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Sfogliatelle Ricce

Delicious sfogliatelle ricce (sometimes called lobster tail pastry) was originally prepared only for the Italian aristocracy during the Renaissance.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Servings: 20 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ⅓ ounces bread flour
  • 12 ⅓ ounces semolina flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • About 6–8 tablespoons cold water plus extra if needed
  • 1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Unsalted butter melted, for brushing

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, semolina flour, and kosher salt. Stir well to blend.
  2. Add the honey and gradually pour in the water. Mix until a dry, pasta-like dough forms. If any flour remains, add up to 2 teaspoons more water.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Shape into a disc, wrap in cling film, and rest in the fridge for 2 hours.
  4. While the dough rests, prepare the filling: in a medium bowl, mix ricotta, sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
  5. Roll out the rested dough into a thin rectangle (about 1/16-inch thick). Brush with melted butter, then fold the dough like a letter (into thirds). Rotate and roll again. Repeat 2 more times for extra layers.
  6. Cut the dough into 3x4-inch strips. Brush each strip with butter, then roll loosely into a spiral, leaving one side open like a lobster tail.
  7. Pipe or spoon 1 tablespoon of ricotta filling into the opening of each pastry.
  8. Place pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake pastries for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.
  10. Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade lobster tail pastry!
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