Cassata Siciliana
A quintessential Sicilian dessert, Cassata Siciliana is a vibrant and rich cake featuring layers of moist sponge cake, a creamy sweetened ricotta filling, and a sweet marzipan coating, often adorned with candied fruits. It's a labor of love, traditionally prepared for Easter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 Sponge cake (Pan di Spagna)(A light and airy sponge cake, baked in a 23-24 cm (9-inch) round tin. It should be about 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches) high. You can bake this yourself or use a good quality store-bought one.)
- 500 g Whole milk ricotta cheese(Must be whole milk ricotta, preferably drained overnight in cheesecloth for a thicker, less watery filling.)
- 200 g Granulated sugar(For sweetening the ricotta filling.)
- 50 g Dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate(Optional, but adds a nice textural contrast and depth of flavor.)
- 100 g Candied mixed fruit (citron, orange peel, cherries)(Finely chopped. Ensure they are good quality for the best flavor.)
- 300 g Marzipan(Traditionally green, but any color works. Store-bought or homemade.)
- 100 ml Simple syrup(For moistening the sponge cake. Made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.)
- 2 tbsp Orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier, Cointreau)(Optional, for flavoring the simple syrup.)
- approx. 200 g Royal icing(For coating and decorating. Can be store-bought or homemade.)
- for decoration Candied cherries and angelica slices(To adorn the finished cassata.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine the drained ricotta with granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated. Stir in the chopped candied fruit and chocolate chips (if using). Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the cake.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Prepare the sponge cake: If baking your own sponge, ensure it's completely cooled. If using store-bought, slice off the top crust to create a flat surface. Slice the sponge cake horizontally into three equal layers. Cut a disc from the top layer to fit the base of your mold (about 23-24 cm diameter). Cut the remaining sponge cake into strips or cubes.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Prepare the mold: Line a 23-24 cm (9-inch) round cake mold or a traditional cassata mold with plastic wrap, ensuring it overhangs the sides. Press the sponge cake strips or cubes against the sides of the mold, creating a wall. You can also use a larger disc of sponge cake for the base, fitting it snugly.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
Moisten the sponge cake: In a small bowl, combine the simple syrup with the orange liqueur (if using). Generously brush the sponge cake lining the mold with this syrup, ensuring it is well-moistened but not soggy.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Assemble the cassata: Spoon the prepared ricotta filling evenly into the syruped sponge cake-lined mold. Smooth the top surface. Place the sponge cake disc reserved for the base on top of the filling, pressing gently.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Chill the cassata: Fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the top of the cake. Place a small plate or a piece of cardboard on top and weigh it down with a can or another heavy object. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set firmly.
⏱️ 8+ hours - 7
Prepare the marzipan: Lightly dust a clean work surface with powdered sugar. Roll out the marzipan into a large, thin circle, about 3-4 mm thick, large enough to cover the top of the cassata.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 8
Unmold and coat: Carefully invert the chilled cassata onto a serving plate. Remove the plastic wrap. Place the rolled marzipan circle over the top of the cassata, gently pressing it down to adhere. Trim any excess marzipan.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 9
Decorate: Prepare the royal icing according to package directions or your recipe. Spread a thin, even layer of royal icing over the marzipan-covered top of the cassata. While the icing is still wet, artfully arrange candied cherries and angelica slices on top to create a decorative pattern. You can also pipe additional details with the royal icing if desired.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 10
Final chill: Allow the royal icing to set completely. This may take another 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, or you can briefly refrigerate it. The cassata is best served chilled.
⏱️ 30 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best texture, ensure your ricotta is very well-drained. You can place it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl in the refrigerator overnight.
- ✓The quality of candied fruit significantly impacts the final flavor. Look for good quality, finely chopped pieces.
- ✓Traditionally, Cassata Siciliana is decorated with green marzipan and a vibrant assortment of candied fruits. Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorations!
- ✓This dessert requires significant chilling time to set properly. Plan accordingly.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different types of chocolate chips (milk or white) in the filling.
- Incorporate other fruits like candied orange peel or dried figs.
- For a quicker version, use pre-made sponge cake and marzipan.
- Serve as individual portions by lining small ramekins or molds.