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ricotta and fresh fig dessert cups

Easy Ricotta and Fresh Fig Dessert Cups

Silvana Nava
Ricotta and fresh fig dessert cups are a quick and elegant Italian treat, perfect to enjoy with a spoon. This light and creamy dessert is ideal at the end of summer, when figs are in season, ripe, and naturally sweet.
These individual dessert cups are great for a party buffet, a refreshing afternoon snack, or a simple yet refined after-dinner treat. Each glass is layered with rich ricotta cream and chocolate chips, combined with a luscious caramelized fig compote. The result is a creamy, flavorful dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 376 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g ricotta cheese - 9 oz
  • 200 g fresh figs - 7 oz or 5–6 medium figs
  • 30 g chocolate chips - 3 tablespoons
  • 30 g unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon
  • 15 g powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons
  • 80 g amaretti cookies - about 3 oz
  • 1 tablespoons Acacia honey - or your favorite honey
  • 10 ml cognac - 2 teaspoons (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Figs

  • Start by making the caramelized figs, since they need time to cool before assembling the dessert cups. Peel the figs and cut them into pieces. Melt the butter in a non-stick pan, then add the figs. Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring until the butter is melted and the figs begin to break down into a soft puree.
  • Stir in the honey and, if you like, the cognac. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the figs are completely softened and glossy. This will become your caramelized fig cream.
  • Transfer the fig mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely at room temperature. For faster cooling, you can place the bowl in the fridge.

Prepare the Ricotta Cream

  • While the figs cool, make the ricotta cream. Place the well-drained ricotta in a bowl and mix with the powdered sugar until you get a smooth, thick cream.
    NOTE: Draining the ricotta well is essential, otherwise the cream will turn out watery.
  • Next, fold in the dark chocolate chips and stir until evenly combined. For easier layering later, you can transfer the ricotta cream into a piping bag.

Make the Layers

  • Crumble the amaretti cookies into small pieces.
    TIP: You can do this with your hands or by placing them in a plastic bag and lightly crushing them with a rolling pin.
  • Then add a spoonful of crumbled amaretti cookies to the bottom of each glass.
  • Top with a layer of ricotta cream with chocolate chips.
  • Next, spread a generous layer of the cooled caramelized figs on top.
  • For the last layer, add another layer of ricotta cream.
  • Sprinkle more crumbled amaretti cookies on top and decorate with a fresh fig slice for a beautiful presentation.
  • Place the glasses in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the dessert the perfect creamy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 100gCalories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 9gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 125mgPotassium: 225mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 554IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 157mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Ricotta and fresh fig dessert cups
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