Foglia Allegra of Barrafranca: The Sicilian Dessert with Lemon Leaf and Almond Brittle
Foglia Allegra of Barrafranca: The Sicilian Dessert with Lemon Leaf and Almond Brittle
The Foglia Allegra is a traditional Sicilian dessert from Barrafranca, made with almond brittle, walnuts, raisins, and honey, all placed on a fragrant lemon leaf
The Foglia Allegra is a traditional Sicilian dessert from Barrafranca, made with almond brittle, walnuts, raisins, and honey, all placed on a fragrant lemon leaf
Text and Photos by Marco Crupi

In the heart of Sicily, in the town of Barrafranca, a unique dessert blends tradition and innovation: the Foglia Allegra. This artisanal confection, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, has won over those who appreciate authentic and genuine flavors. Its story is deeply rooted in a passion for traditional pastry-making and the desire to create a product that truly embodies the essence of Sicily.
Origins and History
The Foglia Allegra was born in 2011 at Bar Sport in Barrafranca, a well-known establishment in the province of Enna, run by the Aleo family. The idea behind this dessert stemmed from the desire to create a product that captured the aromas and flavors of the Sicilian land, using ingredients that were easily accessible in local gardens.
After several attempts, the bakers produced a dessert that didn’t quite meet their original expectations. Disappointed, they set it aside without tasting it. It was their mother, Mrs. Allegro, who had the pivotal insight: curious about the dessert, she decided to try it and immediately recognized its potential. Though it needed some refinement, she saw promise in the recipe. After a series of improvements, the dessert was officially named Foglia Allegra in her honor, as she was its first advocate and taster.

A Unique Dessert

The Foglia Allegra is a simple yet surprising treat. It consists of:
- A lemon leaf that serves as a base, infusing the dessert with a distinctive citrus aroma.
- A handmade brittle, crafted from almonds, walnuts, raisins, and honey—staples of Sicilian confectionery.
What makes this dessert truly special is the lemon leaf itself, which is eaten along with the brittle. As you bite into it, the leaf releases an intense fragrance and flavor, creating a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.
Local Ingredients and the Celebration of Sicilian Produce
One of the defining features of the Foglia Allegra is its use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, including:
- “Vinciatutti” almonds, a variety native to the Barrafranca area, known for their sweet taste and high oil content.
- Premium walnuts and raisins, carefully selected to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Sicilian honey, an essential ingredient that provides natural sweetness and a rich aroma to the brittle.
This dessert is not just a treat for the palate—it’s a tribute to Sicily’s rich agricultural heritage, supporting local farmers and promoting the island’s culinary excellence.
Evolution and Variants
In 2016, the Foglia Allegra evolved with the introduction of a 100% vegan version. This variant preserves the authentic taste of the original while replacing honey with alternative natural sweeteners, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet.
Recognition and Media Coverage
Thanks to its uniqueness and exceptional quality, the Foglia Allegra has gained widespread media attention, featuring on major national television programs, including Linea Verde on Rai 1. These appearances have helped introduce the dessert to a broader audience, attracting food lovers and tourists in search of authentic Sicilian flavors.
Where to Buy the Foglia Allegra
If you want to taste this extraordinary dessert, you can find it at Bar Sport in Barrafranca, located at Piazza Umberto I, 7. Due to its growing popularity, it is also available for online orders through the company’s official website, allowing food enthusiasts to enjoy it beyond the borders of Sicily.
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Foglia Allegra of Barrafranca: The Sicilian Dessert with Lemon Leaf and Almond Brittle
Foglia Allegra of Barrafranca: The Sicilian Dessert with Lemon Leaf and Almond Brittle
The Foglia Allegra is a traditional Sicilian dessert from Barrafranca, made with almond brittle, walnuts, raisins, and honey, all placed on a fragrant lemon leaf
The Foglia Allegra is a traditional Sicilian dessert from Barrafranca, made with almond brittle, walnuts, raisins, and honey, all placed on a fragrant lemon leaf
Text and Photos by Marco Crupi

In the heart of Sicily, in the town of Barrafranca, a unique dessert blends tradition and innovation: the Foglia Allegra. This artisanal confection, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, has won over those who appreciate authentic and genuine flavors. Its story is deeply rooted in a passion for traditional pastry-making and the desire to create a product that truly embodies the essence of Sicily.
Origins and History
The Foglia Allegra was born in 2011 at Bar Sport in Barrafranca, a well-known establishment in the province of Enna, run by the Aleo family. The idea behind this dessert stemmed from the desire to create a product that captured the aromas and flavors of the Sicilian land, using ingredients that were easily accessible in local gardens.
After several attempts, the bakers produced a dessert that didn’t quite meet their original expectations. Disappointed, they set it aside without tasting it. It was their mother, Mrs. Allegro, who had the pivotal insight: curious about the dessert, she decided to try it and immediately recognized its potential. Though it needed some refinement, she saw promise in the recipe. After a series of improvements, the dessert was officially named Foglia Allegra in her honor, as she was its first advocate and taster.

A Unique Dessert

The Foglia Allegra is a simple yet surprising treat. It consists of:
- A lemon leaf that serves as a base, infusing the dessert with a distinctive citrus aroma.
- A handmade brittle, crafted from almonds, walnuts, raisins, and honey—staples of Sicilian confectionery.
What makes this dessert truly special is the lemon leaf itself, which is eaten along with the brittle. As you bite into it, the leaf releases an intense fragrance and flavor, creating a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.
Local Ingredients and the Celebration of Sicilian Produce
One of the defining features of the Foglia Allegra is its use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, including:
- “Vinciatutti” almonds, a variety native to the Barrafranca area, known for their sweet taste and high oil content.
- Premium walnuts and raisins, carefully selected to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Sicilian honey, an essential ingredient that provides natural sweetness and a rich aroma to the brittle.
This dessert is not just a treat for the palate—it’s a tribute to Sicily’s rich agricultural heritage, supporting local farmers and promoting the island’s culinary excellence.
Evolution and Variants
In 2016, the Foglia Allegra evolved with the introduction of a 100% vegan version. This variant preserves the authentic taste of the original while replacing honey with alternative natural sweeteners, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet.
Recognition and Media Coverage
Thanks to its uniqueness and exceptional quality, the Foglia Allegra has gained widespread media attention, featuring on major national television programs, including Linea Verde on Rai 1. These appearances have helped introduce the dessert to a broader audience, attracting food lovers and tourists in search of authentic Sicilian flavors.
Where to Buy the Foglia Allegra
If you want to taste this extraordinary dessert, you can find it at Bar Sport in Barrafranca, located at Piazza Umberto I, 7. Due to its growing popularity, it is also available for online orders through the company’s official website, allowing food enthusiasts to enjoy it beyond the borders of Sicily.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Related Posts
Foglia Allegra of Barrafranca: The Sicilian Dessert with Lemon Leaf and Almond Brittle
Foglia Allegra of Barrafranca: The Sicilian Dessert with Lemon Leaf and Almond Brittle
The Foglia Allegra is a traditional Sicilian dessert from Barrafranca, made with almond brittle, walnuts, raisins, and honey, all placed on a fragrant lemon leaf
The Foglia Allegra is a traditional Sicilian dessert from Barrafranca, made with almond brittle, walnuts, raisins, and honey, all placed on a fragrant lemon leaf
Text and Photos by Marco Crupi

In the heart of Sicily, in the town of Barrafranca, a unique dessert blends tradition and innovation: the Foglia Allegra. This artisanal confection, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, has won over those who appreciate authentic and genuine flavors. Its story is deeply rooted in a passion for traditional pastry-making and the desire to create a product that truly embodies the essence of Sicily.
Origins and History
The Foglia Allegra was born in 2011 at Bar Sport in Barrafranca, a well-known establishment in the province of Enna, run by the Aleo family. The idea behind this dessert stemmed from the desire to create a product that captured the aromas and flavors of the Sicilian land, using ingredients that were easily accessible in local gardens.
After several attempts, the bakers produced a dessert that didn’t quite meet their original expectations. Disappointed, they set it aside without tasting it. It was their mother, Mrs. Allegro, who had the pivotal insight: curious about the dessert, she decided to try it and immediately recognized its potential. Though it needed some refinement, she saw promise in the recipe. After a series of improvements, the dessert was officially named Foglia Allegra in her honor, as she was its first advocate and taster.

A Unique Dessert

The Foglia Allegra is a simple yet surprising treat. It consists of:
- A lemon leaf that serves as a base, infusing the dessert with a distinctive citrus aroma.
- A handmade brittle, crafted from almonds, walnuts, raisins, and honey—staples of Sicilian confectionery.
What makes this dessert truly special is the lemon leaf itself, which is eaten along with the brittle. As you bite into it, the leaf releases an intense fragrance and flavor, creating a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.
Local Ingredients and the Celebration of Sicilian Produce
One of the defining features of the Foglia Allegra is its use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, including:
- “Vinciatutti” almonds, a variety native to the Barrafranca area, known for their sweet taste and high oil content.
- Premium walnuts and raisins, carefully selected to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Sicilian honey, an essential ingredient that provides natural sweetness and a rich aroma to the brittle.
This dessert is not just a treat for the palate—it’s a tribute to Sicily’s rich agricultural heritage, supporting local farmers and promoting the island’s culinary excellence.
Evolution and Variants
In 2016, the Foglia Allegra evolved with the introduction of a 100% vegan version. This variant preserves the authentic taste of the original while replacing honey with alternative natural sweeteners, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet.
Recognition and Media Coverage
Thanks to its uniqueness and exceptional quality, the Foglia Allegra has gained widespread media attention, featuring on major national television programs, including Linea Verde on Rai 1. These appearances have helped introduce the dessert to a broader audience, attracting food lovers and tourists in search of authentic Sicilian flavors.
Where to Buy the Foglia Allegra
If you want to taste this extraordinary dessert, you can find it at Bar Sport in Barrafranca, located at Piazza Umberto I, 7. Due to its growing popularity, it is also available for online orders through the company’s official website, allowing food enthusiasts to enjoy it beyond the borders of Sicily.