Desserts

Creamed mascarpone with orange with almond crumble

⏱ 60 min🍳 10 min👤 4 pp★★★★☆

We’re sure you’ll agree with us, friends of MyItalianRecipes, that there is nothing better than a nice dessert after a lovely lunch or dinner in good company: this is particularly true during the holidays, when more time than normal is spent at the dining table. So today we suggest a really remarkable dessert, quite capable of earning its place on the Christmas dinner table, to be eaten just before tucking into the panettone - since in addition to having a lovely flavour it offers a touch of cooling freshness. It’s a special creamed mascarpone with a delicate note of oranges, which we then mixed with some crumbled almonds: what do you say, does this sound good to you … and above all, can it possibly fail to impress on your Christmas table?

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
8g
Carbohydrates
42g
Fat
38g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Total time
10 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Take the almonds and chop them coarsely with the help of a food processor or simply a knife. Put them in the oven to roast for about ten minutes at 100°C. Make a caramel sauce with 30 ml of water and 100g of sugar. When the caramel is ready pour it over the almonds and let it form a crumble. Meanwhile, prepare a syrup with the juice of one orange, the orange’s zest (only the yellow part) and 30g of sugar. Let it simmer until you get a nice thick syrup. Separately, beat the egg yolks with the remaining 70g of sugar. Add the mascarpone and then the syrup and a little grated orange zest. Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold them in too. Make the dessert by putting the crumble in a glass, then the creamed mascarpone, and a sliver of orange zest. Repeat with a second layer and put it in the fridge to rest for a couple of hours.

Tips
If you want to get a perfect crumble, beware of the moisture level: this contributes to a more solid crust.
Trivia
Did you know that the mascarpone doesn’t curdle thanks to the use of citric acid?

Step by step

Serve
Serve
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Additional information

Mascarpone and Orange Cream with Almond and Chocolate Crumble

A delicious variation of the traditional mascarpone and orange cream can include the addition of dark chocolate. To make this preparation, simply melt some dark chocolate in a double boiler and gently incorporate it into the mascarpone, thus creating an even richer and more indulgent cream. The chocolate pairs perfectly with the orange, enhancing the flavors and offering a new dimension to the dish. You can also enrich the almond crumble with chocolate shavings for a crunchy and chocolaty contrast. This variation is perfect for those who love rich and surprising combinations, without giving up the freshness of the orange.

Emilian Mascarpone and Orange Cream

The mascarpone and orange cream has deep roots in the Emilian culinary tradition, where the freshness of citrus combines with the creaminess of mascarpone. A typical preparation from the region involves the addition of a local sweet wine, such as Malvasia, which gives a unique and aromatic flavor to the cream. This wine can also be used to soak the ladyfingers if you want to serve the cream in an alternative tiramisu. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential to achieve an authentic and satisfying result, typical of Emilian tables. Thus, every bite tells the richness of the local tradition, making the dessert a true tribute to the region's cuisine.

Light Mascarpone and Orange Cream without Sugar

For those who are mindful of their diet, it is possible to prepare a light version of the mascarpone and orange cream by completely eliminating sugar. In this case, natural sweeteners such as stevia or honey can be used to sweeten without weighing it down. Additionally, you can opt for a lower-fat mascarpone to make the dessert even lighter. The freshness of the orange will still shine through, giving a citrusy and vibrant flavor to the preparation. This variation is ideal for those who want to indulge in a dessert without guilt, maintaining the taste and creaminess of the original recipe, but with a focus on health.

Benefits of Mascarpone and Orange Cream and Nutritional Values

The mascarpone and orange cream is not only a delicious dessert but also carries some nutritional benefits. Mascarpone is a source of calcium and protein, essential for bone and muscle health. Oranges, on the other hand, are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes skin health. Additionally, they contain fiber that aids digestion. A serving of mascarpone and orange cream provides about 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is important to consume it in moderation to enjoy its benefits without overdoing the caloric intake.

Can Mascarpone and Orange Cream be Stored?

The mascarpone and orange cream can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for a maximum of 2-3 days. However, it is advisable to consume it fresh to fully enjoy the creaminess and freshness of the ingredients. If prepared with fresh, quality ingredients, the cream maintains its flavor and consistency for a short period. Freezing the cream is not recommended, as the mascarpone may alter its texture once thawed. For this reason, it is better to prepare only the necessary amount to be consumed within a few days, to fully appreciate this delicious dessert.