Best Easy Pastiera Napoletana Recipe

Neapolitan Easter cake with wheat berries, ricotta, and orange blossom is a springtime masterpiece. This iconic mediterranean dessert is central to family Easter celebrations in Naples.

Cook 230 min Difficulty NORMAL 380 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 2.5 cups
  • unsalted butter 7 tbsp
  • granulated sugar 1.25 cups
  • large eggs 4 pieces
  • ricotta cheese 1 lb
  • wheat berries (cooked) 1 cup
  • whole milk 1 cup
  • candied citrus peel 0.5 cup
  • lemon zest 2 tsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • orange blossom water 1.5 tbsp
  • vanilla extract 1 tsp
  • ground cinnamon 0.5 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 56 g 59%
Protein 10 g 10%
Fat 13 g 31%
Serving size 160g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Prepare a tart dough by mixing flour, 4 tbsp butter, 0.5 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and a pinch of salt until just combined. Wrap and chill dough for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

  2. 2

    Combine cooked wheat berries, milk, 3 tbsp butter, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and milk is absorbed (about 20 minutes). Let cool completely.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, blend ricotta, 0.75 cup sugar, orange blossom water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and remaining eggs until smooth. Fold in cooled wheat mixture and candied citrus peel.

  4. 4

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to fit a 9-inch springform pan. Line the pan with dough, trimming excess, and reserve extra dough. Pour filling into the prepared crust.

  5. 5

    Roll out reserved dough and cut into ½-inch strips. Arrange in a lattice pattern over the filling. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60–70 minutes until golden and set. Allow to cool thoroughly before unmolding and serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Pastiera Napoletana recipe?
The most distinctive ingredient in Pastiera Napoletana is the combination of cooked wheat berries and ricotta cheese. Wheat berries provide a chewy, nutty texture that’s unique to this Neapolitan classic, while ricotta gives the filling its creamy richness. Orange blossom water and candied citrus peel bring characteristic aroma and flavor.
Q. What are the most important steps for perfect texture in Pastiera Napoletana?
Simmering the wheat berries gently in milk until thickened is crucial for soft, plump grains that don’t dry out the filling. After baking, letting the cake cool fully ensures the creamy custard sets properly and the flavors mature. Skipping these steps can lead to a runny or grainy texture.
Q. How do I avoid overbaking or underbaking the Pastiera?
Bake the Pastiera at 350°F for about 60–70 minutes. Check around the 60-minute mark: the filling should be just set in the center with a slight jiggle and the crust golden. Overbaking dries out the filling, while underbaking leaves the center loose. Cooling completely post-baking is essential for final texture.
Q. How many calories are in one serving, and what’s the carb-to-protein ratio?
Each serving of this Pastiera Napoletana provides approximately 380 kcal, with 56g of carbohydrates (59% of energy) and 10g of protein (10% of energy). This means carbohydrates are the main nutrient, typical for a festive cake, and protein is moderate per slice.
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