traditionally, Alchermes liqueur is used for its bright red color and spicy flavor, but Maraschino or a mix of brandy and orange liqueur works well too. Ensure the ricotta is well-drained for a firm structure.","cuisine":{"group":"Italian","specific":["Italian"]},"course":["dessert"],"cookingMethod":["noCook"],"equipment":["1.5-quart bowl","plastic wrap","pastry brush","mixing bowls","whisk","spatula"],"diet":["vegetarian"],"allergens":["milk","eggs","wheat","tree_nuts"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":1,"unit":"cake","note":"Standard 1.5-quart dome mold"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The entire dessert must be made at least 6 hours in advance. It actually improves in flavor after 24 hours."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap to prevent the cake from drying out.","reheatingNotes":"Serve cold directly from the fridge."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fzuccotto_443cdf10e0%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=8e903d5d-6eee-4f78-8e23-7c4c86c744cf","imageAlt":"Zuccotto — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["italian dessert","ricotta","sponge cake","alchermes","dome cake","florence","traditional"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Zuccotto","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T08:22:04.293Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T08:22:04.293Z","related":[{"id":"zabaione_e4ffd1c355","slug":"zabaione","title":"Zabaione","description":"A classic, ethereal Italian dessert custard that is light, frothy, and rich. Made with only three main ingredients, it features the deep, oaky sweetness of Marsala wine.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Italian","specific":["Italian"]},"course":["dessert"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fzabaione_e4ffd1c355%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=14a2d3e3-eade-48a2-8950-b337e34134f1","imageAlt":"Zabaione — recipe cover","tags":["custard","italian dessert","marsala","gluten free","classic","zabaglione"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":6},{"id":"amaretti_5cd3652db8","slug":"amaretti","title":"Amaretti","description":"Classic Italian almond cookies that are delightfully crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.","serves":12,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":25,"totalMinutes":45,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"Italian","specific":["Italian"]},"course":["dessert"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["gluten_free","vegetarian","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Famaretti_5cd3652db8%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=0f1490d2-fcc5-4602-9b93-b736e5d167b6","imageAlt":"Amaretti — recipe cover","tags":["amaretti","almond cookies","italian dessert","gluten-free","dairy-free","chewy cookies"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":6},{"id":"gelato_fd4a03473b","slug":"authentic-italian-gelato","title":"Authentic Italian Gelato","description":"A silky, dense, and intensely flavored Italian frozen treat. Unlike traditional ice cream, gelato is made with more milk than cream and churned at a slower speed to create a signature creamy texture without too much air.","serves":6,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":10,"totalMinutes":45,"activeMinutes":25},"cuisine":{"group":"Italian","specific":["Italian"]},"course":["dessert"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fgelato_fd4a03473b%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=d679ff2e-c3f2-4e9d-b7ad-993e029b136b","imageAlt":"Authentic Italian Gelato — recipe cover","tags":["gelato","italian dessert","creamy","vanilla","frozen treat"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":7}]}