Skip to content

Beta This app is in Beta Testing

Zuccotto al limoncello (Upside-down cake)

No ratings yet
Italy

Known as an Italian recipe, with similar versions prepared across other nations.

Ingredients 15 ingredients

  1. a few drops vanilla essence
  2. Pudding
  3. 6 free-range eggs, separated
  4. 1kg/2lb 3¼oz ricotta
  5. cocoa powder, for dusting
  6. 180g/6oz icing sugar
  7. 75g/2½oz cornflour
  8. 150g/5oz mixed candied fruit, roughly chopped
  9. 150g/5oz chocolate chips
  10. limoncello liqueur, for drizzling
  11. 85g/3oz flour
  12. 250g/9oz caster sugar
  13. mixed berry coulis
  14. Cut
  15. knob of butter
Contains GlutenEggsMilk Read from the ingredients, not verified. Check labels.

Possible health benefits

General information, not medical advice.

  1. Chicken egg High in vitamin D · High in riboflavin · High in vitamin B12 · +9

    High in vitamin D · 2.0 µg per 100 g, 40% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.
    • Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels.
    • Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    4 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.
    • Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
    • Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin D has a role in the process of cell division.

    Vitamin D is a nutrient you need for good health. It helps your body absorb calcium, one of the main building blocks for strong bones. NIH fact sheet

    High in riboflavin · 0.5 mg per 100 g, 33% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Riboflavin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
    6 more authorised claims
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal red blood cells.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the normal metabolism of iron.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
    • Riboflavin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

    Riboflavin (also called vitamin B2) is important for the growth, development, and function of the cells in your body. It also helps turn the food you eat into the energy you need. NIH fact sheet

    High in vitamin B12 · 0.9 µg per 100 g, 36% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Vitamin B12 has a role in the process of cell division.

    Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body’s blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. NIH fact sheet

    High in selenium · 31 µg per 100 g, 56% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
    • Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Your thyroid gland needs selenium to produce hormones and function properly. NIH fact sheet

    High in protein · 13 g per 100 g, 35% of the energy from protein

    • Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
    • Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

    Source of vitamin A · 160 µg per 100 g, 20% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation.

    Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. NIH fact sheet

    Source of folate · 47 µg per 100 g, 24% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
    • Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis.
    • Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    • Folate contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Folate has a role in the process of cell division.

    Folate is a B-vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Your body needs folate to make DNA and other genetic material. NIH fact sheet

    Source of pantothenic acid · 1.5 mg per 100 g, 26% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.
    • Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Pantothenic acid contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

    Pantothenic acid (also called vitamin B5) helps turn the food you eat into the energy you need. It’s important for many functions in the body, especially making and breaking down fats. NIH fact sheet

    Source of phosphorus · 198 mg per 100 g, 28% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. NIH fact sheet

    Source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) · 58 mg per 100 g, at least 40 mg per 100 g and per 100 kcal

    • EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.

    The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. NIH fact sheet

    Contains DHA · 58 mg per 100 g, at least 40 mg per 100 g and per 100 kcal

    • DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
    • DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.

    The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. NIH fact sheet

    Contains choline · 294 mg per 100 g, at least 82.5 mg per 100 g

    • Choline contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    • Choline contributes to normal lipid metabolism.
    • Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function.

    Choline is a nutrient that is found in many foods. Your brain and nervous system need it to regulate memory, mood, muscle control, and other functions. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Egg, whole, raw, fresh”, USDA FoodData Central.

  2. Flour Source of phosphorus · Source of copper · Source of manganese · +1

    Source of phosphorus · 106 mg per 100 g, 15% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. NIH fact sheet

    Source of copper · 0.2 mg per 100 g, 17% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues.
    • Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body.
    • Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. NIH fact sheet

    Source of manganese · 0.6 mg per 100 g, 28% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Manganese is a mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses manganese to make energy and protect your cells from damage. NIH fact sheet

    Source of selenium · 10 µg per 100 g, 19% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
    • Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Your thyroid gland needs selenium to produce hormones and function properly. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Flour, 00”, USDA FoodData Central.

Claims: EU Register of health claims (Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, © European Union, CC BY 4.0), shown only where the ingredient meets the claim's conditions (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006). Nutrients: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). Facts: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (public domain).

Cook safely

Keep children and pets away from the hob and the oven, and keep oven gloves and a lid within reach.

  • Oven and hot trays. Use dry oven gloves for trays and dishes: a hot tray looks just like a cold one. Open the oven door away from your face and let the first rush of heat out.
  • Hot sugar. Hot sugar sticks to skin and burns far hotter than boiling water: don't touch or taste it. Keep a bowl of cold water close, and keep children away while it cooks.
  • Sharp knives. Cut on a board that doesn't slip (a damp cloth under it helps), and curl the fingers of the hand that holds the food.

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. To make the sponge, beat the egg yolks with the icing sugar until you obtain a creamy consistency.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the creamy egg yolk mixture, followed by the flours and vanilla essence.
  3. Butter a rectangular baking tray and line with greaseproof paper.
  4. Pour in the mixture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown and springy to the touch.
  5. Remove the sponge from the oven and allow to cool, then remove from baking tray and carefully cut in half lengthways to obtain a thickness of 3mm for each layer of sponge.
  6. Set aside.
  7. To make the filling, place the ricotta and sugar in a food processor and whiz until creamy.
  8. Place in a bowl and stir in the candied fruit and chocolate chips.
  9. Line a pudding basin with cling film, leaving excess hanging over the edges.
  10. Then take one half of the sponge and line the pudding basin with it. With the help of a pastry brush, wet the sponge with limoncello.
  11. Fill with the ricotta mixture and pack well in. Take the other half of the sponge, cut into a round disc and fit over the top.
  12. Wrap the excess cling film over the top and place a heavy plate on top.
  13. Put in the freezer overnight. When you are ready to serve the zucotto, remove the heavy plate and unfold the excess cling film. Place a serving plate over the top and gently tip it upside down.
  14. Remove the cling film and dust with lots of sieved cocoa powder. Cut into slices and serve with a mixed berry coulis.

Plating

Cookware for this recipe

  • Baking tray
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Food processor
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sieve
  • Pastry brush
Source Not stated: saved from a website or mailing list, rights unverified
Credit

By: Gennaro Contaldo. From the programme: Saturday Kitchen. Saved from BBC Food, file Recipes/bbcfood-archives/zuccottoallimoncello_74818.html in the Internet Archive item cooking-recipes (https://archive.org/details/cooking-recipes).

What was changed: Read by machine from the bbc-food-html text: title, ingredients and method as written, columns closed up and wrapped lines joined; credit lines kept apart; e-mail addresses removed; an all-capitals title given ordinary capitals. Not rewritten.