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Nipitiḍḍata: A Sicilian Christmas Treat to Remember

Nipitiḍḍata: A Sicilian Christmas Treat to Remember

Uncover the magic of nipitiḍḍata, the festive Messinese cake bursting with rich ingredients for an unforgettable Christmas feast!

⏱️
Prep Time
About 30 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
Around 30 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 6
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Winter
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500g plain flour
  • 250g unsalted butter
  • 150g caster sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • A pinch of salt
  • 350g chopped dried figs
  • 150g broken walnut halves
  • 50g dark chocolate flakes
  • 200g toasted and chopped almonds
  • 100g sultanas
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • 1 clove, finely chopped
  • 250g jam
  • Chopped dried orange zest

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
450 kcal
Protein
7 g
Fat
22 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fiber
5 g
Sugars
30 g
Sodium
150 mg

Nipitiḍḍata is a traditional cake from Messina, dating back to ancient times. This beloved Christmas treat fills homes with cosy aromas and warm family spirit throughout the holiday season. Making it is a cherished ritual that brings generations together, capturing the true essence of Sicily.

Imagine a golden, buttery shortcrust pastry enveloping a luscious, fragrant filling of chopped dried figs, walnuts, toasted almonds, sultanas, and dark chocolate. Each bite tells a tale of mingling flavours, releasing the sweet tang of jam alongside comforting hints of cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for chilly winter evenings, nipitiḍḍata turns any gathering into something truly special.

More than just a delight for the palate, this cake offers a sensory journey that evokes the unique atmosphere of a Sicilian Christmas. Bake it with love and share with your nearest and dearest to make your festive celebrations truly memorable.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Combine the chopped dried figs, walnuts, chocolate flakes, almonds, sultanas, cinnamon, chopped clove, jam and dried orange zest until evenly mixed.

  2. 2

    Roll out the pastry dough made from flour, butter, caster sugar, eggs and salt into thin sheets. Cut into 10cm diameter rounds.

  3. 3

    Fill each round with the fruit mixture, fold over into a half-moon shape and make a small slit on top with a knife.

  4. 4

    Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes, until the nipitiḍḍata puff up and the filling peeks through.

💡 Tips and Variations

For an extra layer of flavour, try adding a little grated lemon zest to the filling. If you prefer a bolder spice note, feel free to increase the cinnamon to your taste.

📦 Storage

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Baked nipitiḍḍata can be frozen for up to a month. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
  • Warm them in a 160°C oven for 5 minutes before serving to refresh their lovely aroma.

🍷 Pairing

Enjoy your nipitiḍḍata alongside a glass of Marsala Superiore Rubino Secco, best served chilled between 8 and 10°C, to highlight the cake’s rich flavours.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give nipitiḍḍata a go this Christmas season. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of Sicilian warmth and festive spirit into your home. Whether you’re sharing it with family or friends, this delightful treat is sure to create sweet memories and plenty of smiles around the table. Happy baking and Buon Natale!

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