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Strawberry Grape Zuccotto

17/11/2023

The strawberry grape zuccotto is a tasty variation of the classic Tuscan zuccotto, which is enriched with the sweet and delicate aroma of strawberry grapes. Here is what you need and how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 200 g of ladyfingers or ready-made sponge cake
  • 300 g of strawberry grapes
  • 250 g of fresh ricotta
  • 150 g of powdered sugar
  • 100 g of chopped almonds
  • 60 ml of Vin Santo or another sweet beverage (optional)
  • 150 ml of whipping cream
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (for decoration)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the strawberry grapes carefully and drying them gently. Cut the grapes in half and remove the seeds if present. Set aside.

  2. In a bowl, work the ricotta with the powdered sugar until it is fluffy and smooth.

  3. Add the chopped almonds and half of the cut grapes to the ricotta, keeping the other half aside for the final decoration.

  4. In another bowl, whip the cream until it is firm. Gently fold it into the mixture of ricotta, sugar, almonds, and grapes.

  5. Dip the ladyfingers in Vin Santo diluted with a little water (if you want a version more suitable for children, use a non-alcoholic drink like grape juice).

  6. Line a half-sphere mold or a bowl with cling film and arrange the moistened ladyfingers along the bottom and sides of the mold, making sure to leave no empty spaces.

  7. Pour the ricotta and cream mixture into the mold, leveling it well and covering it with other moistened ladyfingers.

  8. Refrigerate and let it rest for at least 3 hours so that it sets well.

  9. When ready to serve, turn out the zuccotto onto a serving plate, remove the cling film, and decorate with the grape halves set aside and a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder.

Fun Facts

The original zuccotto is a cold dessert rich in history! It is said that its shape is inspired by the helmets of soldiers or church domes, like that of the Florence Cathedral. It is a dessert that lends itself to numerous variations, and this one with strawberry grapes is perfect for making the most of the natural sweetness of this particular type of grape when in season.