Sicilian Cassata

A smooth ricotta cream studded with dark chocolate chips and candied fruits. The Marsala-soaked sponge provides tenderness beneath a smooth, crisp white glaze.

• Prep time: 60 min
• Cook time: 25 min
• Difficulty: Medium
• Calories: 713
• Protein: 23 g
• Carbs: 83 g
• Fat: 28 g

Ingredients

• 2 piece Egg ( whole )
• 125 g White sugar ( for the sponge and cream )
• 60 g Wheat flour ( sifted )
• 250 g Fresh cheese ( well drained )
• 25 g Dark chocolate ( chopped into chips )
• 25 g Candied orange peel ( finely diced )
• 50 ml Marsala ( for soaking )
• 50 g Candied fruit ( assorted for decoration )
• 0.5 tbsp Lime juice ( for the glaze )
• 250 g Ricotta Cheese ( drained and sifted )
• 100 g Green marzipan ( thinly rolled )

Instructions

1. Prepare the sponge cake

   Whisk the eggs and white sugar until the mixture whitens and forms a ribbon. Gently fold in the sifted wheat flour with a spatula. Spread on a tray and bake at 180°C for 15 minutes until the biscuit is golden and flexible.

2. Prepare the ricotta cream

   Mix the sifted ricotta and cream cheese with a spatula to obtain a smooth texture. Add the white sugar, finely chopped dark chocolate, and diced candied orange peel. The cream should be homogeneous and shiny.

3. Assembly and soaking

   Line a flared mold by alternating strips of sponge cake and strips of green almond paste on the sides. Generously soak the biscuit with Marsala. Fill with the ricotta cream, then cover with the remaining sponge cake. Press lightly to pack everything and refrigerate.

4. Glazing and finishing

   Unmold the cake after resting. Make a glaze with white sugar and lemon juice. Coat the cake to obtain a smooth surface. Decorate with whole candied fruits.

Chef's tips

• Pass the fresh cheese through a fine sieve to get a perfectly smooth cream.
• Let the cake rest in the fridge overnight before glazing; the flavors will be much better integrated.

Storage

Keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container to prevent the glaze from absorbing moisture.