Fiadone is a traditional Corsican dessert that embodies the island’s rich culinary heritage. This crustless cheesecake is crafted with brocciu cheese—a fresh goat or ewe’s milk cheese—eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and a hint of liqueur. Its simplicity and unique texture make it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Experience a taste of Corsica with genuine ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
- Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Light and Refreshing: The combination of fresh cheese and lemon zest results in a light, subtly sweet dessert.
- Versatility: Perfect for various occasions, from casual family meals to special celebrations.
Ingredients
- 500g brocciu cheese (or substitute with fresh ricotta)
- 110g sugar
- 4 medium organic eggs
- Zest of one unwaxed lemon
- 1 tablespoon of liqueur (e.g., Myrtle, Chestnut Liqueur, or Limoncello)
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Prepare Cheese: If using brocciu, break it down with a fork. For ricotta, ensure it’s well-drained to remove excess liquid.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a bowl, lightly beat two eggs with the sugar until combined. Avoid over-beating to prevent the mixture from becoming too airy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared cheese, lemon zest, and chosen liqueur to the egg mixture. Mix well, then incorporate the remaining two eggs until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 22cm (9-inch) round cake tin. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the fiadone to cool in the tin. Once cooled, transfer to a serving plate. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Substitute lemon zest with lime or clementine zest for a different citrus flavor.
- Liqueur Options: Experiment with various liqueurs like Limoncello or orange liqueur to complement the citrus notes.
- Pastry Base: In some regions, fiadone is baked with a puff or shortcrust pastry base, known as Imbrucciata.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the fiadone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: While fiadone is typically served chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
What is brocciu cheese?
Brocciu is a traditional Corsican cheese made from goat or ewe’s milk. It’s similar to ricotta and is a key ingredient in many Corsican dishes.
Can I substitute brocciu with ricotta?
Yes, fresh ricotta is an excellent substitute for brocciu if it’s not available.
Is fiadone gluten-free?
Yes, fiadone is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make fiadone without liqueur?
Absolutely, the liqueur adds a subtle flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer.
How should fiadone be served?
Fiadone can be served chilled or at room temperature, either plain or with a drizzle of honey or fruit compote.
How long does fiadone last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, fiadone can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze fiadone?
It’s not recommended to freeze fiadone, as the texture may change upon thawing.
What occasions is fiadone suitable for?
Fiadone is versatile and can be enjoyed as a dessert for family meals, special occasions, or festive celebrations.
What does fiadone taste like?
Fiadone has a light, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of citrus from the lemon zest. The texture is soft and slightly grainy due to the fresh cheese.
Can I add other flavors to fiadone?
Traditional fiadone is flavored with lemon zest and sometimes liqueur. While you can experiment with other citrus zests, it’s best to keep it simple to maintain its authentic taste.
Conclusion
Fiadone is a delightful Corsican dessert that offers a unique twist on the classic cheesecake. Its simplicity, combined with the fresh flavors of brocciu or ricotta cheese and lemon zest, makes it a must-try for any dessert enthusiast. Whether you’re looking to explore new culinary traditions or seeking a light and refreshing treat, fiadone is sure to impress.
traditional Corsican dessert (Fiadone)
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fiadone is a traditional Corsican dessert featuring brocciu cheese (or ricotta), eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. This crustless cheesecake is light, gluten-free, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 500g brocciu cheese (or fresh ricotta)
- 110g sugar
- 4 medium organic eggs
- Zest of one unwaxed lemon
- 1 tablespoon of liqueur (e.g., Myrtle, Chestnut Liqueur, or Limoncello)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Prepare Cheese: If using brocciu, break it down with a fork. If using ricotta, ensure it’s well-drained.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: Lightly beat two eggs with the sugar until just combined. Avoid over-beating.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the cheese, lemon zest, and liqueur with the egg mixture. Add the remaining two eggs and stir until smooth.
- Bake: Pour into a greased 22cm (9-inch) round cake tin. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the fiadone cool in the tin before transferring to a plate. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Substitute lime or clementine zest for a citrus variation.
- Experiment with different liqueurs for unique flavors.
- Serve plain, with honey, or a fruit compote for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Corsican
