Ricotta and Chocolate Crumble Tart (Sbriciolata)

Sbriciolata Ricotta and Chocolate: A Decadent Italian Dessert

When it comes to indulgent Italian desserts, the Sbriciolata Ricotta e Cioccolato is a true showstopper. This delicious crumble tart, featuring a rich combination of sweet ricotta and bittersweet chocolate, offers a mouthwatering balance of textures that is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. With a buttery, crumbly base, a creamy ricotta filling, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips, every bite is an unforgettable treat.

Servings: 8
Category: Desserts
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crumble Base
   Start by placing the flour and cold butter (cut into small cubes) into a large mixing bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the butter and flour together until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs or sand. This step is crucial to achieving the desired crumbly texture for the tart base.

2. Incorporate the Sugar and Eggs
   Once the flour and butter are combined, add the sugar and stir well. Crack the eggs into the mixture and mix thoroughly. Work quickly with your hands, combining the eggs into the dough until everything is just incorporated. The dough should remain coarse, without becoming too smooth. Form the dough into a rough ball, then cover it lightly with a dish or cloth, allowing it to rest at room temperature for a short period (about 15 minutes). This resting time ensures that the dough is easier to handle during assembly.

3. Prepare the Ricotta Filling
   While the dough rests, it’s time to prepare the creamy ricotta filling. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and 50g of sugar. Use a spatula or spoon to mix them together until smooth and well combined. Then, add the rum to the ricotta mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. This filling will add a luxurious creamy layer to the sbriciolata.

4. Assemble the Tart
   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line the base of a 26cm (10-inch) tart pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, crumble half of the dough mixture into the tart pan, pressing it gently to form a rough, even layer that covers both the bottom and sides of the pan.

5. Add the Ricotta Filling
   Spread the prepared ricotta mixture evenly over the crumbly dough base. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, ensuring the ricotta layer is uniform.

6. Top with the Remaining Dough
   Break the remaining dough into large crumbles and scatter them over the ricotta filling. The more uneven and rustic, the better, as this will create the signature crumbled effect that gives the sbriciolata its name.

7. Bake the Sbriciolata
   Place the tart in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp. Since oven temperatures vary, it’s a good idea to check on the tart after 30 minutes of baking.

8. Finish the Baking
   For the final touch, after 40 minutes, move the sbriciolata to the lower rack of the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This ensures that the bottom crust becomes perfectly crisp while the top maintains its golden brown color.

9. Cool and Serve
   Once baked, remove the sbriciolata from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, carefully remove the tart from the pan, slice it into 8 generous portions, and serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Sbriciolata Ricotta e Cioccolato

• Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is cold when you start, as this helps create the desired crumbly texture in the dough.
• Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time for the dough. It makes a huge difference in how easily the dough comes together and how well it bakes.
• Rich Filling: If you want to add extra flavor, you can stir in a small handful of dark chocolate chips into the ricotta filling before spreading it in the pan.
• Storage: This tart keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This delightful Sbriciolata Ricotta e Cioccolato is a treat that’s as comforting as it is decadent, with its soft ricotta center and indulgent chocolate pieces. Perfect for any occasion, this Italian dessert can be served at a family gathering or as the showstopper at a festive celebration. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine, this tart is sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who’s lucky enough to taste it.