Best 20 Cassata Recipes

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.

CASSATA CAKE

Steps:

• 1. To make the filling, quickly whisk together 4 tablespoons of the milk with the flour. The slurry will be somewhat thick, so whisk thoroughly to make it smooth. Press out any lumps with a flexible spatula, if necessary.
• 2. Whisk in the rest of the milk and transfer the mixture to a 2-quart heavy-bottom saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Once bubbles that burp steam form, remove the pot from the heat and continue to stir for another 30 seconds.
• 3. Cover the milk mixture with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface. Cool for 15 to 30 minutes.
• 4. Meanwhile, combine the butter, sugar, citrus oil, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on high speed for up to 5 minutes.
• 5. Add the milk mixture and continue to beat on high speed until the filling is smooth, another 5 minutes. Beat in the ricotta cheese 1 tablespoon at a time.
• 6. Preheat the oven to 335°F and place the rack in the middle position. Line the bottoms of three 9-by-2- inch round pans with parchment.
• 7. Measure the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt into one bowl, and the milk and vanilla into a separate bowl. Whisk each to combine.
• 8. In the standing mixer fitted with the wire whip attachment, beat the egg whites on high speed to a stiff peak. Drizzle in 1 cup of the sugar while the mixer is running. Scoop the meringue into a large bowl and set aside.
• 9. Lightly wipe the mixer bowl and replace the wire whip with the paddle attachment. Cream the butter with the remaining 1 cup of sugar on low speed.
• 10. Add the egg yolks one at a time. Scrape the sides of the bowl all the way to the bottom using a flexible spatula and mix on low speed until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• 11. Alternately add the dry and wet ingredients about a quarter at a time without pausing between additions.
• 12. Stop the mixer and gently fold the meringue into the batter with a flexible spatula. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 27 to 30 minutes, or until the cake bounces back when lightly pressed and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
• 13. Cool the cakes for 2 minutes, then run an offset spatula around the edges and invert the cakes onto a flat surface. They will be very fragile, so handle them with care.
• 14. Assemble the extravagant cake by adding about 1 cup each of the fresh strawberries and the ricotta filling between the layers. Cover the outside of the cake with the whipped cream. Add more fresh strawberries around the edge of the cake if you like.

SICILIAN CASSATA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325F.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks; adding sugar gradually.
• Add butter.
• Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with milk; mix.
• Add vanilla and mix.
• Fold in beaten egg whites.
• Pour batter into greased and floured 10X16-inch jelly roll pan.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
• DO NOT over bake as it will not roll.
• Turn out onto a clean dish towel sprinkled thickly with powdered sugar.
• Trim off all edges with a knife.
• Roll the cake in a towel and let stand a few minutes.
• While you let the cake, prepare the filling.
• Put ricotta cheese through a sieve to remove all lumps.
• Add cream, sugar, cinnamon and liqueur and beat until smooth.
• Fold in candied fruit, nuts and chocolate chips.
• Unroll the towel and spread with filling.
• Reroll and refrigerate for 4 hours to"ripen".
• Slice when ready to serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

STRAWBERRY CUSTARD CASSATA CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Make the custard(you can do this the night before)Whisk together all of the custard ingredients is saucepan.Bring mixture to a boil over med-low heat,whisking constantly.Turn down heat so the mixture just simmers,and whisk until thick,1-2 minutes.(The key word here are whisk constantly) It will thicken quickly.Transfer to bowl,cover with plastic and cool.Then chill custard,covered for at least 3 hrs.or up to 2 days. (cooks note) I was in a bakery and they sold custard pre-made in big plastic tubes this was 1 step I cheated on)
• 2. Bake cakes:(you can also do this the night before)Preheat oven to 325 Line bottoms of 2 9"round cake pans with lightly oiled parchment paper I used spray & spray pans.(cooks note)My pans were obviously 8" & I had too much batter so I used 3 8" pans and I ended up not having to cut the cakes in half)Thus 1 more step skipped.
• 3. Sift together flour and 1 1/4c. sugar,baking powder & salt twice in bowl.I did first sift on waxed paper then poured that is sifter over bowl.
• 4. In separate bowl,using electric hand mixer beat together the yolks,water,oil,zest and vanilla until smooth.Stir in flour mixture.
• 5. In another large bowl with cleaned beaters,beat egg whites with cream of tartat until soft peaks form.Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat on high until the peaks are stiff but not dry.
• 6. Using rubber spatula (and a light touch) fold about a quarter of the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture.Then fold in the remaining whites.Be very gentle.The goal here is to incorporate the egg whites without deflating them significantly.As soon as the egg whites are no longer visible stop folding.
• 7. Divide batter into pans evenly.Bake for approximately 35 min.Until the top springs back when lightly pressed and toothpick comes out clean.
• 8. For the next step,and for the splitting,wax paper is your friend.Any surfaces that carries a cake layer I line with waxed paper for easy transfer.
• 9. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans on cooling rack for at least an hour.When completely cool run a knife around the sides to release the cakes,cover each pan with a waxpaper lined plate and flip. Gently lift the pans off of cakes,and carefully peel back the parchment.Wrap the cakes in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hrs. or overnight.
• 10. Meanwhile prepare strawberries:Slice the strawberries thinly but not too thin & place in bowl.Sprinkle with the 2Tbs. sugar and stir.Allow to macerate for 1 hr.Stir once in a while.Strain and save juices.
• 11. When cakes are cool it's time to split them.Using a long serrated knife carefully saw each layer in half.Place each layer on wax lined baking sheet,One layer on cake plate you're serving it on.
• 12. Whip the cream & sugar until stiff.
• 13. Assemble cake:Brush bottom layer with 1/3 reserved strawberry juice,a layer of strawberries the a layer of custard.Top with next layer of cake and repeat,no strawberry juice on top.Cover entire cake with whipped cream.Decorate top with fresh strawberries if desired.Chill cake at least 8 hrs. before serving so the cake absorbs the strawberry juices.Bring to cool room temperature before serving.

SICILIAN CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING (CASSATA ALLA SICILIANA)

Steps:

• With a sharp, serrated knife, slice the end crusts off the pound cake and level the top if it is rounded. Cut the cake horizontally into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick slabs.
• Rub the ricotta through a coarse sieve into a bowl with a wodden spoon and beat it with a rotary or electric beater until it is smooth. Beating constantly, add the cream, siugar and Strega.
• With a rubber spatula, fold in the chopped candied fruit and chocolate. Center the bottom slab of the cake on a flat plate and spread it generously with the ricotta mixture.
• Carefully place another slab of cake on top, keeping the sides and ends even, and spread some more ricotta. Repeat until all the cake slabs are reassembled and the filling has been used up- ending with a plain slice of cake on top.
• Gently press the loaf together to make it as compact as possible. Do not worry if it feels wobbly; chilling firms the loaf. Refrigerate the cassata for about 2 hours, or until the ricotta is firm.
• Chocolate Frosting:.
• Melt 12 oz. of chocolate with the coffee in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate has completely dissolved.
• Remove the pan from the heat and beat in the chilled butter, 1 piece at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Then chill this frosting until it thickens to spreading consistency.
• With a small metal spatula, spread the frosting evenly over the top, sides and ends of the cassata, swirling it as decoratively as you can.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap, wax paper or foil and let cassata "ripen" in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving it.

ITALIAN CASSATA CAKE

Steps:

• Combine dried currants and 2 tablespoons Marsala in small bowl. Let soak for 15 minutes. Drain cherries and cut into eighths; drain on paper towels. Drain currants.
• In a food processor, puree ricotta cheese, sugar, 3 tablespoons Marsala and whipping cream until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl. Gently mix in currants and cherries.
• Peel any loose crust from pound cake and discard. Cut pound cake lengthwise into 3 horizontal layers. Place bottom layer on serving platter. Spread half of filling over. Place second pound cake layer on top of filling. Spread remaining filling over. Arrange third pound cake layer on top of filling. Smooth sides with rubber spatula. Refrigerate cassata until filling is firm, about 2 hours.
• To make the chocolate frosting: Combine 1/2 cup reserved cherry syrup, semisweet chocolate and 1/4 cup Marsala in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Add unsalted butter a few pieces at a time and whisk until melted. Refrigerate frosting until thickened to spreading consistency, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
• Slide sheets of waxed paper under edges of cassata to protect the serving dish. Put 1 cup chocolate frosting to pastry bag fitted with medium star tip. Spread remaining chocolate frosting over sides and top of cassata. Pipe frosting in pastry bag in swirls on long sides and in rosettes along upper edges of cassata. Refrigerate for several hours until set. Let cassata stand at room temperature 20 minutes before serving.

PAT'S EASY CASSATA CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Grease bottom of a 10 x 15" jelly roll pan. Fit a piece of parchment paper or waxed paper into the pan. Preheat oven to 350°.
• 2. For the Cake: Beat the cake mix, pudding, eggs, water and oil for 2 minutes in a large mixer bowl with an electric mixer.
• 3. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until cake springs back when touched. Remove from oven to cool. Flip the cake out onto a cutting board and peel off parchment paper. Cool to room temp.
• 4. Mix the amaretto and cherry juice and set aside.
• 5. For the Filling: Mix ricotta, sugar, and almond extract together and blend well. Stir in almonds, cherries and chocolate and blend well.
• 6. To assemble the Cake: Trim off hard edges of cake Brush cake with the amaretto mixture. Evenly cut the cake into 3 equal bars, approximately 5" wide. Place one piece of cake onto a serving platter.
• 7. Spread 1/2 the filling over the first layer. Repeat with second layer and the rest of filling. Top with last layer of cake.
• 8. Cover the entire cake, top & sides, with Cool Whip. Sprinkle more slivered almonds, maraschino cherry halves and shaved semi sweet chocolate. Keep cake refrigerated until serving time. Remaining cake should be refrigerated. (Like that's going to happen! *_*)

BRANDIED-CHERRY CASSATA

Steps:

• Put ricotta, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and zest in a food processor; scrape in the vanilla seeds. Process until smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl, and then stir in drained cherries. Refrigerate.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let cool completely. Stir in cherry liquid. Refrigerate. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment; coat lining with spray. Dust with flour; tap out excess.
• Bring milk and butter to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat. Put eggs in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; beat on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 6 minutes. Beat in remaining cup granulated sugar and the vanilla. On low speed, gradually add flour. Drizzle in hot-milk mixture. Beat in baking powder and salt (do not overmix).
• Pour into prepared pan. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack 30 minutes. Unmold; remove parchment. Let cool completely.
• Split cake horizontally into thirds. Brush a cut side of each layer with syrup. Spread half of filling on bottom layer. Top with middle layer, and spread with remaining filling. Top with third layer. Refrigerate until firm, 2 hours. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Cut into 9 squares.

ITALIAN CASSATA

Steps:

• Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions. Bake in a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cool completely.
• With a sharp, serrated knife, cut a thin slice from both ends of cooled cake. Cut cake horizontally into 4 even layers. Brush each layer with 1 tablespoon orange liqueur.
• In medium bowl, beat ricotta cheese with electric mixer until smooth. Beat in cream, sugar, remaining liqueur. With rubber scraper, fold in chocolate pieces and candied fruits.
• Place bottom layer of cake on flat plate and spread with one-third of ricotta mix. Place second layer of cake evenly on top of first layer and spread with one-third filling. Repeat with third layer of cake and filling. Top with remaining cake layer.
• Gently press loaf into shape. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until ricotta is firm.
• To make the frosting: Melt chocolate and butter in top of double boiler, over hot, not boiling, water. Remove from water. Add confectioners sugar, hot coffee, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. If too soft to spread, refrigerate until of spreading consistency - about 30 minutes. Spread frosting over side and top of cake. Refrigerate until serving time.
• To serve, decorate top with candied fruits, if desired. Or use a pastry tube to decorate the cake with flowers and vines. Makes 10 servings.

CASSATA CAKE RICOTTA CHEESE FILLING

Steps:

• Beat the ricotta cheese well and add the confectioner's sugar and the cinnamon. Add the vanilla and grate the chocolate in using the coarse side of a grater. Stir in the candied lemon peel and mix. Chill until ready to use.

CASSATA GELATA I (MOLDED ICE CREAM)

Steps:

• Soften the chocolate ice cream.
• Coat the inside of a two-quart bowl (stainless steel is the easiest) with the chocolate ice cream.
• Place the bowl in the freezer and allow the chocolate layer to harden.
• While the chocolate is hardening, soften the vanilla ice cream.
• When the chocolate layer is frozen, take the bowl from the freezer and coat the inside with the vanilla ice cream.
• Replace the bowl in the freezer and take out the pistachio ice cream and let it soften.
• When the vanilla ice cream is hard, take out the bowl and coat the inside with the pistachio ice cream.
• Replace in the freezer.
• Whip one cup of the cream with two tablespoons of the sugar.
• Fold the nuts into the cream mixture and place the cream/nut mixture into the center of the bowl.
• Replace it in the freezer while you whip the remaining cream and sugar.
• When you're ready to serve, remove the bowl and unmold the ice cream onto your serving platter.
• If it doesn't come out easily, dip the bowl into warm water and try again; it should come right out.
• Now cover the ice cream 'mound' with whipped cream.
• If you want it make it fancy, put some whipped cream into a pastry bag and make rosettes around the edge and on top.
• With a vegetable peeler, shave off curls of the chocolate and garnish the platter.
• Bring a cake server and a pitcher of warm water to the table.
• Dip the server in the water and slice servings of the cassata.

CASSATA

Steps:

• Place loaf pan 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 inches, in freezer. Pour rum over candied fruit; let stand 1 hour.
• Remove loaf pan from freezer. Spread coffee ice cream in pan; freeze about 1 hour until firm.
• Cut cake into rectangle about 2 inches thick to fit loaf pan, 8 1/2x4 1/2 inches. Drain fruit, reserving rum. Drizzle reserved rum over cake; set aside. Spread maple nut ice cream over ice cream in pan; freeze about 1 hour until firm.
• Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar in chilled small bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Fold in candied fruit. Spread whipping cream mixture over ice cream in pan. Top with rum-soaked cake, cutting pieces to fit pan. Cover and freeze about 8 hours or until firm. Loosen edges of cake from pan with knife; turn upside down to unmold cake.

CASSATA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a saucepan, bring the milk and butter to a boil. Meanwhile, with a whip attachment beat the eggs 5 to 7 minutes until light and very fluffy. Add the sugar and vanilla and mix well, then gradually add the flour. Drizzle in the hot milk, then add baking powder. Pour it into a greased 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper lining the bottom. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes Let cool in the pan on a wire rack then use a blunt knife to go around the edge of the pan to loosen it. Turn it out onto a cutting board and carefully slice it in half horizontally.
• To make the filling: Place the ricotta and sugar in a food processor and pulse to blend and make it smooth. Fold in candied fruit, if you are using it. Chill until ready to use.
• To make the syrup: In a small saucepan boil the water and sugar together. Let cool then add the orange liqueur.
• To assemble the cassata: Butter a 9-inch pie plate and line it with plastic wrap with some hanging over the edge. Place the green marzipan strip around the edge of the pan on the sloping sides, over lapping at where the ends come together. Trim 1 layer of cake to fit into the bottom of the pie pan and place it in. Brush it with half the syrup. Spread the cake layer with ricotta filling. Brush the second layer of cake with the remaining syrup and flip it onto the ricotta filling. Press down lightly to secure it. Cover it with plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
• To serve, uncover the cassata and flip it onto a serving platter. Peel the plastic wrap off the top and dust it heavily with powdered sugar. Decorate with whole candied fruit or fruit shaped marzipan. Serve in wedges.

CASSATA GELATO

Steps:

• FIRST LAYER:.
• Beat egg whites until firm peaks form; gradually beat in sifted icing sugar. Fold in beaten egg yolks. Beat cream with almond essence until soft peaks form; fold into egg mixture. Pour mixture into deep 20cm (8") round cake tin. Smooth over top, freeze until firm.
• SECOND LAYER:.
• Beat egg whites until firm peaks form; gradually beat in sifted icing sugar. Whip cream until soft peaks form, fold in egg white mixture. Place chopped chocolate in top of double saucepan, stand over simmering water until chocolate has melted; remove from heat, stir in egg yolks. Combine sifted cocoa and water, stir into chocolate mixture. Stir chocolate mixture through cream mixture. Spread chocolate mixture over almond layer and freeze until firm.
• THIRD LAYER:.
• Beat together cream and vanilla until firm peaks form. Beat egg white until soft peaks form, gradually add sifted icing sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir egg white mixture into cream. Stir in chopped fruit and toasted flaked almonds. Spread fruit and nut layer on top of chocolate layer; freeze until set, preferably overnight.
• TO SERVE:.
• Run a small spatula around the edge of the Cassata. Run a hot cloth over the top and sides of the container. Turn out onto serving plate. Decorate, if desired, with swirls of whipped cream and grated chocolate.
• If serving at a celebration such as Christmas, use seasonal decorations.

CHOCOLATE, CHERRY AND MARSALA CASSATA

Steps:

• For filling:
• Combine dried currants and 2 tablespoons Marsala in small bowl. Let currants macerate 15 minutes. Cut cherries into eighths and drain on paper towels. Drain currants.
• Puree ricotta cheese, sugar, remaining 3 tablespoons Marsala and whipping cream in processor until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl. Gently mix in currants and cherries.
• Peel any loose crust from pound cake and discard. Cut pound cake lengthwise into 3 horizontal layers. Place bottom layer on serving platter. Spread half of filling over. Place second pound cake layer atop filling. Spread remaining filling over. Arrange third pound cake layer atop filling. Smooth sides with rubber spatula. Refrigerate cassata until filling is firm, about 2 hours.
• For Frosting:
• Combine 1/2 cup reserved cherry syrup, semisweet chocolate and Marsala in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Add unsalted butter a few pieces at a time and whisk until melted. Refrigerate frosting until thickened to spreading consistency, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
• Slide sheets of waxed paper under edges of cassata. Transfer 1 cup chocolate frosting to pastry bag fitted with medium star tip. Spread remaining chocolate frosting over sides and top of cassata. Pipe frosting in pastry bag in swirls on long sides and in rosettes along upper edges of cassata. Refrigerate until set. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.) Let cassata stand at room temperature 20 minutes before serving.

CHRISTMAS CASSATA

Steps:

• Place currants and 3 tablespoons of reserved cherry syrup in small bowl; reserve 1/2 cup cherry syrup. Let stand about 15 minutes or until currants are softened; drain. Coarsely chop cherries; set aside.
• Place ricotta cheese, whipped topping and 3 tablespoons of the wine in food processor or blender. Cover and process until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl; fold in cherries and currants.
• Cut pound cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place bottom layer on serving dish. Spread with half of the ricotta mixture. Add middle cake layer. Spread with remaining ricotta mixture. Add top cake layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate about 2 hours or until ricotta mixture is firm.
• Melt chocolate chips in 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in remaining 3 tablespoons wine and reserved 1/2 cup cherry syrup until smooth; remove from heat. Beat in butter, a few pieces at a time, using wire whisk, until melted. Refrigerate about 45 minutes or until thick enough to spread. Spread chocolate mixture over top and sides of dessert. Store covered in refrigerator.

CASSATA-STYLE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F Lightly coat or spray a 9- or 9 1/2-inch springform pan with oil.
• For crust:.
• Place 3/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup sugar in a food processor. Pulse to mix. Add butter. Pulse until small crumbs form. Turn into pan. Press firmly and evenly over bottom. (Don't worry about cleaning processor.)
• Bake crust in centre of preheated oven until lightly golden around edge, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove pan and reduce heat to 300F
• For filling:.
• Finely grate peel from orange. Cut cream cheese into chunks.
• Place in a food processor with ricotta and vanilla. Whirl until smooth, occasionally scraping down side of bowl.
• Add 1 cup sugar and whirl to mix. Add eggs, one at a time, whirling after each addition. Then add 3 tbsp flour and orange zest. Whirl just until evenly mixed.
• Scrape filling into a large bowl. Stir in chocolate, candied fruit mix and pistachios.
• Pour filling over warm base.
• Lay a piece of foil loosely overtop. Don't seal.
• Bake in centre of 300F oven until centre is slightly jiggly, 2 hours.
• Remove to a rack. Run a knife around outside edge of cake, but don't remove from pan. Cool in pan, then refrigerate at least 3 hours or cover and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
• If centre cracks, cover with orange slices or whipped cream and chopped pistachios, if you wish!
• Hint: if you cannot find the mixed chopped candied fruits and peel use diced candied cherries and pineapple.

KAF CHOCOLATE CASSATA CAKE

Steps:

• CAKE:.
• Preheat the oven to 325°F Lightly grease an 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan.
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, baking powder, espresso powder, and cocoa to make a sandy, somewhat clumpy mixture. Don't worry; the eggs will smooth things out.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl midway through this process.
• Add half the flour to the bowl, beating at low speed to combine.
• Add all of the milk, beating at low speed to combine.
• Add the remaining flour, beating gently just until the batter is smooth.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake the cake for about 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top may look a tiny bit damp; that's OK. If you have an instant-read thermometer, the center will register 210°F to 215°F, while just under the top will register about 198°F to 200°F.
• Remove the cake from the oven, loosen the edges, wait 10 minutes, and turn it out of the pan onto a rack to cool.
• Store completely cooled cake well wrapped, at room temperature, until ready to fill and frost.
• FILLING:.
• Stir together the ricotta, sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Frosting:.
• Sift the cocoa, confectioners' sugar, and espresso powder into a bowl.
• Bring the cream to a simmer on the stove or in the microwave, and whisk into the cocoa mixture. At first the mixture will look grainy; continue whisking for a minute. You'll see the lumps disappear as the sugar dissolves and the cocoa hydrates.
• Set aside to cool to room temperature.
• Place the butter, salt, and sifted confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl.
• Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla.
• With the mixer running on low speed, add the cocoa mixture a spoonful at a time until it's all incorporated. Scrape the bowl, then beat at medium speed for 1 minute.
• Assemble Cake:.
• Split the cake in thirds lengthwise, to make 3 layers. Brush the cut side of each layer with simple syrup or vanilla syrup; this will help keep the cake moist.
• Place the bottom layer on a serving plate. Spread with half the ricotta filling. Top with the second layer, and spread with the remaining filling. Place the third layer on top.
• Ice the cake - top and sides - with the frosting.
• Serve immediately; or refrigerate, well-wrapped, until ready to serve, preferably not longer than 24 hours. Cut in crosswise slices to serve.

CASSATA RICOTTA (RICOTTA CAKE)

Steps:

• Place the ricotta and sugar in a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse several times to combine. Add the chocolate and the candied fruit and pulse until the fruit is finely chopped and the chocolate distributed throughout the ricotta. Set aside. Remove the pound cake from the foil pan and reserve the pan. Slice the pound cake horizontally into 3 layers. Line the foil pan with plastic wrap, covering well and allowing several inches of wrap to hang over the outside. Return the bottom layer to the foil pan, cut side up, and brush with the cherry liqueur. Spread 1/2 of the ricotta mixture over the cake. Brush both sides of the middle cake layer with the liqueur and place in the pan over the ricotta filling. Spread with the remaining ricotta filling. Brush the cut side of the remaining cake layer with the liqueur and place, cut-side down, over the ricotta. Press down lightly, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Cake may be made 1 day before serving.) When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap and unmold cake onto a rectangular platter. Dust with the powdered sugar and slice into thin pieces.

CORBO'S BAKERY CASSATA CAKE RECIPE - (3.9/5)

Steps:

• Whisk together all of the custard ingredients in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. Turn down the heat so that the mixture just simmers, and whisk until thick, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a round of wax paper, and cool. Then, chill custard, covered, for at least 3 hours, or up to 2 days. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans with lightly oiled parchment paper. Sift together the flour, 1 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt two time into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, beat together the yolks, water, oil, zest and vanilla until smooth. Stir into the flour mixture. In another large bowl beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and beat on high until the peaks are stiff but not dry. Using a rubber spatula, fold about a quarter of the fluffy egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. Then very gently fold in the remaining whites. As soon as the egg whites are no longer visible, stop folding. Scrape the batter into the two prepared round cake pans and spread evenly. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans on a cooling rack for at least an hour. When completely cool, run a knife around the sides to release the cakes, cover each pan with a wax paper-lined plate, and flip. Gently lift the pans off of the cakes. Slice the strawberries thinly and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with the sugar and stir. Allow the strawberries to soak up the sugar for 1 hour, giving them a stir every so often. Strain the berries, reserving the released juices. When the cakes are thoroughly chilled slice them in half so you have four layers. Place each layer on a wax paper-lined baking sheet or plate. Whip the cream and sugar together until stiff. Place one cake layer on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Brush with 1/3 of the reserved strawberry juice. Cover with a layer of strawberries, and then a layer of custard. Repeat for the following layers. Then, ice the top and sides of the cake with whipped cream. Top with fresh strawberries. Chill the cake for at least 8 hours before serving, so that the cake has time to absorb the strawberry juices. Bring to cool room temperature before serving.