Cassata Siciliana Recipe: Authentic and Easy Sicilian Cassata Recipe

If you love Italian desserts and haven’t tried Cassata Siciliana, you are missing out on a delicious Sicilian treat. This traditional dessert is made using ricotta cheese, sponge cake, and candied fruits. Follow this easy Sicilian Cassata recipe to make an authentic and scrumptious dessert for your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. Ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup candied orange, chopped
• 1/4 cup candied citron, chopped
• 1/4 cup candied cherries, chopped
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1/2 pound sponge cake
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Add chopped candied fruits, chocolate chips, and pistachios to the cheese mixture and stir well.
3. Cut the sponge cake into two thin layers of equal size and arrange one layer in the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan.
4. Pour the cheese mixture over the sponge cake layer and spread evenly.
5. Place the other layer of sponge cake on top, pressing gently.
6. In a saucepan, heat water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until all the sugar is dissolved.
7. Add Marsala wine to the sugar mixture and bring to a boil for a minute.
8. Remove from heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
9. Drizzle the cooled syrup over the cake layer until it is fully absorbed.
10. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake overnight or for at least 4 hours.
11. When ready to serve, remove the cake from the springform pan and place it on a plate.
12. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and spread over the cake surface.
13. Decorate the cake with extra candied fruits and/or pistachios, if desired.
14. Serve chilled and enjoy your authentic and easy Sicilian Cassata dessert!

Verdict:

Cassata Siciliana is a decadent traditional dessert that is full of flavor and textures. This easy Sicilian Cassata recipe produces a creamy, fruity, nutty, and slightly boozy cake that is sure to impress your guests. The sweet and moist sponge cake layers, combined with the rich and sweet ricotta cheese filling, and the tangy and crunchy candied fruits, make for a heavenly dessert that will transport you to the beautiful island of Sicily.

Serving Suggestions:

Cassata Siciliana is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a birthday party, or a holiday gathering. This dessert pairs well with a cup of espresso or tea, or a glass of sweet wine, such as Marsala or Passito di Pantelleria. Serve it chilled and cut into slices. Buon appetito!