Dessert · Snack · Italian ·

Savory Sicilian Cassatelle with Ricotta and Chocolate

Name: Savory Sicilian Cassatelle with Ricotta and Chocolate
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced; 2 large eggs; 3 tbsp Marsala wine; 1 cup ricotta cheese, well-drained; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips; Vegetable oil, for deep frying; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Cassatelle are a traditional Sicilian treat, delightfully combining savory and sweet flavors in a flaky pastry, perfect for any occasion.

4.1(754 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 7, 2026

Savory Sicilian Cassatelle with Ricotta and Chocolate — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pastry

For the Filling

For Frying

For Dusting

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 203 kcal
Protein: 4.25 g
Carbs: 23.44 g
Fat: 10.06 g
Fiber: 0.69 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3246 kcal
Protein: 68 g
Carbs: 375 g
Fat: 161 g
Fiber: 11 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups all-purpose flour	910	25	190	2	8
1/4 cup granulated sugar	204	0	53	0	0
1/4 tsp salt	0	0	0	0	0
1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced	540	1	0	61	0
2 large eggs	144	12	1	10	0
3 tbsp Marsala wine	83	0	4	0	0
1 cup ricotta cheese, well-drained	428	28	16	32	0
1/3 cup granulated sugar	271	0	68	0	0
1/2 tsp vanilla extract	6	0	0	0	0
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips	200	2	27	11	3
Vegetable oil, for deep frying	400	0	0	45	0
Powdered sugar, for dusting	60	0	16	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Pastry Dough

1
Combine dry ingredients
Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2
Incorporate butter
Add diced butter and rub into the flour until the mixture feels like coarse crumbs.
3
Form and rest the dough
Add eggs and Marsala wine, combine until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes.
Tip: Let the pastry dough rest for 30 minutes before rolling to ensure the perfect texture.

Preparing the Filling

1
Mix ricotta base
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Tip: Ensure the ricotta is well-drained to prevent a soggy pastry.
2
Fold in chocolate
Fold in chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed.
Tip: Chill the chocolate chips to help them hold shape during cooking.
3
Chill filling
Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

How to Make Savory Sicilian Cassatelle with Ricotta and Chocolate

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Filling the Pastry
Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness, cut into 4-inch circles. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center and fold into a crescent, sealing edges with a fork.
2
Frying the Cassatelle
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), fry cassatelle in batches until golden brown.
3
Draining the Pastries
Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and dust with powdered sugar while warm.