Learn to make a classic Sicilian cassata cake with rum-soaked sponge cake and a cannoli-like filling draped in colorful marzipan.

Cassata Cake Recipe: How to Make Sicilian Cassata Cake

Traditional Italian cassata Siciliana consists of rum-soaked sponge cakes layered with sweetened [ricotta](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-ricotta-cheese-tips-and-3-ingredient-recipe) and draped with decorative [marzipan](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/marzipan-recipe).The filling often features candied fruit, orange or lemon zest, dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips, and nuts. The filling is similar in flavor and texture to [cannoli cream](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cannoli-recipe).

Cassata is a traditional Sicilian dessert that has many variations of cake ingredients and fillings throughout Italy. Regional variations include: 

1. __Sicily__: The original cassata cake, the traditional Sicilian version, layers sponge cake soaked with liqueur, ricotta, and candied fruit or citrus peels. The whole cake is draped with a layer of decorative marzipan.
2. __Catania__: Cassata Catanese, from the Sicilian Catania province, is baked like a pie. With a bottom crust and a sweetened ricotta filling, the dessert is usually topped with a lattice crust.
3. __Messina__: In Messina, cassata is less sweet than the Sicilian variation and has layers of [gelato](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-authentic-italian-gelato) instead of sweetened ricotta.
4. __United States__: In Cleveland, Ohio, and the surrounding area, cassata cake is made up of layers of yellow [sponge cak](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sponge-cake-recipe)e soaked in rum, fresh strawberries, and custard. The cake is then iced with whipped cream frosting.
5. __India__: In India, cassata cake is made with three layers of different flavored ice creams (like a Neapolitan) on top of a sponge cake base. The whole cake is topped with chopped nuts.
Learn to make a classic Sicilian cassata cake with rum-soaked sponge cake and a cannoli-like filling draped in colorful marzipan.

Traditional Italian cassata Siciliana consists of rum-soaked sponge cakes layered with sweetened <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-ricotta-cheese-tips-and-3-ingredient-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-ricotta-cheese-tips-and-3-ingredient-recipe","linkCopy":"ricotta","category":null}'>ricotta</a> and draped with decorative <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/marzipan-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/marzipan-recipe","linkCopy":"marzipan","category":null}'>marzipan</a>.The filling often features candied fruit, orange or lemon zest, dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips, and nuts. The filling is similar in flavor and texture to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cannoli-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cannoli-recipe","linkCopy":"cannoli cream","category":null}'>cannoli cream</a>.

What Is Cassata Cake? 

Cassata is a traditional Sicilian dessert that has many variations of cake ingredients and fillings throughout Italy. Regional variations include: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Sicily: The original cassata cake, the traditional Sicilian version, layers sponge cake soaked with liqueur, ricotta, and candied fruit or citrus peels. The whole cake is draped with a layer of decorative marzipan. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Catania: Cassata Catanese, from the Sicilian Catania province, is baked like a pie. With a bottom crust and a sweetened ricotta filling, the dessert is usually topped with a lattice crust. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Messina: In Messina, cassata is less sweet than the Sicilian variation and has layers of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-authentic-italian-gelato' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-authentic-italian-gelato","linkCopy":"gelato","category":null}'>gelato</a> instead of sweetened ricotta. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. United States: In Cleveland, Ohio, and the surrounding area, cassata cake is made up of layers of yellow <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sponge-cake-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sponge-cake-recipe","linkCopy":"sponge cak","category":null}'>sponge cak</a>e soaked in rum, fresh strawberries, and custard. The cake is then iced with whipped cream frosting. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. India: In India, cassata cake is made with three layers of different flavored ice creams (like a Neapolitan) on top of a sponge cake base. The whole cake is topped with chopped nuts. </li></ol>

5 Regional Cassata Variations 

Sicilian Cassata Cake Recipe 

Learn to make a classic Sicilian cassata cake with rum-soaked sponge cake and a cannoli-like filling draped in colorful marzipan.

Learn to make a classic Sicilian cassata cake with rum-soaked sponge cake and a cannoli-like filling draped in colorful marzipan.


cassata-cake-recipe

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Join Tyler Mitchell on a deep dive into the art of portrait photography. Understand the nuances of contrast, poses, and how to create harmony between the subject and the environment. Every shot is a story waiting to be told.

The exposure triangle—shutter speed, aperture, and ISO—is another critical aspect of photography that Tyler demystifies. Each variable contributes to controlling the amount of light reaching the sensor, ultimately affecting the quality and mood of your images. Mastering the harmony of these settings allows you to manipulate motion, play with depth of field, and adjust light sensitivity. However, remember that a higher ISO increases digital noise in your images, so it’s best to keep it as low as possible. When you understand your tools, you can focus more on the creative process, ensuring every shot you take resonates with your vision. Join Tyler as he guides you through these fundamental elements, enabling you to capture powerful images that narrate compelling stories.

Expand your photographic vocabulary with Tyler Mitchell. Decipher the language of lenses, focal lengths, and the secrets of a perfect shot. Knowing your equipment brings you one step closer to capturing the world as you see it.

In this lesson, you’ll explore Jimmy's journey in perfecting the art of capturing climbing shots. From big, expansive views of climbers dominating immense walls to intricate close-ups highlighting the intensity of each move and grip, each image carries its own story. Yet, Jimmy insists, a great shot isn’t merely about capturing an action; it’s about portraying the underlying culture and lifestyle. He encourages you to pay attention to the details that the images unveil and the emotional response they invoke. Discover the magic behind every snapshot and imbue your work with the captivating essence of storytelling. After all, to truly excel in photography, it’s crucial to think beyond the frame.

You go back out, you shoot, and you start to take that feedback, and I think that that feedback is always very helpful because they look at it and you learn to look at your work through that lens.

Venture into the world of photography with Jimmy Chin. Explore the power of diverse shots, the impact of emotions, and the importance of narratives in your images. It’s more than just a shot: It’s a conversation between the viewer and the image.

Fortune 500 CEO Rosalind Brewer knows how to transform the way you manage your time, empowering yourself to reach new heights of success. Identify your peak moments, what gives you energy, and what challenges you. This self-awareness will help you prioritize tasks that put you in a state of peak performance. Say no to tasks that don’t contribute to your work. Ensure that activities that provide you with energy are given importance in your calendar. By prioritizing these moments, you can fuel your productivity and overall well-being. Consider how your energy fluctuates throughout the day and align tasks accordingly to optimize your performance.

As we have busy jobs, and busy lives, and increasing responsibilities as we become leaders, it is really important for us to be constructive and be deliberate about managing our time.

Discover the art of effective time management. Learn to identify your top moments, harness your energy, and prioritize tasks for peak performance.

Former U.S. secretary of state and U.S. senator Hillary Clinton believes preparation is the key to success in any endeavor. By organizing your thoughts and materials, you inspire confidence in yourself and others. Take the time to structure your ideas before any important meeting or event. Avoid the last-minute scramble and ensure everything is easily accessible.

People who take preparation seriously and organize their thoughts, organize their materials, inspire both more confidence but also are more likely to end up in control of whatever the situation might be.

Become the person others rely on and want on their team. Learn from the world’s best on how organization and thoughtful planning inspire confidence and elevate your performance.

Discover the vital importance of carving out quiet time amidst the chaos. Disney CEO Bob Iger understands the importance of setting aside moments in your day where you can think without external distractions like email, television, or other tasks. This intentional focus allows you to concentrate on your goals and plans effectively. Keep a mental inventory of tasks and responsibilities you need to accomplish. This mental checklist helps you stay organized and aware of what needs attention, even if it’s a lengthy list. Occasionally consider writing down a few key items on paper for extra clarity.

In every day you need to have quiet time to think, where you’re not being bombarded by external forces.... You’re not doing email, you’re just enabling yourself to concentrate on whatever it is you might be anticipating or what you are planning to do.

Discover the power of focused thinking to use your time more effectively. Embrace the clarity and productivity that come from aligning your thoughts with your goals.

No matter your profession, you spend about 40 percent of your time selling, persuading, and influencing. Whether you’re a physician, teacher, or manager, you’re constantly advocating for change, progress, or new ways of thinking. Daniel Pink reassures us that everyone has the potential to excel in this significant aspect of their work, debunking the myth that only certain personalities are fit for the art of persuasion. Despite how daunting it may seem, selling is an integral part of your daily job—consuming nearly 24 minutes of every hour. Embrace this notion and you could uncover skills you didn’t know you had. Dive into the science of persuasion, let go of the misconceptions around sales, and you might find yourself better at it than you’d ever anticipated.

If you look at what people actually do all day on the job, no matter what their job title is, they are selling.

Think selling isn’t part of your job? You might be surprised. According to data, we spend nearly half our working hours in sales-related activities. Daniel Pink’s revelations will inspire you to harness these hidden skills, boosting your influence and performance regardless of your field.

Focus on the problem you’re solving, not the product you’re selling. Understanding your customers and their needs, and presenting tailored solutions, are key to an effective pitch. Sara shares her approach: start with the problem, offer the solution, describe the product, explain why it’s the best solution, and anticipate possible objections. To demonstrate, she outlines her pitch for her very first invention—footless pantyhose. Her pitch involves understanding what the customer might be thinking and providing solutions to those anticipations. Moreover, she emphasizes the use of humor and vulnerability to relax the situation and connect with your audience. The effectiveness of your pitch? It’s measured by its success. Did you get the order? Are they showing up at your door? If not, iterate and refine until it works.

It’s really critical to sell the problem that you’re solving, not the product. People are far more emotional about their problems and you being able to offer a solution than they ever will be about your product.

Join Sara Blakely as she demystifies selling. It’s not about rattling off product features—it’s about solving problems, understanding the customer, and anticipating their objections. See how humor can lighten the situation and make your pitch irresistible.

Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, guides us through the intricate realm of nonverbal communication in the workplace. These silent cues can reveal more than words, whether it’s an employee’s level of comfort, interest, or anxiety. Every interaction is unique, so understanding these cues is a nuanced art rather than an exact science. Watch the class to grasp how to read and respond to nonverbal communication effectively. Mastering this could elevate your interpersonal skills and foster more meaningful, productive interactions at work.

Interpreting nonverbal cues is an essential skill in the workplace. Learn from Indra Nooyi as she guides you through common nonverbal indicators, from eye contact to posture.

Renowned therapist and communication expert Esther Perel guides us on the journey to effective listening, emphasizing the crucial difference between debate and dialogue. A debate is argumentative and seeks to win, often being more about speaking than listening. On the other hand, a dialogue is about exchange. It’s not about winning; it’s about understanding. In a dialogue, you listen, then respond based on what you’ve heard, rather than what you brought with you to the conversation. It creates an atmosphere of mutual interest, where new possibilities can be disccovered together. Explore this transformative perspective and find out how changing your approach to listening can shape the dynamics of your relationships. Deepen your communication skills and step into a world where everyone is heard, understood, and valued.

You are more likely to win somebody over, if at all, in a dialogue. In dialogue, we are looking for new options together, and we’re looking for the commonalities in our arguments.

Step into the world of effective listening with Esther Perel. Learn the striking difference between dialogue and debate. Where one seeks to win, the other seeks understanding. Tune in, refine your listening skills, and transform your communication.

Former President Bill Clinton uncovers the often overlooked elements of impactful communication. As he points out, effective speaking goes far beyond the literal words of a speech—academic research even estimates that only about 20 percent of communication involves the spoken words. The power of your voice, the look in your eyes, your body language, the use of your hands—these nonverbal cues play a vital role in expressing the deeper meanings of your message. President Clinton stresses the importance of understanding this intricate dance of communication, advising against being “imprisoned by the words.” Dive into these potent insights and learn how to not just speak, but to truly communicate. Embrace the nuances of nonverbal cues and become a more engaging speaker, capable of delivering compelling messages that resonate with your listeners.

Even if you forget—let’s say you give a 12-page speech. You know, if you forget 10 percent of it but you get the big message right and you deliver it in the right way so it’s compelling and people want to listen, they’ll find the other 10 percent if they care about it.

Understand that it’s not just the words you speak but the tone, body language, and authenticity that truly impact your audience. Be more than just your words, and let your true message shine through.

Ron Finley encourages us to redefine waste, to see potential in everything around us and repurpose it to foster growth. Imagine a succulent flourishing from your old shoe or kale growing in an unused teapot. By embracing this unique approach, you’re not only creating an eco-friendly garden but also nurturing a sustainable mindset. With every sprouting seed, you’re reminded of the endless possibilities that lie in unexpected places. With Ron’s guidance, your journey into gardening becomes a path to personal growth.

Don’t look at what it is. Look at what it has the possibility to be. That’s how we need to do all our so-called waste.

Unlock potential in ordinary objects with a fresh perspective. Ron Finley shows how anything, even an old boot, can become a flourishing garden. Learn to redefine waste, tap into creativity, and breathe life into unlikely places.

Dive into the world of barbecuing with Aaron Franklin, where every slice is a revelation. Aaron guides you through the nuances of the cooking process, showing you how to detect signs of an optimal barbecue. From rendering the seam fat between muscles to achieve a juicy, perfectly marbled slice to avoiding a crunchy backside—these are the details that distinguish the good barbecue from the great. Aaron emphasizes the significance of adjusting temperatures at the right time—a subtle increase of a few degrees when you’re three hours in can give you that desirable fat render. It’s all about the journey from the grill to the plate; each step is a careful calibration of heat and timing, all aimed toward crafting a mouthwatering slice of meat. Understanding this process equips you not only to make delicious barbecue but also to appreciate the art behind it.

If you rendered this seam fat that’s between these two muscles, you’re probably kind of on the right track if you’ve got good bark out of that.

Learn the art of barbecuing with Aaron Franklin. Discover the subtle signs of a well-cooked piece, from rendered seam fat to juicy marbling. Gain insights into temperature control and fat rendering, key to achieving beautiful, succulent slices.

Every adventure begins with careful preparation, and when it comes to packing your gear, Jessie Krebs is here to steer you right. Forget prepackaged survival kits—Jessie encourages you to customize your own kit to match your destination, weather conditions, and personal proficiency. Creating your wilderness gear kit is an art, and the canvas is as diverse as the terrains you will explore. Whether it’s the neon rain shell to keep you dry and visible, insulating layers for cold climates, or woolen socks over the usual cotton, each item in your kit is a strategic decision. Personalize your gear, understand the reasoning behind each item, and get ready to embrace the wilderness with confidence and style.

Embrace the great outdoors with confidence, guided by Jessie Krebs. Learn how to tailor your survival kit based on the specifics of your trip and your skill set. Get insights into the must-haves for any wilderness outing, from rain shells to sturdy shoes.

Experience the art of crafting the perfect Mojito with mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana and you’ll never look at this island favorite the same way again. Often mishandled, the Mojito is a symphony of flavors that, when done right, can transport you to white sandy beaches with every refreshing sip. Ryan reveals that a great Mojito isn’t about aggression—it’s about finesse. Mint, the hero of the Mojito, shouldn’t be brutalized, but gently coaxed to release its vibrant notes. This simple herb carries flavor capsules within its delicate leaves, ready to deliver a cooling aroma with just a brush of your fingers. There’s no need for torn leaves, bitterness, or unwanted green notes.

So mint’s a kind of fascinating herb. You know, it’s got all these little capsules of flavor locked into these leaves. And you don’t need to tear it to be able to release those flavors.

Reinvent your cocktail game with Ryan Chetiyawardana as he redefines the art of making a Mojito. Learn to preserve the true essence of mint, an ingredient that can make or break your drink. Harness the delicate balance between zestiness and bitterness, crafting a beverage that feels fresh and uplifting.

Climbing, like life, is all about balance, technique, and strength. Alex Honnold, one of the world’s best climbers, unveils how the holds in a climbing gym, seemingly surreal, mirror the actualities of the great outdoors. It’s about holding on, but not just in any way—it’s the art and science of hand and arm techniques that separate novice climbers from experts. Your legs propel you upward, but it’s your hands and arms that maintain balance, stability, and poise—elements crucial to making your ascent successful. The technique of straight arms that Alex shares is a testament to this. This technique engages your skeleton, economizing muscle effort and allowing you to scale heights without exhausting your strength prematurely.

Your legs should always be what’s driving you upward, but your hands and your arms are what keeps you balanced over your legs. And so the different types of grips and the different types of holds matter, and how you hold them matters.

Learn to master the art of using your hands and arms to balance your body, while leveraging the power of your legs to ascend. Delve into different types of grips, discovering the secrets behind their efficient use.

Embrace the transformative technique of breaking your writing down into discrete parts. David Baldacci, a New York Times–bestselling author, understands the power of mini outlines in bringing control and clarity to the writing process. Writer’s block comes when people get overwhelmed because they can’t manage all of the information they are working with. Breaking the problem down into discrete parts, like a surgeon on the operating table, will make it much easier to tackle the components of your writing. That’s when a mini outline becomes a helpful tool. They can aid you in developing characters and establishing thematic building blocks. Don’t miss the opportunity to revolutionize your approach to writing and become the best version of yourself as a writer by watching the rest of his class.

I like dealing in miniature. If you get too broad of an expanse in your mind, nobody can really control those details. And that’s when you get the writer’s block. That’s when people get overwhelmed.

Don’t let the breadth of a novel intimidate you. Overcome writer’s block by taking it step-by-step, and watch your masterpiece unfold.

Writing is rewriting. David Sedaris, a New York Times–bestselling author, writes an essay 12 to 18 times before giving it to an editor. Don’t be afraid of breaking up your piece—often all of the ingredients of a good story are there and revision may mean less rewriting and more reordering, digging deeper, slowing down here, speeding up there, and giving the reader the guts and odors on top of the skeleton and shadow.

Nine times out of 10, my only comment is you need to rewrite this 60 times. And most people, they don’t even want to hear you need to rewrite it one time. But that’s what writing is, it’s rewriting.

In the world of writing, rewriting is key. Fuel your growth as a writer at your own pace, one draft at a time.

Unleash the power of character development with bestselling sci-fi and fantasy writer N. K. Jemisin. Start with fundamental details such as demographics, age, race, and gender. These simple traits provide a foundation for understanding your characters’ background and context. Then think about visual cues and behavior that’ll provide insights into a person’s outer life. Clothing, presentation, and accents can hint at their social class, background, or role. The inner life of a character encompasses their goals, wishes, fears, and weaknesses. These aspects make them multidimensional and relatable. Combine the insights from outer life and inner life to create well-rounded characters who feel real. Balancing external influences with internal struggles will add depth and authenticity to your storytelling.

Become a master of character-driven narratives by diving into Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and understanding the motivations that shape a person’s life.

The short story is an ideal format for risk-taking. Neil Gaiman sees short stories as a way to learn things about an idea you want to explore or a skill you want to master. With just a few thousand words, you can bring your ideas to life, test different tones, and set your creativity free. Watch the rest of his class to become the author of your own narrative. 

A short story is lovely. It’s 3,000 words, 4,000 words, 2,000 words, 5,000 words. You can do that in a day, or a weekend, or a week, or two weeks. You can have an idea for something. You can take it out, and you can succeed, or you can fail, or you can learn things.

Short stories are also an excellent place to take risks, to create things that interest you but may not work in a whole novel.

In this lesson, James Patterson sheds light on his writing journey, the peaks and valleys he navigates, the moments of dazzling inspiration, and the phases of stagnation. What’s noteworthy is his approach toward these so-called blocks. Instead of wallowing in despair, James places a simple “TBD” on the page, confident in the knowledge that he’ll return with fresh perspectives in the next draft. A testament to his success, this strategy isn’t just about writing—it’s about life, and about facing obstacles without getting disheartened.

Do not torture yourself, just go, “I’ll get it.” And be confident that you’ll get it.

Even seasoned writers struggle on the page. If you’re stuck in a particular section, James encourages you to write “TBD,” move on, and come back to it later.