Cioccolato di Modica (Sicilian Cold-Worked Chocolate)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Medium

Cioccolato di Modica (Sicilian Cold-Worked Chocolate)

A dark, grainy chocolate of just cocoa mass and sugar, kept below 122 F so the sugar crystals stay intact. This is a home approximation of the traditional method, with a touch of cinnamon. Makes 12 squares in about 1 hr 25 min.

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Cooling 1 hr

Total 1 hr 25 min

Yield 12 squares

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

Adjust yield

squares

9 oz (250 g)unsweetened chocolate (100% cacao, cocoa mass), finely chopped
⅔ cup (120 g)raw cane sugar (fine)
½ tsp (1 g)ground cinnamon
1 pinchsalt

Fresh ingredient guides

CinnamonHow to pick, season & nutrition

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Instructions

Line a small tray or a silicone mold with parchment.
Put the chopped cocoa mass in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely warm water. Melt very gently to 113 F (45 C), stirring; never above 122 F (50 C).
Stir in the fine sugar, cinnamon and salt with a spatula and work until evenly mixed. The mixture will look thick, crumbly and matte; this is correct.
Press into the tray or mold, about 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) thick, and tap to settle.
Cool at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Do not refrigerate.
Break or cut into pieces.

Tips

Check the temperature: warmer than 122 F (50 C) dissolves the sugar and ruins the grainy bite.
Use fine sugar for a more even crumb.
Vanilla or chili can replace the cinnamon.
Good with espresso.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make cioccolato di modica (sicilian cold-worked chocolate)?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, plus 1 hour to chill. The recipe makes 12 squares.

How should I store cioccolato di modica (sicilian cold-worked chocolate)?

Wrap and keep in a cool, dark place up to 3 months.

Can I make cioccolato di modica (sicilian cold-worked chocolate) ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

A Sicilian chocolate from Modica made from cocoa mass and sugar worked at low temperature without conching. Serve it with espresso.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

47 Calories / serving

0.0g Fat

12.3g Carbs

0.0g Protein

12.2g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~564 cal · 0g fat · 148g carbs · 0g protein · 146g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.