When the heat kicks in, it’s good to give the oven a break and make way for fresh and creamy desserts like tiramisu with ladyfingers and Nutella, as well as irresistible treats like chocolate truffles or Raffaello. The Cold Black Cherry and Granola Delights are the perfect treat to enjoy after a meal or for a special snack. Elegant individual servings, easy to prepare, and can be stored in the freezer for whenever you need them.
The contrast between the creaminess of ricotta and mascarpone, the intense sweetness of black cherries, and the crunchiness of hazelnut and chocolate granola makes this dessert simply unforgettable.
Are you ready? Follow the scent and get ready to bring something fresh… and delicious to the table! 🍴
Until the next recipe… Silvi!
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 3 Hours
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 3 People
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
Ingredients
- 9 oz ricotta
- 4 oz sugar
- 2.5 oz mascarpone
- 13 ladyfingers
- 3.5 oz granola (with hazelnuts and chocolate)
- 9 black cherries in syrup
- as needed milk
Tools
To prepare the cold black cherry and granola delights, you will need:
- 1 electric mixer with whisks
- 3 glasses of 3 inches x 3.5 inches
- 3 bowls of various sizes
Preparation
To make the cold black cherry delights, start by whipping the ricotta in a bowl with an electric mixer until it becomes semi-whipped. Once the ricotta is ready, add the mascarpone and mix carefully to combine all the ingredients well.
In another bowl, pour the milk to soak the ladyfingers. Cut them according to the size of the glass or cup you will assemble the dessert in. Quickly soak them in the milk and start composing the dessert. Lay the ladyfingers at the bottom of each glass.
Create a layer of cream using a spoon or a pastry bag without a nozzle at the bottom of the glass. Drizzle the surface with black cherry syrup using a spoon. Add a generous handful of crunchy granola and another layer of cream and a bit of syrup.
Continue by covering with more cut ladyfingers and another layer of cream. Add the black cherry syrup and use a toothpick to create a circular pattern. Finish with black cherries and some pieces of hazelnut and chocolate granola.
Let it set in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving and enjoying the cold black cherry and granola delights.
Advice
Use a good quality ricotta and make sure to drain it well. The result will be a more compact and velvety cream.
For a stronger flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a grating of lemon zest to the cream.
Want an even more indulgent dessert? Add pieces of dark chocolate or chocolate chips to the ricotta and mascarpone cream.
Variants
Replace the mascarpone with Greek yogurt. You will get a light version with a lighter but still tasty cream.
If black cherries aren’t your favorite, try replacing them with berries, canned peaches, or caramelized apricots.
Storage
The Cold Black Cherry Delights can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, well covered with plastic wrap or in airtight containers.
If you want to prepare them in advance, you can also freeze them: they will last in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Remember to take them out about 10-15 minutes before serving, so they return to the ideal semifreddo consistency.
The Cold Black Cherry Delights can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, well covered with plastic wrap or in airtight containers.
If you want to prepare them in advance, you can also freeze them: they will last in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Remember to take them out about 10-15 minutes before serving, so they return to the ideal semifreddo consistency.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use only ricotta or only mascarpone?
Yes, but you will get a slightly different texture and taste. Only ricotta will make the cream lighter and grainier, while only mascarpone will make it denser and richer.
Can the Cold Black Cherry Delights be prepared in advance?
Absolutely yes! You can prepare them even the day before and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. In fact, resting makes them even tastier.
What can I use instead of ladyfingers?
You can replace them with dry biscuits (like digestive, Oro Saiwa, ladyfingers) or slices of light sponge cake.
