Creamy Ricotta and Chocolate Tart with Wild Berry Compote
Introduction
The secret to classic Italian dessert-making lies in balancing rich textures with bright, fresh flavors. Mama Florence's Creamy Ricotta and Chocolate Tart with Wild Berry Compote is the perfect example. Inspired by the simple, elegant pastries found in Tuscan pasticcerie, this tart elevates humble ingredients. The ricotta, when baked, transforms into a velvety, airy filling—a beautiful contrast to the decadent dark chocolate shavings woven throughout. We pair this richness with a quick, vibrant compote made from wild berries, whose tartness cuts through the creaminess perfectly. This recipe is an ideal blend of indulgence and tradition, perfect for impressing guests or concluding a special pranzo (lunch) with true Italian flair.
Ingredients
6 servings
Quick Crostata Crust
- All-purpose flour 300 grams
- Sugar (Granulated) 150 grams
- Butter 100 grams
- Egg 1
- Baking powder 1 tea spoon
Fresh Ricotta and Chocolate crostata filling
- Ricotta cheese (Sheep's Milk) 400 grams
- Sugar (Granulated) 100 grams
- Dark chocolate 120 grams
- Orange 1
Wild berry Sauce
- Mixed wild berries 200 grams
- Sugar (Granulated) 50 grams
- Water 50 grams
Preparation
Craft the Tart Shell and Prepare Berry Compote
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) to ensure even baking from the start.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder until fully combined. Add granulated sugar and mix again to evenly distribute. Dice cold unsalted butter and add to bowl along with a whole egg. Work the mixture by hand or with a pastry cutter until it forms a crumbly, cohesive dough. The texture should hold together but still break apart easily—this ensures a tender crust. Briefly refrigerate the dough while preparing the compote.
For the wild berry sauce, combine water and sugar in a small saucepan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Add your favorite blend of fresh or frozen wild berries—such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Lightly mash the berries with a fork, then simmer the mixture on low heat for 15-20 minutes until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to help the sauce achieve its perfect, glossy consistency.
Mix the Ricotta and Chocolate Filling
Roughly chop a bar of high-quality dark chocolate into slivers or small chunks. Wash and thoroughly dry an orange, then finely grate the zest to release its fragrant oils.
In a separate bowl, blend creamy ricotta cheese with sugar until smooth. Stir in the chopped chocolate and orange zest, mixing until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The ricotta's mild flavor pairs beautifully with the bittersweet chocolate and citrusy notes, creating a filling that's both rich and refreshing.
Assemble, Bake, and Serve the Tart
Lightly butter and flour a round tart dish, making sure to coat every edge. Take about three-quarters of the prepared dough and press it evenly across the base and up the sides of the tin, using your fingers to ensure a smooth, uniform layer.
Spread the ricotta and chocolate mixture over the crust with a spatula, smoothing it out. Crumble the remaining dough over the filling, creating a rustic, golden topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for around 35 minutes. The pastry should turn a deep golden color and the filling will gently set. Let the tart cool slightly to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
To serve, spoon a generous dollop of the chilled wild berry compote onto each dessert plate. Slice the tart and place each piece beside the vibrant berry sauce. Present immediately for maximum enjoyment—this dessert shines when enjoyed fresh!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully mastered a sophisticated Italian classic that is certain to become a regular feature in your dessert repertoire. The beauty of this Ricotta and Chocolate Tart lies not only in its taste—the interplay of the smooth filling and the slightly crunchy crust—but also in its versatility. Feel free to substitute the wild berries with fresh seasonal fruit like figs or pears when available. Serve it slightly chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar and a glass of chilled Vin Santo for a truly authentic Tuscan finish. Buon Appetito!
