Here’s how to prepare one of the most delicious Sicilian cakes
Italian patisserie and Sicilian cakes have always been appreciated all over the world for their quality and excellence. Some of these come from specific Italian regions and have then spread everywhere else because of their extraordinary goodness. An example of this can be found in the Delizia cake, excellence of Sicilian patisserie. Italian Traditions will lead you on the discovery of the Delizia cake by explaining what it is and all about its origins. We will also explain the main steps to prepare it. We will end up with the original recipe and a step by step guide to make you prepare a wonderful Delizia cake.
Credits: Pasticceria Tagliafico
What is it?
The Delizia cake is a classic of Italian patisserie and is now prepared in the main pastry shops as one of the most popular Sicilian desserts. One of its peculiarities consists in the fact that it is composed of disks of sponge cake with almonds. These must first be soaked in liqueur and then filled with an almond based cream. Another typical feature of this Sicilian dessert is the pattern of almond paste that is used for its decoration. Its name comes from the particular pastry bag used for this operation.
Its origins
This dessert is one of the traditional recipes of Sicilian cakes. It is one of the Italian excellences appreciated all over the world for the quality of its products. Its origin is very old and probably came about in the territories of western Sicily. This is in fact the area of Italy where it is most appreciated. Over the years it has spread throughout the nation and has also become known abroad.
Credits: Blog giallo zafferano
The original recipe
Over the years, many variations have been introduced creating additional versions the original recipe. Here we present the basic ingredients for the preparation of the Delizia cake according to the traditional recipe of Sicilian patisseries. First of all, we must distinguish the ingredients according to the different parts of the cake. In fact, the sponge cake requires the following ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 100 g of flour
- 25 g of starch
- 125g of sugar.
For the cream to fill the cake, we use the following ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 400 g of almonds
- 250 g of sugar
- amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 orange peel
Finally to make the syrup to soak the cake you will need:
1/2 glass of sweetened water
1/2 glass amaretto liqueur.
How to prepare it?
Credits: Pasticceria Tagliafico
The cake preparation is quite complicated and takes a long time. First you must beat the yolks of three eggs in a bowl. Meanwhile, whip the egg whites in another bowl. At this point you can mix all the other ingredients and pour it into a special cake mold. Now put it in the oven for 30-35 minutes at a temperature of 180 degrees. Once ready let it cool. Now prepare the cream. Its consistency must be quite solid.
Cut the sponge cake in two and fill it with the cream. What’s left over is then used for the decoration. To do this you need to use a pastry bag. The suggestion is to finish off the cake by using the basket decoration typical of this cake. First remember to wet it with the specially prepared syrup. At this point the cake must rest for about 18 hours in the refrigerator. Finally put it in the oven for 10 minutes at 220 degrees.
In the course of history, Sicilian confectionery has produced recipes known and appreciated all over the world. If you want to know other Sicilian cake recipes of Italian tradition we suggest you read this article too. Now that you know how to prepare the Delizia you just have to try and make it at home. Alternatively you will be able to find it in one of the pastry shops in your town.