Italian Cassata Cake

Ingredients · 8 servings

• 450 gSponge cake, sliced 1 cm thick
• 800 gRicotta, drained
• 160 gSugar, divided
• 300 gMarzipan, softened
• 180 gCandied fruit, finely diced
• 120 mlWater
• 2 gSalt

Equipment

stovetop, refrigerator, bowl, sieve, saucepan, mold, plastic wrap, pastry brush, rolling pin, knife, spoon, spatula

Instructions

1. 1
   Mise En Place

   Gather and measure all ingredients, then set out a bowl, sieve, saucepan, mold, plastic wrap, pastry brush, rolling pin, and knife. · 10 min

   What to look for: All ingredients are measured and tools are within reach.

2. 2
   Make Syrup

   Combine 80 g sugar, water, and salt in a small saucepan, then simmer until the syrup turns clear and lightly glossy. · 8 min

   What to look for: The sugar is dissolved and the syrup looks clear.

3. 3
   Mix Ricotta Filling

   Beat ricotta with the remaining 80 g sugar until smooth, then fold in candied fruit without crushing the pieces. · 8 min

   What to look for: The filling is creamy with evenly scattered fruit pieces.

4. 4
   Line Mold

   Line the mold with plastic wrap, press sponge cake slices against the base and sides, then brush lightly with cooled syrup. · 10 min

   What to look for: The mold is fully covered with snug sponge cake slices.

5. 5
   Fill Cake

   Spoon ricotta filling into the sponge shell, cover with remaining sponge cake, and press gently to make an even top. · 8 min

   What to look for: The surface is level and the filling is enclosed by sponge.

6. 6
   Chill Cassata

   Chill the covered cake under a small weight until the ricotta firms and the sponge holds the mold shape. · 4 h

   What to look for: The cake feels firm when pressed lightly through the wrap.

7. 7
   Cover Marzipan

   Roll marzipan into a thin sheet, unmold the cake, drape the marzipan over it, and smooth the surface with your hands. · 12 min

   What to look for: The marzipan covers the cake smoothly with no large folds.

8. 8
   Serve Chilled

   Slice the cassata with a clean knife and serve chilled, showing the pale ricotta and bright candied fruit in each piece. · 5 min

   What to look for: Each slice holds its shape with a neat ricotta center.