When the heat is felt, it’s a good idea to give the oven a break and make room for fresh and creamy desserts like tiramisu with pavesini and Nutella, but also irresistible ones like chocolate truffles or Raffaello. The Cold Amarena and Granola Delights are the perfect treat to enjoy at the end of a meal or for a special snack. Elegant single servings, easy to prepare and also freezable so they’re always ready when you need them.
The contrast between the creaminess of the ricotta and mascarpone, the intense sweetness of the amarena cherries and the crunchiness of the hazelnut and chocolate granola makes this dessert simply unforgettable.
Are you ready? Follow the aroma and get ready to bring something fresh… and delicious to the table! 🍴
See you at the next recipe… Silvi!
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Rest time: 3 Hours
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 3People
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer and Autumn
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta
- 1/2 cup sugar (~120 g)
- 1/3 cup mascarpone
- 13 ladyfingers
- 1 cup granola (with hazelnuts and chocolate)
- 9 amarena cherries in syrup
- as needed milk
Tools
To prepare the cold amarena and granola delights you will need:
- 1 electric mixer with beaters
- 3 glasses 3.15 in x 3.54 in
- 3 bowls of various sizes
Discover the “SPECIAL: Guide to the best electric mixers of the moment“
Preparation
To make the cold amarena delights, start by whipping the ricotta in a bowl with electric beaters until it is semi-whipped. Once the ricotta is ready, add the mascarpone and mix carefully to fully combine all the ingredients.
In another bowl pour the milk to dip the ladyfingers. Cut them to fit the size of the glass or cup in which you’ll assemble the dessert. Quickly dip them in the milk and begin to build the dessert. Place the ladyfingers on the bottom of each glass.
Create a layer of cream using a spoon or a piping bag without a tip to fill the bottom of the glass. Drizzle the surface with the amarena syrup using a spoon. Add a generous handful of crunchy granola and another layer of cream and a bit more syrup.
Continue by covering with more cut ladyfingers and another layer of cream. Add the amarena syrup and use a toothpick to make a circular pattern. Finish with amarena cherries and some pieces of hazelnut and chocolate granola.
Let firm up in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving and enjoying the cold amarena and granola delights.
Tips
Use a good-quality ricotta and let it drain well. The result will be a firmer, silkier 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 richer dessert? Add pieces of dark chocolate or chocolate chips to the ricotta-mascarpone cream.
Variations
Replace the mascarpone with Greek yogurt for a lighter version with a creamier but less heavy texture.
If amarena cherries are not your favorite, try substituting them with mixed berries, canned peaches, or caramelized apricots.
Storage
The Cold Amarena 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 keep 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 (Questions and Answers)
Can I use only ricotta or only mascarpone?
Yes, but you’ll get a slightly different texture and flavor. Only ricotta will make the cream lighter and slightly grainy, while only mascarpone will make it denser and richer.
Can the Cold Amarena Delights be prepared in advance?
Absolutely yes! You can prepare them even the day before and store them in the fridge or freezer. In fact, resting makes them even better.
What can I use instead of ladyfingers?
You can substitute them with dry cookies (like digestive, Oro Saiwa, pavesini) or with slices of light sponge cake.
