Tuscan Alchermes Sponge Cake Recipe| Gattò all’Aretina

Indulge in the enchanting Gattò all’Aretina, a beloved Tuscan dessert from Arezzo featuring a sponge cake soaked in Alchermes liquor, filled with luscious pastry and chocolate cream.

Tuscan Rolled Sponge Cake with Alchermes | Gattò all’Aretina

Guido Pasquariello

A sumptuous Tuscan rolled sponge cake infused with Alchermes liquor and filled with creamy delights.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Equipment

• Oven
• Large baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Kitchen towel

Ingredients

  

• 2 Eggs
• ¾ cup Sugar
• ½ cup All-purpose flour
• ½ cup Potato starch
• 1 tablespoon Baking powder
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon
• Alchermes liquor as needed

For the Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups Milk
• 4 Egg yolks
• ⅓ cup Cornstarch
• ¾ cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon

Instructions

• Prepare the Batter: Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour, potato starch, milk, lemon zest, and baking powder to form a thin batter. Pour onto a parchment-lined large baking tray.
  
• Bake: Bake at 300°F for a few minutes until the cake is lightly golden. Lay out a kitchen towel and invert the cake onto it. Gently peel off the parchment. Lightly sprinkle the cake with Alchermes.
  
• Make Pastry Cream: Heat milk with lemon zest in a saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Gradually add some hot milk to the egg mixture, then return all to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until thickened. Remove from heat and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Cool.
  
• Assemble: Spread the pastry cream evenly over the cake. Carefully roll the cake using the towel, forming a log about 4 inches in diameter.
  
• Finish and Serve: Place the roll on a serving tray and dust with powdered sugar. For variations, fill with whipped cream and melted chocolate, whipped cream and fresh strawberries, or chocolate cream.
  

Notes

• Adjust the amount of Alchermes to your taste.
• Ensure the cake is not overbaked to prevent cracking during rolling.
• Allow the pastry cream to cool completely before spreading.

Gattò all’Aretina: A Taste of Arezzo’s Heart and Tradition

Experience the charm of Arezzo with its signature dessert, Gattò all’Aretina. This delightful rolled sponge cake, soaked in the Tuscan Alchermes liquor and generously filled with pastry and chocolate cream, captures the essence of Arezzo’s culinary heritage. A staple at every major celebration, from birthdays to family gatherings, the Gattò all’Aretina is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of joy and tradition.

Embracing a perfect blend of sweetness and rich flavors, this cake is a testament to Arezzo’s historical ties to France, yet uniquely Italian in spirit. Enjoyed in homes and local eateries alike, each slice of Gattò offers a taste of Arezzo’s heart and history. Discover more about Arezzo’s traditional dishes and foods on this page.