This Strawberry Cassata Cake is a labor of love, but the end result is worth every minute of effort.
The cake itself is surprisingly light and fluffy, while the ricotta filling is luscious and smooth.
And the strawberry topping adds a refreshing touch of sweetness and tartness.
This strawberry cassata cake recipe is one of the most popular desserts in Italy. There are many variations of this cake, but they all have a cream filling, and the top layer has candied fruit or some syrup.
This particular version uses strawberries in the filling and syrup on top. Also, it has been around for many years. This kind of cake is similar to strawberry shortcake and upside-down cake.
The name cassata comes from the Italian word for precious or jewel because of the one-layered cream filling in this cake mixed with strawberries.
The recipe has been passed down through generations and has become part of many family backgrounds. Once you make this cake, it will be in your family forever.
How To Prepare Of Strawberry Cassata Cake Recipe?
Recipe Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Equipment:
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Spatula
- Sieve
- Wire rack
- Pastry brush
- Offset spatula
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed almond flour
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped candied citron
- ¼ cup chopped candied orange peel
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier (optional)
Directions By Strawberry Cassata Cake Recipe:
1. For the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together sugar and almond flour until pale and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
Stir in vanilla extract and oil.
Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
2. For the Ricotta Filling:
In a large bowl, beat ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold in chocolate chips, citron, and candied orange peel.
2. For the Strawberry Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine strawberries and sugar. Let sit for 30 minutes, allowing strawberries to release their juices.
Strain strawberries, reserving the juices.
If using Grand Marnier, add it to the strawberry juices.
In a medium bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold strawberry juices into whipped cream.
3. Assembly:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a generous layer of ricotta filling over the cake layer.
Arrange half of the strawberries over the ricotta filling.
Top with the remaining cake layer.
Spread the remaining ricotta filling over the top of the cake.
Pipe or spread the whipped cream frosting over the cake.
Decorate the cake with the remaining strawberries.
Refrigerate cake for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Strawberry Cassata Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 4 gm |
| Carbohydrates | 57 gm |
| Fats | 8 gm |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 117 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 gm |
| Sugar | 41 gm |
| Iron | 1.1 mg |
Freezing Ideas For Strawberry Cassata Cake Recipe
1. Freeze the cake in a pan first.
2. Freeze the berries in a bag or pot with some cream and freeze them to be used for serving.
3. Freeze the whole cake, then put it upside down on a dish and top with strawberries, cream, strawberries & cream, etc.
4. Spoon macaroni & cheese into wax paper bags (or freezer bags) and put the toppings on like sauce or nuts, etc.
5. Combine two different candies and freeze. Make a striped cake with two batches and a line of one color across the top.
6. Freeze cooked pasta or frozen vegetables in freezer bags (with or without sauce); then, you have to reheat, add additional ingredients & put them on a plate.
Is Strawberry Cassata Cake Recipe Healthy?
It is healthy due to the whole wheat flour and lack of white sugar. You can skip the icing on top if you want. But you can also use any other flavor of fruit syrups you like to top the cake.
Besides that, it is good for adults and children since it has no added oils and sweeteners.
What Does Cassata Cake Mean?
The original name for the cake was pastiera Napoletana, which means Neapolitan pastry. Early on in history, the cake was made from flour, sugar, eggs, and butter mixed with ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixed with candied fruit.
These ingredients are very similar to a recipe for a torta rustic and are found in many old Italian cookbooks. The name cassata comes from the Italian word cassata, which means jewel or precious because the layer of candied fruit in this cake is still used today.
What Is A Cassata Cake Made Of?
A cassata cake is a sponge cake filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, marzipan, and candied fruit.
It is then layered with sweetened whipped cream and more candied fruit. The top may be frosted or covered with marzipan.
Sometimes the cake has a layer of marzipan or jelly filling. Cassata cake is sweet and rich so it can be served as a dessert or tea time.
What Is The Taste Of Cassata Cake?
A cassata cake is a sweet, rich cake. It has many variations, and some are more complicated than others.
The original recipe for the cassata cake was from Naples, and each region has its unique way of making it. However, most of them have the same basic flavor.
How Many Calories Are In A Cassata Cake?
A cassata cake may be as little as 200 calories, but it depends on how much fruit is included. Also, the main ingredients do not usually add very many calories.
Some recipes will call for more butter, etc. Which can make the total calorie count higher.
When selecting a recipe, check your local market for low-fat or fat-free cheeses and use low-fat ricotta cheese.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cassata Cake is a true masterpiece of Italian pastry, combining the flavors and textures of Sicily into a symphony of sweetness and refreshment.
With its moist almond cake, creamy ricotta filling, and vibrant strawberry topping, this dessert is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
This cake is perfect for special occasions. You will be proud to serve it to your guests. It is sure to impress everyone, whether they are young or old.
This cake is full of flavor and nostalgia, so it will never go out of style!
