Sicilian Cassata Recipe 🍰
Description:
Sicilian Cassata is a beloved traditional cake hailing from the sunny island of Sicily, Italy. Often gracing celebratory occasions like birthdays, weddings, and especially Easter, this delightful dessert is a true emblem of Sicilian culinary heritage. Prepare to indulge in layers of airy sponge cake enveloping a luscious, creamy filling bursting with the flavors of ricotta cheese, candied fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, each slice promises a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you to the charming streets of Sicily.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 324.5
- Fat Content: 12g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 81.7mg
- Sodium Content: 226.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 37.7g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 23.2g
- Protein Content: 8.4g
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons candied fruit
- 1/8 cup chopped nuts
- 3 tablespoons chocolate chips
Instructions:
Prep Time | Total Time | Servings |
---|---|---|
4 hours | 4 hours 15 minutes | 12 |
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Beat egg yolks with gradually adding sugar until pale and fluffy in a large mixing bowl.
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Incorporate butter into the mixture.
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Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) together. Add them alternately with milk to the egg yolk mixture, mixing well after each addition.
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Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
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In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter until no streaks remain.
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Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10×16-inch jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly.
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Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be cautious not to overbake to ensure the cake remains pliable for rolling.
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Transfer the baked cake onto a clean dish towel generously sprinkled with powdered sugar.
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Trim off any crisp edges using a knife to ensure a neat roll.
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Roll the cake tightly with the towel and let it cool for a few minutes.
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Prepare the filling while the cake cools: Pass ricotta cheese through a sieve to remove any lumps. In a mixing bowl, combine the smooth ricotta cheese with heavy cream, sugar, ground cinnamon, and your choice of liqueur, beating until smooth and creamy.
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Fold in the candied fruit, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips into the creamy mixture until evenly distributed.
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Carefully unroll the cake from the towel and spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface.
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Gently re-roll the cake with the filling inside, ensuring a tight spiral.
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Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least 4 hours, allowing it to “ripen” and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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When ready to serve, slice the chilled Sicilian Cassata into portions and sprinkle each slice with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Enjoy the Authentic Flavors of Sicily! 🌞🇮🇹
Indulge in every bite of this exquisite Sicilian Cassata, a timeless classic that captures the essence of Sicilian cuisine and brings joy to any occasion. With its heavenly combination of fluffy cake and rich, creamy filling, this dessert is sure to become a cherished favorite among family and friends. Buon Appetito! 🍰✨