Cherry and Chocolate Sbrisoline

Cherry and Chocolate Sbrisolone is a delicious variation of the traditional Mantovan Sbrisolona cake. Here is how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 200 g of all-purpose flour
• 100 g of corn flour
• 100 g of roughly chopped almonds
• 150 g of sugar
• 150 g of butter at room temperature
• 1 egg
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 vial of vanilla essence or the seeds from one vanilla pod
• 150 g of pitted cherries
• 100 g of dark chocolate, chopped or in chips

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flours, chopped almonds, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
3. Add the butter, cut into small pieces, and work the mixture with your hands until you get a sandy consistency.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla essence, stirring without overworking the dough to maintain the “crumbly” texture.
5. Gently fold in the halved cherries and the pieces of dark chocolate.
6. Put the dough into a cake tin (preferably 24 cm in diameter), without pressing down too much, leaving it crumbly.
7. Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the surface is golden brown.
8. Let the Cherry and Chocolate Sbrisolone cool down completely before serving it.

Interesting Facts

Sbrisolona cake is a traditional dessert from Mantova, with very ancient origins; it was considered the poor’s cake because of its simplicity. Today, it is a true delight to enjoy perhaps with a glass of sweet wine or coffee. The cherry and chocolate version is a fusion between tradition and innovation, adding a touch of fruit and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the crunchiness of the almonds.

Enjoy your tasting!