While there is an endless list of delicious things to be sampled and enjoyed if you book a villa in Florence and are spending time eating your way around the city, those with a sweet tooth are probably wondering about the unmissable desserts of the city. Without a doubt, the absolute must-try sweet treat that is on offer in Florence is the Zuccotto.
Said to have been born in the Renaissance and created by a famous chef of the time, Buonatalenti, this chilled dessert was then lost to time before being eventually rediscovered in the 1930s. Some alterations were made to suit a 20th century palate and the Florentine dessert became a local staple once more after centuries!
Usually frozen and then served chilled after being allowed to thaw for a while, the Zuccotto is traditionally made in a dome or half pumpkin shape, with its name coming from the Italian for, “little pumpkin.” Various meanings have been attributed to the choice of this shape – references to the city’s Duomo, a cardinal’s skullcap (called a zucchetto), etc – though as with many traditional Italian dishes there are lots of unanswered questions due to its long history that is partially shrouded in mystery.
The key question, though, is what it is made of? Originally, the dessert was made of a ricotta, cocoa, and a citrus peel filling, giving it a monochrome white look while the biscuit exterior was infused with alkermes liqueur, which gave it a vibrant red hue. Now, it is usually soaked in amaretto and in addition to the ricotta filling, gelato is added, alongside butter cream or cream, chocolate chips, almonds, cottage cheese, and more and it is usually white in colour. It can be further flavoured with cherries, fruit, dried fruit, and other ingredients. To finish it off, it is sprinkled with icing sugar and often a crown of melted chocolate on top.
All of this adds up to a seriously tasty and indulgent dessert that is the ideal close to a dinner after a long day of exploring the city while you enjoy one of our amazing vacation rentals in Florence.
