Italian Cassata Recipes

CASSATA

Steps:

• For the filling, mix the ricotta with 1 1/2 cups sugar, the seeds from half a vanilla bean pod, and a few drops of orange blossom water until creamy. Incorporate the chopped chocolate, 1/3 cup coarsely chopped pistachios, and the assorted candied fruit cubes.
• Line a cake pan with plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, roll out the marzipan between two sheets of parchment paper dusted with powdered sugar until it is around 1/8" thick. Cut out strips as long as the cake pan is high. Use these strips to line the inside of the cake pan (you'll have some scraps left over).
• Cut the sponge cake into 1/2" thick slices and line the bottom of the cake pan with them.
• Bring 1/3 cup water to a boil with 1/4 cup sugar and, if desired, a lemon peel or a piece of a vanilla bean pod and 2 Tbsp. lemon liqueur. Let cool, then lightly brush the sponge cake with this mixture. Pour the filling into the cake pan, cover with other sponge cake slices. Press down gently, and brush with the liqueur mixture. Fold the plastic wrap over the cassata and chill in the fridge for 4-8 hours.
• Melt the fondant sugar over low heat, then remove from the heat; stir continuously until you obtain a fluid mixture that drizzles off the spoon. Remove the cassata from the fridge; and turn it out onto a serving dish; pour the cooled fondant sugar on the center. Using a spatula, spread it evenly over the entire surface. Place it back in the fridge for another hour to set. Decorate the top with candied cherries, orange slices, and citron.

CASSATA CAKE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla with an electric mixer or by hand until you have as smooth and homogenous a mixture as possible-the ricotta will still cause it to have a few lumps.
• Once the ricotta mixture is well incorporated, hand stir in the chocolate chips and the lemon zest.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it at least for as long as it takes you to bake and cool the cake. The filling could be made a day in advance if desired.
• Gather the ingredients.
• Once your cakes of choice are completely cool, either use a long serrated knife or sturdy thread to slice them horizontally into 2 layers. Reserve the 4 layers.
• In a small bowl, mix the rum with the water.
• Use a pastry brush to brush the outside part of the cake layers with the liquor mixture. Give each layer a minute or two to absorb the alcohol before assembling the cake.
• Place a single layer of cake in the bottom of a 9-inch cheesecake springform pan. Spread 1/3 of the chilled filling mixture on top. Repeat with a second layer of cake and another 1/3 of the mixture and spread the final 1/3 of the mixture on top of the third layer of cake.
• Cover the assembled cake with the fourth layer of cake, brown part up.
• Wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours.
• Once you're ready to assemble, whip the cream with powdered sugar and rum. Beat until you have firm peaks. If not using right away, store the whipped cream in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Unwrap the cake and carefully move it to a serving plate. Frost the cake top and then the sides with the whipped cream mixture.
• Alternate the strawberries with the cherries on the outer edge of the cake. Place the chocolate shavings in the center. If not slicing right away, place the cake back in the fridge.
• Serve and enjoy

CASSATA CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and line with parchment paper 2 nine inch round layer pans.
• Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
• Separate the eggs and set the egg whites aside. Beat the egg yolks together on medium-high speed until very thick, about 4 minutes. Gradually add the cold water. Add 1- 1/4 cups of the white sugar, slowly, and beat well for about 3 more minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of the vanilla. Sift the flour mixture over the egg yolk mixture and fold in.
• Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together until stiff peaks form. Fold this into the yolk mixture. Divide batter between the pans.
• Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 25 minutes. Cool on rack for 10 minutes and then invert and cool completely.
• Cut each cake layer in half. Place one of the 4 halves on a cake board or plate and sprinkle with a little of the Rum Syrup. Spread about 1-1/2 cups of the Filling over this layer. Add a second layer of cake and repeat this procedure. Top the cake with the last layer of cake. Chill at least 4 hours. Spread Chocolate Glaze over top of cake.
• To Make Ricotta Cheese Filling: Beat the ricotta cheese well and add the confectioner's sugar and cinnamon. Add 1-1/2 teaspoons of the vanilla and grate 2 ounces of the chocolate in using the coarse side of a grater. Stir in the candied lemon peel and mix. Chill until ready to use.
• To Make The Rum Syrup: Place 1/3 cup of the sugar and the water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil 1 minute and then remove from heat and add the rum. Cool to room temperature.
• To Make The Chocolate Glaze: Melt 6 ounces of the chocolate and the cream in the microwave, whisk smooth. Add the butter and whisk until dissolved. Cool mixture until spreadable. Spread over the top of the cake.