Zuccotto cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the flavors and textures of traditional Italian zuccotto cake with the convenience of individual servings. These elegant desserts feature a moist sponge cake base filled with a creamy custard or mousse, all enveloped in a rich chocolate ganache. Variations of the recipe include different fillings like whipped cream or fruit compotes, as well as creative decorations using chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or fresh berries. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to impress your friends and family, this article offers a collection of zuccotto cupcake recipes that cater to various skill levels and preferences. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the art of creating these delectable treats, perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or simply indulging in a moment of pure joy.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ZUCCOTTO
For this classic Tuscan dessert, we cover the dome -- sponge cake filled with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, toasted hazelnuts, and bits of toffee -- with chocolate ganache, and then creme anglaise.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place hazelnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet; toast until skins begin to split, about 10 minutes. Rub warm nuts vigorously with a clean kitchen towel to remove skins. Return to baking sheet; toast until fragrant and golden brown, about 1 minute more. Cool; coarsely chop. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and liqueur if using. Bring to a boil; stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; set aside to cool completely. Line a 9-by-5-inch domed metal or glass bowl with plastic wrap.
- Cut rectangular sponge cake into thirds crosswise and lengthwise, making 9 rectangles. Reserve round sponge cake layer to use on top. Cut each rectangle diagonally in half, forming 18 triangles. Brush both sides of each triangle with some syrup. Line inside of bowl with triangle slices, pointed ends facing bottom of bowl, to form a sunburst pattern. Fit slices snugly so bowl is completely lined. Use small pieces of syrup-brushed cake to fill in gaps. Trim the cake top to make it even. Transfer lined bowl to refrigerator.
- Place cream and confectioners' sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium until stiff, about 3 minutes. Gently fold in reserved nuts, toffee, and raspberries. Remove lined bowl from refrigerator, fill with cream mixture, and cover top with cake round. This will become bottom of zuccotto when unmolded. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 12 hours or overnight.
- Place a wire rack on top of bowl, and invert zuccotto onto rack. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Remove bowl and plastic wrap. Using a ladle, pour ganache over top of dome, letting excess drip down sides onto rack. Make sure to coat entire surface of the zuccotto. Cut into wedges. Ladle with creme anglaise. Serve immediately, garnishedwith chopped toffee, nuts, and berries.
ZUCCOTTO
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories dessert
Time 3h35m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Spray a 1 1/2-quart bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bowl with plastic wrap. Cut the pound cake crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices. Cut each slice diagonally in half, forming 2 triangles. Line the bottom and sides of the prepared bowl with the cake triangles. Brush some of the brandy over the cake triangles lining the bowl. Reserve the extra triangles.
- Stir the chocolate in a large metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly. Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup of cream in another large bowl until it is thick and fluffy. Fold 1/4 of the whipped cream into the chocolate. Fold half of the remaining whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Fold in the remaining whipped cream. Spread the chocolate cream over the cake, covering completely and creating a well in the center. Cover and refrigerate if not assembling cake right away.
- In another clean large bowl, add the remaining 1 cup of cream and almond extract. Using an electric mixer with clean beaters, beat on medium speed and gradually add the powdered sugar. Beat until firm peaks form. Fold in the nuts. Spoon the cream mixture into the center of the well of the filling.
- Brush the remaining cake slices with brandy and arrange them, brandy side down, over the cake, covering the filling completely and trimming to fit, if necessary. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours and up to 1 day.
- Invert the cake onto a platter. Remove the bowl and the plastic wrap. Sift the cocoa powder over and serve.
SWEET ZUCCHINI CUPCAKES
Grate some zucchini for surprisingly delicious cupcakes. This recipe was submitted by reader Ian Young of Oakland, California.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cupcake Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield Makes 12
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cups of a standard (12-cup) muffin tin with paper or foil liners. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in nuts.
- In another bowl, combine zucchini, oil, eggs, and vanilla; add to flour mixture, and mix just until combined (do not overmix).
- Divide batter evenly among cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.
- Cool in tin on a wire rack for 10 minutes; turn cupcakes out, right side up, and cool completely. Meanwhile, make frosting. Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread Cream Cheese Frosting on cupcakes. The frosted cupcakes are best eaten within 1 day.
Tips:
- Use fresh and ripe berries for the filling to ensure the best flavor.
- If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off.
- To make the cupcakes ahead of time, bake them and let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To decorate the cupcakes, you can use a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, ganache, or fresh berries.
Conclusion:
Zuccotto cupcakes are a delicious and elegant dessert that are perfect for any occasion. They are relatively easy to make, and the results are always impressive. With their moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and beautiful decorations, zuccotto cupcakes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
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