Best Easy Sfogliatella Riccia Recipe

Crispy, layered Neapolitan shell pastry filled with semolina and ricotta cream is a masterpiece of texture. This iconic mediterranean pastry is a family breakfast tradition in Naples.

Cook 180 min Difficulty HARD 340 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 2.5 cups
  • semolina flour 0.5 cup
  • whole milk ricotta cheese 1 cup
  • fine semolina (for filling) 0.5 cup
  • whole milk 1.25 cups
  • granulated sugar 0.67 cup
  • unsalted butter 0.5 cup
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • orange zest 2 tsp
  • candied citrus peel (optional) 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vanilla extract 1 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • powdered sugar (for dusting) 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 45 g 53%
Protein 9 g 11%
Fat 13 g 36%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Combine all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large bowl. Gradually add about 1 cup water to form a stiff dough. Knead thoroughly for at least 10 minutes until very smooth, then wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

  2. 2

    While dough chills, heat whole milk with fine semolina (for filling) over medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid lumps until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

  3. 3

    Blend cooled semolina mixture with ricotta cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and candied citrus peel until creamy. Chill filling for 30 minutes to set the texture.

  4. 4

    Roll chilled dough into a thin rectangle (about 1/16 inch thick). Brush generously with melted unsalted butter. Using your hands, roll the dough tightly into a log, stretching gently as you roll to create laminated layers. Wrap and freeze for 40 minutes to firm up.

  5. 5

    Slice chilled log into 8 pieces. Press each slice into a thin cone, making sure layers fan out to form a shell shape. Fill each with prepared ricotta-semolina cream, then pinch to seal. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy, rotating the tray halfway for even browning. Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredients of Sfogliatella Riccia are semolina and ricotta cheese, which together form the smooth, creamy filling. The elaborate dough made with all-purpose flour and layered with butter creates the signature crispy shell.
Q. How do I keep the pastry layers ultra-crispy and separated?
For maximum crispiness, brush every layer of dough with melted unsalted butter, and ensure the dough is rolled and stretched as thin as possible. Chilling the rolled dough before slicing helps maintain clear separation between the layers during baking.
Q. What's the best baking temperature and timing for this pastry?
Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 25–30 minutes. Begin checking after 20 minutes—rotate the tray halfway through to ensure even browning. The shells should be deeply golden and crisp, while the filling remains moist.
Q. How many calories and protein are there per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 340 kcal and provides 9 grams of protein. The protein-to-carbohydrate ratio is about 1:5, representing 11% of the caloric value from protein and 53% from carbohydrates.
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