Discover the authentic taste of Ragusa, Sicily with biancomangiare, a traditional Sicilian almond pudding. This light, creamy dessert is refreshingly sweet and perfect for sunny days. Try this classic Sicilian dessert recipe for a taste of true bliss!
Enjoy this traditional Sicilian almond pudding at home!
One of the joys of travel is reliving the experience at home through the flavours of the destination.
Biancomangiare, a dish especially popular in Ragusa and surrounding areas, is a silky, creamy almond pudding often enjoyed for breakfast in Sicily. Its roots date back to the Arab influence on Sicily; over the centuries, it has become a beloved sweet in the region.
I made this Biancomangiare recipe for a family brunch, and everyone loved it. It’s a great dish for dairy-free diets, too.
Make it a day ahead to allow plenty of setting time. Add your topping of berries or other fruit (if desired) on the day of serving.
I loved discovering this traditional Sicilian dessert in Ragusa
Enjoy this traditional Sicilian almond pudding at home!
In Ragusa, Sicilian Almond Pudding, known as biancomangiare, represents the simplicity and elegance of local Sicilian cuisine, focusing on high-quality ingredients and deep ties to the island’s past.
The biancomangiare recipe (see below) uses just a few ingredients—ground almonds, water or almond milk, sugar, and a thickening agent like cornstarch. These basic components create a delicate, silky texture. Sometimes, the dessert is infused with subtle flavours like lemon zest, cinnamon, or a hint of vanilla, enhancing the almond’s natural sweetness. I had cinnamon sprinkled over the top of mine in Ragusa.
Biancomangiare is typically served cold, either plain or topped with crushed almonds, cinnamon, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Some versions are garnished with fresh fruit or citrus peel. This traditional Sicilian dessert has historical significance. It was traditionally prepared by nuns in Sicilian convents. Over time, it became a common dessert for religious festivals and family celebrations.
Biancomangiare - a Traditional Sicilian Dessert
Biancomangiare, the traditional Sicilian almond pudding especially popular in Ragusa, is simple to prepare but incredibly flavourful.
This Biancomangiare recipe makes four large servings or up to eight small servings. I made eight servings and topped the pudding with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. I also love lemon zest and added the
zest of a whole lemon to the recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of almond milk (or you can make your own by blending almonds with water and straining it). I bought non-sweetened almond milk.
- ½ cup of sugar
- ½ cup of cornstarch
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
- Crushed almonds (optional, for garnish) I used slivered almonds which I toasted lightly.
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the sugar and cornstarch well to avoid lumps.
- Heat the Almond Milk: Pour the almond milk into a saucepan over medium heat. If using lemon zest, add it at this stage for a subtle citrus flavour.
- Combine and Stir : Gradually whisk the cornstarch and sugar mixture into the almond milk. Continue to stir constantly to prevent clumps from forming and to avoid the mixture sticking to the bottom of the pan. Do not stop stirring!
- Thicken the Mixture: Keep stirring over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken, usually about 10–15 minutes. It should reach a pudding-like consistency.
- Remove from Heat: Once thickened, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into individual bowls, cups, or molds. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until completely set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, you can garnish the pudding with crushed almonds, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Some also serve it with a drizzle of honey or a touch of vanilla.
Notes
Variations:
You can make your own almond milk for this biancomangiare recipe by soaking almonds, blending them with water, and straining to get a richer almond flavour.
Some recipes for this Sicilian almond pudding add a bit of vanilla extract or orange blossom water for an extra layer of flavour.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 263Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 14mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 2gSugar: 34gProtein: 3g
Eatdrinkandbekerry.net offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.
Make it at home
Here’s how the biancomangiare recipe looked when I made it at home for the family. I added fresh berries and toasted almonds on top. Lots of lemon zest added extra flavour to my dish.
Next time, I’ll try adding some rosewater and maybe some rose petals or pink fairyfloss. What do you think?
Here’s another recipe I gathered on my travels. It’s Salted Caramel Rice Pudding from The Montague in London.
Thinking about travelling to Sicily?
Travelling to Sicily is like stepping into a living museum of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient ruins of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples to the vibrant streets of Palermo, Sicily offers a diverse blend of experiences. A highlight for many visitors is Ragusa, a stunning hilltop town known for its dramatic Baroque architecture and charming old-world atmosphere. Divided into two parts—Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla—the town offers a unique journey through time, with narrow winding streets, majestic palaces, and the breathtaking Cathedral of San Giorgio. Ragusa Ibla, in particular, feels like a Baroque jewel, with its intricate facades and peaceful squares, perfect for soaking in the essence of Sicilian life. Whether you’re indulging in the local cuisine, climbing the slopes of Mount Etna, or exploring medieval towns like Cefalù, Sicily captivates with its rich heritage, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes.
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A quick look at Ragusa
Ragusa’s rich history dates back thousands of years, but it is perhaps most renowned for its rebirth following a devastating earthquake in 1693, which reshaped much of southeastern Sicily. The city was rebuilt in two distinct areas—Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla—giving it a unique duality. Ragusa Ibla, the older part, is a Baroque masterpiece, with winding streets, grand churches, and palaces that reflect the grandeur of its reconstruction during the Baroque period. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time, with highlights such as the magnificent Cathedral of San Giorgio and the peaceful Giardino Ibleo offering a glimpse of Sicilian elegance and serenity. Ragusa is a delight to visit not only for its historical treasures but also for its warm, authentic Sicilian charm. The town offers an intimate atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and picturesque views that stretch over the Iblean countryside, making it a true gem for history lovers and travellers seeking a more tranquil cultural escape.
Your support means the world to us, and we’re grateful for the time you’ve taken to explore our content. If you’re enjoying what you find here, feel free to leave a comment, give us a “like,” share with friends, and consider subscribing for even more culinary and travel delights!