Are you craving a deliciously decadent dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Cleveland Cassata Cake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas, impressive gatherings, or simply a delightful homemade treat to enjoy any day of the week. This recipe delivers a truly delicious dish, and is one of the best recipes you'll find for this iconic cake!
Ingredients:
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For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) angel food cake, store-bought or homemade
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese, drained well
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1/4 cup chopped candied citron
- 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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For the Glaze:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the candied cherries, candied citron, maraschino cherries, and chocolate chips.
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Assemble the Cake: Slice the angel food cake horizontally into three layers. Using a spatula or offset knife, spread a generous layer of the ricotta filling onto the bottom layer of the cake. Top with the second cake layer and repeat the process. Finally, top with the last cake layer.
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Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Glaze the Cake: Pour the glaze evenly over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, rustic look.
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Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the glaze to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cleveland Cassata Cake:
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Draining the Ricotta: Make sure to thoroughly drain your ricotta cheese to avoid a watery filling. You can do this by placing it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for at least 30 minutes.
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Cake Selection: While a store-bought angel food cake is perfectly acceptable for this recipe, a homemade one will elevate the dessert's taste and texture even further.
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Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add more confectioners' sugar.
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Get Creative with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different candied fruits and nuts to create your own unique variation.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cassata: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the ricotta filling for a richer, chocolatey flavor.
- Nutty Cassata: Add 1/4 cup chopped pistachios or almonds to the ricotta filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Citrus Cassata: Use orange zest and candied orange peel instead of citron for a brighter, citrusy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 6-8g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Cleveland Cassata Cake recipe offers a simple yet elegant dessert that's sure to impress. It's a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be, showcasing a fantastic balance of sweet and creamy flavors. Enjoy this delightful treat and discover a new favorite among your easy recipes and healthy meals!