Cassata is a popular Italian dessert that originates from Sicily. It’s a delicious and rich dessert made with sponge cake, ricotta cheese, candied fruits, and sometimes chocolate. Here’s a basic recipe for making Cassata at home:
Ingredients for Cassata:
For the Sponge Cake:
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup candied fruits (such as orange peel, citron, cherries), chopped
– 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
For Assembly:
– 1/2 cup Flavored Syrup (like almond syrup or vanilla syrup for added flavor) but it is optional
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup sugar
For Decoration:
– Marzipan (optional)
– Candied fruits
– Chocolate shavings
– Powdered sugar
Instructions for Cassata:
#### 1. Prepare the Sponge Cake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.
#### 2. Prepare the Filling:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
2. Fold in the chopped candied fruits, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios (if using).
#### 3. Assemble the Cassata:
1. Once the sponge cake has cooled, slice it horizontally into three even layers.
2. Mix together the Flavored Syrup, water, and sugar in a small bowl.
3. Place one layer of the sponge cake onto a serving platter or cake stand. Brush the cake with the Flavored Syrup.
4. Spread a layer of the ricotta filling over the cake.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers and filling, finishing with a layer of cake on top.
6. Brush the top layer of cake with the Flavored Syrup.
#### 4. Decorate the Cassata:
1. If using marzipan, roll it out thinly and drape it over the assembled cake.
2. Decorate the top of the Cassata with candied fruits, chocolate shavings, and powdered sugar as desired.
#### 5. Chill and Serve:
1. Place the Cassata in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Before serving, slice the Cassata into wedges and enjoy!
Now you may this homemade Cassata with your friends and family with its delicious flavors.
For the demo featured image credited to https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cassata_%28688321292%29.jpg
