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A golden Italian Easter Pie with a lattice crust on a white serving plate

Italian Easter Pie (Pastiera Napoletana)

Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 12 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g Pasta Frolla (shortcrust pastry)
  • 300 g cooked wheat berries (grano cotto)
  • 200 ml whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 400 g sheep ricotta cheese, drained
  • 300 g granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg s
  • 2 egg yolk s
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
  • 50 g candied citron, diced
  • 50 g candied orange peel, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Roll out two-thirds of the pastry dough and line a 10-inch tart pan; refrigerate while preparing the filling.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine cooked wheat berries, milk, butter, and lemon zest; simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring until creamy, then remove from heat and cool completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the ricotta and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Incorporate eggs and egg yolks into the ricotta mixture one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
  • Fold in the cooled wheat mixture, orange blossom water, candied fruits, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
  • Pour the filling into the pastry-lined pan.
  • Roll out the remaining pastry, cut into 1-inch wide strips, and arrange in a lattice pattern over the filling, sealing the edges.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 60 to 75 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
  • Turn off the oven and leave the pie inside with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes to cool gradually.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop.