Ingredients for Italian Easter Cake Pastiera Napoletana
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Almond Extract
- 2 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla Powder
- Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup dried spelt or farro wheat berries (or 1 (15-ounce) can cooked wheat)
- ½ cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
- Cinnamon
- Orange Flower Water
- Vanilla Essence
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How to Make Italian Easter Cake Pastiera Napoletana
- **Prepare the Pasta Frolla (Shortcrust Pastry):**
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon almond extract.
- Gradually add 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10-12 hours (or overnight).
- **Prepare the Cooked Wheat (Grano):**
- Rinse 1 cup dried spelt or farro wheat berries (or use 1 (15-ounce) can cooked wheat) thoroughly. If using dried, soak in water for at least 2 days, changing the water daily.
- Drain the wheat and simmer in 2 cups milk with ½ lemon zest and a pinch of salt for 4 hours, or until tender, in a covered saucepan over very low heat.
- Stir in ½ orange zest and a pinch of vanilla extract once cooked.
- **Prepare the Ricotta Filling:**
- In a separate bowl, combine 25 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon orange extract.
- Gently fold in the cooked wheat and ½ cup candied orange peel, cut into small pieces.
- **Assemble and Bake:**
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out half of the pasta frolla and line a 9-inch springform pan or individual muffin tins.
- Pour the ricotta filling into the prepared crust.
- Roll out the remaining pasta frolla and use it to cover the filling. Crimp the edges to seal. You can cut decorative designs into the top crust if desired.
- Bake for 60-80 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
6 g
Sugar
223g
Fat
48g
Carbs
24g
