Straight from my recipe books of Massa Carrara, here’s my take on the Massese Cake, also known as Torta Carrarina or simply Tuscan rice cake. Whatever you call it, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make sweet treat, perfect for Easter or whenever you’re craving something sweet with rice… but now, let’s get cooking!

Oven-cooked rice cake, round in shape, wide and not too high, a slice is cut and you can see the inside of the cake. The outside of the cake has cooked rice, slightly browned and crunchy, while the inside has compact, moist and creamy rice. Icing sugar was sprinkled on the cake. the cake is placed on a white plate over a kitchen counter.

Tuscan Rice Cake (Torta Carrarina Massese)

Guido Pasquariello

This traditional Tuscan rice cake recipe involves boiling rice, mixing it with ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and orange liqueur, and baking it to create a firm, golden crust.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 10

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 people

Equipment

Oven
Saucepan
Round cake pan (10 or 11 inches)
Strainer or colander
Electric mixer
Parchment paper
Spatula

Ingredients

1 cup Originario rice or another short-grain rice
1 ⅔ cups whole milk
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
2 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons orange liqueur like Cointreau, Gran Marnier, Rum, or Strega
Zest of half an orange
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

Boil Rice: Boil 1 cup of rice in lightly salted water for exactly 12 minutes. Drain and cool it under running water, then let it drain thoroughly.
1 cup Originario rice
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, quickly whisk together one egg and ¾ cup of sugar. There's no need to overbeat. Stir in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 heaping tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur, and the zest of half an orange. Combine well using a spatula.
¾ cup sugar, 1 egg, 2 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons orange liqueur, Zest of half an orange, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder
Combine Rice and Milk: Gently stir in the melted butter, followed by the well-drained rice and 1 ⅔ cups of milk. Mix well.
1 ⅔ cups whole milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixture into a 10 or 11-inch round cake pan lined with parchment paper, which must first be balled up under water and then squeezed hard. Spread the rice evenly in the cake pan.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C), positioned just below the center, for 60-70 minutes, or until a golden crust forms. The top should feel firm to the touch and not sticky.
Cool and Serve: Turn off the oven but leave the cake inside with the door slightly open for 20 minutes. Then, transfer to a serving plate. It tastes best after a few hours or even the next day. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. The cake keeps well for 2-3 days at room temperature. Freezing is not recommended.

Notes

Replace Originario rice in the Tuscan Rice Cake recipe: Yes, use another short-grain rice like Arborio or Carnaroli if Originario rice is unavailable.

Tuscan Rice Cake without alcohol: Substitute orange liqueur with the same amount of orange juice, or simply omit it.

Best way to store the Tuscan Rice Cake: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Freezing is not recommended.

The cake’s flavor and texture improve with time, making it great for preparing ahead.

Rice Cake Symphony: Layers of Tradition in Tuscan Spring

A slice of a tuscan rice cake, a.k.a. Carrarina Cake, on a plate.

Torta di Riso isn’t just a dessert, it’s a journey through Tuscan culinary tradition, particularly during the vibrant spring festivities.

My connection with this dish, rooted in family Easter brunches, adds to its charm, reflecting a shared experience among many Italians. Unlike the typical rice desserts, Torta di Riso offers a unique blend of textures – the comforting familiarity of rice complemented by a luxurious layer of creamy egg custard.

A slice of a rice cake on dessert plate.

It’s more than a dish; it’s a celebration of seasonal festivities and familial bonds. For those curious about other local flavors from this beautiful region, the link provided offers a delightful exploration into Tuscan Easter cuisine.