Easter Egg Pupa (Pupa Cu L'ova) Delight
A cherished traditional Italian treat known as 'Pupa Cu L'ova' that celebrates the joy of Easter. This delightful dessert strikes the perfect balance between a cake and cookie, creating a unique texture that is soft and slightly sweet. Each year, families gather to prepare this special dish, building lasting memories while having fun in the kitchen. The dough encases beautifully dyed eggs, making for a colorful and festive presentation. Enjoy the nostalgic flavor of anise or substitute with your favorite extract for a personalized touch. Whether served at a festive gathering or a cozy family brunch, these baskets bring the warmth of tradition to every table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
butter
16 tablespoons (softened)
eggs
6 (large, room temperature)
extract (anise or preferred)
2 teaspoons (liquid)
flour
6 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
6 teaspoons (leveled)
uncooked dyed eggs
6 (prepared for baking)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
2
Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. The mixture should be well-blended and creamy.
3
Mix in your choice of extract (anise, almond, or other) and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the egg mixture, stirring just until a workable dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
5
Lightly flour your work surface and roll a portion of the dough into a ball. Flatten it to form a circle approximately 4 inches in diameter.
6
Take another section of dough and roll it into a rope, about 1/4 inch in diameter. Cut two pieces of the rope to create a crisscross pattern over a raw, dyed egg placed in the center of the round dough. Seal the edges carefully to encase the egg securely.
7
Repeat this process until all six eggs have been used. Place each shaped basket on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
8
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the baskets are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
9
Utilize any leftover dough scraps by shaping them into cookies. Bake them alongside the egg baskets for a delightful extra treat.
10
Allow the baskets to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature during your Easter celebration.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easter Egg Pupa (Pupa Cu L'ova) Delight?
It is a traditional Italian Easter treat that strikes a balance between a cake and a cookie, featuring dough that encases beautifully dyed eggs.
What does 'Pupa Cu L'ova' mean?
The name refers to a traditional Italian holiday treat, often translated or associated with shaped dough baskets containing eggs for Easter.
What is the texture of this dessert?
The texture is unique, being soft and slightly sweet, sitting perfectly between the consistency of a cake and a cookie.
What is the traditional flavoring used in this recipe?
Anise is the traditional flavoring used, though it can be substituted with almond or other preferred extracts.
How many eggs are used in the dough mixture?
The recipe calls for 6 large, room-temperature eggs to be mixed into the dough.
Should the dyed eggs used for decoration be cooked beforehand?
No, you should use uncooked dyed eggs as they will cook in the oven while the dough baskets bake.
How many dyed eggs does this recipe accommodate?
This recipe is designed to create 6 dough baskets, each holding one dyed egg.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the baskets.
How long do the Pupa Cu L'ova baskets need to bake?
They should be baked for 20-25 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) of softened butter.
What type of flour is best for these Easter baskets?
Six cups of all-purpose flour are used to create the dough.
What should the consistency of the dough be?
The dough should be workable and manageable, though it will remain slightly sticky.
How large should I make the dough circles for the base?
Each dough portion should be flattened into a circle approximately 4 inches in diameter.
How do you secure the dyed egg onto the dough?
Place the egg in the center of the dough round and use two 1/4 inch thick dough ropes to create a crisscross pattern over the egg, sealing the edges.
What can I do with leftover dough scraps?
Leftover dough can be shaped into cookies and baked on the same sheet as the egg baskets.
How do you prepare the sugar and butter?
You should thoroughly cream together 1 cup of granulated sugar and the softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe calls for 6 teaspoons of leveled baking powder.
Should I use parchment paper when baking?
Yes, place each shaped basket on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for the best results.
Is it necessary to add the eggs one at a time to the dough?
Yes, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next for a creamy mixture.
Can I serve these treats warm?
Yes, they can be enjoyed warm or allowed to cool to room temperature before serving.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy in a large mixing bowl.
How thick should the dough ropes be?
The dough ropes used for the crisscross pattern should be about 1/4 inch in diameter.
What is the preparation for the work surface?
You should lightly flour your work surface before rolling and shaping the dough.
When is this recipe traditionally made?
It is a cherished tradition prepared annually by families for Easter celebrations.
Is this recipe considered a family-friendly activity?
Yes, the recipe description notes that families often gather to prepare this dish to build memories and have fun in the kitchen.
Can I use almond extract instead of anise?
Yes, almond extract is a suggested substitute for anise if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How much extract is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of anise or your preferred liquid extract.
How do I know the baskets are finished baking?
The baskets are done when they appear golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through.
What occasions are best for serving Pupa Cu L'ova?
They are ideal for festive Easter gatherings or cozy family brunches.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: sugar, butter, eggs, extract, flour, baking powder, and uncooked dyed eggs.