Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane

Costanza d'Aragona Sicilian Cassata: The Queen's Cassata

Discover the exquisite Costanza d'Aragona Sicilian Cassata: The Queen's Cassata, a masterpiece of flavor and history from Sicily.

Author: Sebastiano Caruso • Published on: February 22, 2023

Categories: Desserts

Tags: butter cinnamon dark chocolate flour 00 flour candied fruit salt eggs vanillin sugar

⏱️

Prep Time

1 hour and 30 minutes

🔥

Cook Time

1 hour

👥

Servings

4 people

📊

Difficulty

Intermediate

💰 Moderate

🗓️ All year

⭐ 4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

▸ Sponge cake

✓ 100 g flour 00
✓ 4 eggs
✓ 100 g sugar
✓ 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
✓ A pinch of salt

▸ Shortcrust Pastry

✓ 250 g flour 00
✓ 125 g cold diced butter
✓ 100 g powdered sugar
✓ 1 whole egg
✓ A pinch of salt
✓ Grated lemon zest (optional)

▸ Ricotta filling

✓ 500 g fresh ricotta
✓ 200 g powdered sugar
✓ 100 g chopped mixed candied fruits
✓ 100 g chopped dark chocolate
✓ 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

▸ Decoration

✓ Candied cherries
✓ Pistachio granules
✓ Candied oranges

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories

400-450 kcal

Protein

10-12 g

Fat

unknown

Carbohydrates

45-50 g

Fiber

1-2 g

Sugars

30-35 g

Sodium

100-150 mg

Embark on a culinary journey with Sebastiano Caruso's rendition of the Costanza d'Aragona Sicilian Cassata.
Named after the illustrious Queen Costanza d'Aragona, this dessert is a masterpiece steeped in history and crafted with precision. Imagine a semi-spherical delicacy, echoing the queen's tiara, intricately adorned with vibrant candied fruits and pistachios.
The moment you cut into this dessert, you're met with the delicate aroma of sheep ricotta cream, intermingled with chocolate and candied peels, offering a symphony of textures and flavours.
Perfect for a summer gathering or a festive winter feast, this cassata embodies the grandeur of Sicilian culinary artistry, inviting you to savour a slice of regal history.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

1

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Butter a baking pan and sprinkle it with flour. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy. Gradually fold in the sifted flour. Pour into the baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack.
2

Roll out the shortcrust pastry to half a centimetre thick. Line the spherical mold with the pastry, pressing it to fit.
3

Drain the ricotta using a sieve, then mix with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Refrigerate for two hours, then add chocolate and candied fruit.
4

Place a sponge cake layer in the mold, add the ricotta mixture, and top with another sponge layer. Cover with shortcrust pastry and bake for one hour at 180°C.
5

Cool the cassata, then decorate with candied cherries, pistachios, and oranges, mimicking a tiara.
6

Serve the cassata sliced on a platter and enjoy.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a twist, try adding a splash of almond liqueur to the ricotta filling. Alternatively, use different candied fruits to match the season.

📦 Storage

• Refrigerate promptly to maintain cream freshness.
• Cover tightly with cling film to prevent odours.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 1-2 months.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this regal dessert with a Moscato di Noto Naturale. Its aromatic sweetness harmonises with the cassata's rich flavours, offering a delightful conclusion to your meal.

Thank you for trying the Costanza d'Aragona Sicilian Cassata. We hope you enjoy this royal treat that brings a taste of Sicily to your table. Share your experience and let others discover this exquisite dessert.

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Ricette di Sicilia

Costanza d'Aragona Sicilian Cassata: The Queen's Cassata