Parrozzo
Parrozzo is a delightful Italian dessert that captures the heart with its rich almond flavor and decadent chocolate coating. This traditional cake from Abruzzo combines the warmth of simple ingredients with a touch of elegance, making every bite a celebration of Italian heritage. Loved for its unique dome shape and nutty sweetness, Parrozzo is a perfect treat for festive gatherings or indulging in something special. Its irresistible charm and timeless appeal make it a must-try for dessert lovers everywhere.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
20 hours hrs
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 people
Calories 280 kcal
1 Dome-shaped cake mold Preferred for authentic Parrozzo shape
1 Mixing Bowl For combining the batter ingredients
1 Electric Mixer To beat egg whites and mix batter smoothly
1 Spatula For folding ingredients gently
1 Baking Tray To place the mold in the oven
1 Oven Preheated to 180°C (350°F) for baking
1 Double boiler For melting the chocolate coating
1 Cooling rack To cool the cake before adding chocolate
- 150 Grams Almonds (finely ground) Use almond flour or finely grind whole almonds for best results
- 100 Grams Semolina flour Provides a slightly grainy texture and structure
- 5 Large Eggs (separated) Separate yolks and whites for fluffy batter
- 150 Grams Sugar Granulated sugar works best for sweetness
- 1 Whole Lemon (zest only) Adds a fresh citrus aroma and flavor
- 150 grams Dark chocolate Melted for the cake's rich chocolate coating
Prepare the Ingredients:Separate the egg yolks and whites into two bowls. Finely grind the almonds if you’re not using almond flour.
Mix the Batter:In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually add the ground almonds, semolina flour, and lemon zest to the egg yolk mixture. Mix until combined.
Whip the Egg Whites:Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the almond mixture in batches, maintaining the batter's fluffiness.
Prepare the Mold:Grease a dome-shaped cake mold (or a round cake tin) with butter or line it with parchment paper. Bake the Cake:Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter into the prepared mold and smooth the surface.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake:Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes. Transfer it to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.
Melt the Chocolate:Using a double boiler or microwave, melt the dark chocolate until smooth. Coat the Cake:Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled cake, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly. Let the chocolate set at room temperature.
Serve and Enjoy:Slice the cake and serve it as a delicious dessert or festive treat!