Cassatine Siciliane: A Traditional Sicilian Delight
Cassatine are one of the most beloved desserts from Sicily, typically served during festive occasions such as Easter. With their delicate ricotta filling, sweet sponge base, and colorful candied fruit topping, they are as beautiful as they are delicious. Here is a step-by-step guide to recreate these small, charming treats in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
- Serves: 6
- Category: Desserts
- Preparation Time: 1 day
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ricotta (cow’s milk) | 1 kg |
| Sugar | 300 g |
| Eggs | 360 g |
| Sugar | 150 g |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| All-purpose flour | 75 g |
| Water | 250 g |
| Sugar | 125 g |
| Alchermes liqueur | 50 ml |
| Marzipan | 150 g |
| Powdered sugar | To taste |
| Candied fruit | 250 g |
| Coffee beans | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ricotta
- Start by placing the ricotta cheese in a colander, setting it over a bowl. Put a plate on top and weigh it down. Allow the ricotta to drain overnight to remove excess moisture.
- After draining, transfer the ricotta into a large mixing bowl. Gently pat it with a paper towel to remove any remaining liquid.
- Add the sugar to the ricotta and mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the ricotta mixture into a piping bag (without a tip) and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Preparing the Sponge Cake (Pan di Spagna)
- In a stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour while continuing to mix. Take your time and ensure the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the flour.
- Once the flour is combined, use a spatula to gently fold in the remaining mixture. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
- Pour the batter into a 30×40 cm baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to level the surface.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Once cooled, turn the sponge cake onto a cutting board. Using a round cutter (about 7-8 cm in diameter), cut out circular discs of sponge cake.
Step 3: Preparing the Alchermes Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Once the syrup is ready, remove from heat and stir in the Alchermes liqueur, allowing the syrup to cool.
Step 4: Assembling the Cassatine
- Place the sponge cake discs into cylindrical molds (about 5 cm high) that fit the shape of the cake discs.
- Drizzle each sponge disc with the Alchermes syrup, ensuring that the cakes absorb the flavor but do not become soggy.
- Cover the molds with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 hours to allow the cakes to soak in the syrup and set.
Step 5: Preparing the Marzipan
- Dust your countertop with powdered sugar to prevent the marzipan from sticking.
- Place the marzipan on the counter and roll it out using a rolling pin. Aim for a thickness of about 2 mm. Keep adding powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Once rolled out, use it to cover the top and sides of each cassatina, pressing the marzipan gently into place. Cut off any excess marzipan around the edges.
Step 6: Preparing the Candied Fruit Garnish
- Slice the candied orange into thin rounds.
- Cut the mandarins into quarters, making sure to preserve the fruit segments.
- Do the same with any quinces or quinotti.
- Carefully arrange the candied fruits and orange slices in an appealing pattern on top of each cassatina.
- For a final touch, you can add whole coffee beans on top of each cassatina for added decoration.
Step 7: Final Refrigeration and Serving
- Once all the cassatine are assembled with their marzipan coverings and fruit toppings, return them to the fridge to chill for an additional hour to firm up.
- When ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar for a light, snowy finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cassatine chilled, ideally on a festive occasion or as a special treat after a delicious meal.
- These little Sicilian sweets are perfect for sharing with friends and family, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors – from the creamy ricotta filling to the soft sponge and the beautiful candied fruit topping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sugars | 40 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Enjoy these beautiful and tasty Cassatine Siciliane, a true taste of Sicily’s rich culinary heritage! With their delicate balance of flavors and textures, they’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to indulge.
