Chocolate and Orange Sbriciolata

Here is the recipe for a delightful Chocolate and Orange Sbriciolata with an Italian twist. This dessert, with its combination of chocolate and citrus, is perfect for those looking for a rich and balanced flavor.

Ingredients

• 300 g of all-purpose flour
• 150 g of cold butter, cubed
• 150 g of sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• Grated zest of 1 orange (preferably organic)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder for desserts
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, as needed to flavor the dough
• 200 g of fresh ricotta (you can also use mascarpone for a creamier consistency)
• 100 g of dark chocolate, chopped or in flakes
• 1 tablespoon of orange liqueur (such as Cointreau, optional)
• Juice of 1 orange

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine the flour with the sugar, grated orange zest, unsweetened cocoa (enough to give flavor and a chocolatey color), a pinch of salt, and the baking powder.
2. Add the egg yolks and cold cubed butter. Quickly work the mixture with your fingertips until you get a sandy and granular dough.
3. Take about 2/3 of the sandy dough and spread it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper creating a uniform layer that will be the base of the sbriciolata. Press it down slightly with the back of a spoon.
4. In another bowl, mix the ricotta (or mascarpone) with the dark chocolate, orange juice, and, if you like, a tablespoon of orange liqueur. This will give a more pronounced flavor and a deep aroma to the filling.
5. Spread the filling over the sandy dough base in the tray.
6. Crumble the remaining dough over the ricotta and chocolate filling, creating a “crumbled” effect.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 30-35 minutes or until the surface appears golden and crunchy.
8. Allow to cool before cutting and serving.

Trivia

The sbriciolata, also known as “crumble” in other culinary traditions, owes its peculiarity to the dough which, instead of being smooth and compact as in a classic tart, is crumbled. This texture gives the dessert an unexpected crunchiness that perfectly complements the creaminess of the filling.

I hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this Chocolate and Orange Sbriciolata!