This Strawberry Cassata Cake Recipe combines the moistness of the sponge, the creamy richness of the ricotta, and the fresh zest of strawberries into a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s perfect for special occasions, especially during strawberry season.
Today, I’m excited to share with you my delectable Strawberry Cassata Cake recipe. This delightful dessert combines the sweet tanginess of fresh strawberries with the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese.
It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will surely impress your taste buds. As a food expert, I can assure you that this cake is a showstopper at any gathering.
With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Join me on this culinary journey as I guide you through the simple steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Let’s indulge in the deliciousness of Strawberry Cassata Cake recipe together!
What Is A Cassata Cake?
A Cassata Cake is a traditional Italian dessert originating from Sicily. It’s a rich and decadent treat typically made with layers of sponge cake soaked in liqueur, such as rum or Marsala wine.
The cake is filled with a creamy mixture of sweetened ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, and candied fruit, giving it a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Once assembled, the Cassata Cake is often covered with a layer of marzipan or fondant and intricately decorated with colorful designs.
It’s a beloved dessert often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations, offering a taste of Sicilian culinary heritage in every bite
How to Prepare Strawberry Cassata Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: 8 servings
Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- mixing bowls
- electric mixer
- spatula
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients:
- 1 (18.25 oz) package white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
How to Make Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
● Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
● In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
● Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
2. Macerate the Strawberries:
● In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices and become slightly syrupy.
3. Prepare the Filling:
● In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
● In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with almond extract until stiff peaks form.
● Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture until well combined.
4. Assemble the Cake:
● Once the cake has cooled, use a serrated knife to horizontally slice it into two layers.
● Place one layer of cake on a serving platter and spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Arrange half of the macerated strawberries on top of the ricotta mixture.
● Place the second layer of cake on top and repeat the layers with the remaining ricotta mixture and strawberries.
5. Garnish and Chill:
● Decorate the top of the cake with toasted sliced almonds (if using) and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
● Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts Strawberry Cassata Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 310mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 8g |
How To Make With More Delicious
1. Infuse the Cake Layers:
Add extra flavor to the cake layers by brushing them with a flavored syrup before assembling the cassata cake.
Try using a mixture of citrus juice and sugar for a refreshing twist, or experiment with flavored liqueurs like amaretto or Grand Marnier for a decadent touch.
2. Incorporate Fresh Fruit:
Enhance the fruity flavor of the cassata cake by layering it with slices of fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or peaches.
The natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruit will complement the creamy ricotta filling and add a burst of color and freshness to each bite.
3. Drizzle with Chocolate:
Elevate the indulgence factor of the cassata cake by drizzling it with melted chocolate or ganache. The rich, velvety chocolate will add depth of flavor and a luxurious finish to the dessert, making it even more irresistible.
4. Experiment with Nuts:
Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cassata cake by sprinkling chopped nuts such as toasted almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios between the layers
Not only will this add an extra dimension of taste, but it will also provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling and soft cake layers.
5. Garnish with Whipped Cream:
Take the presentation of the cassata cake to the next level by topping it with swirls of whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping.
Not only will this add a light and airy texture to each slice, but it will also enhance the visual appeal of the dessert, making it look even more tempting and delicious.
What Is The Difference Between Cleveland Cassata Cake And Cassata Cake?
The difference between Cleveland Cassata Cake and traditional Cassata Cake lies in their regional variations.
Cleveland Cassata Cake is a variation that originated in Cleveland, Ohio, often found in Italian-American bakeries in the area.
It typically features layers of sponge cake soaked in rum or liqueur, with a filling made from ricotta cheese mixed with sugar, chocolate chips, and sometimes candied fruits or nuts.
Traditional Cassata Cake originates from Sicily, Italy, and consists of sponge cake soaked in liqueur, layered with ricotta cheese filling flavored with citrus zest, chocolate chips, and candied fruit.
The cakes may differ in specific ingredients and decorative elements, reflecting the culinary traditions of their respective regions.
Is Cassata Cake A Cleveland Thing?
Cassata cake is not specifically a Cleveland thing. It’s a classic Italian dessert with variations found in different regions.
Cleveland has its own version called Cleveland Cassata Cake, which is popular in Italian-American communities. It has similarities to traditional Cassata Cake but may have different ingredients and flavors.
The Cleveland version often features sponge cake soaked in liqueur, ricotta cheese filling, and toppings like whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
How To Store
To store cassata cake, first ensure it is completely cooled. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If the cake has any perishable fillings, such as whipped cream or fresh fruit, it’s best to consume it within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
For longer storage, you can freeze cassata cake. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container before freezing.
Frozen cassata cake can last for up to 1-2 months. Before serving, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before enjoying.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cassata Cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the beauty and flavor of fresh strawberries combined with the richness of ricotta cheese and the lightness of sponge cake.
From the first forkful to the last lingering taste, this indulgent treat is sure to delight your senses and leave you with memories of sweetness that linger long after the last crumb is gone.
So, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a moment of culinary bliss, Strawberry Cassata Cake recipe is the perfect choice to elevate any occasion.
With its irresistible charm and decadent flavors, it’s a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Strawberry Cassata Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 18.25 oz package white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds toasted (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
- ● Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- ● In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- ● Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Macerate the Strawberries:
- ● In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices and become slightly syrupy.
Prepare the Filling:
- ● In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- ● In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with almond extract until stiff peaks form.
- ● Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture until well combined.
Assemble the Cake:
- ● Once the cake has cooled, use a serrated knife to horizontally slice it into two layers.
- ● Place one layer of cake on a serving platter and spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Arrange half of the macerated strawberries on top of the ricotta mixture.
- ● Place the second layer of cake on top and repeat the layers with the remaining ricotta mixture and strawberries.
Garnish and Chill:
- ● Decorate the top of the cake with toasted sliced almonds (if using) and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- ● Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.