CUSSata Cake (Cake with Strawberries and Ricotta)

**updated 3/24

Italian-inspired Cake with Strawberries and Ricotta

Our Italian-inspired Cake with Strawberries and Ricotta is a simplified version of Cassata- the classic Italian cake that gives you delicious Ricotta cheese, and fresh strawberry layers. While the traditional Cassata cake recipe was made for Easter, the CUSSata cake makes an easy and delicious dessert for any Holiday.  Especially beautiful while strawberries are in season.

Mama Mia!

Equipment

• Stand or hand mixer
• 2 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooking spray, and/or parchment paper

Ingredients

Cake

• Yellow or White Cake Mix
• Oil
• Water
• Eggs

Filling

• Whole Milk
• Flour
• Butter
• Sugar
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla
• Ricotta
• Strawberries

Topping

• Heavy Whipping cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla

Where do Cassata Cakes come from?

The Italian Cassata or the original Sicilian Cassata cakes may date back to the 9th or 10th century.  The original version of the cake included a rum -soaked sponge cake with sweetened Ricotta cheese and candied fruit.

The recipe for this cake can be traced back to the Muslim Arab rulers in Sicily, who brought with them their love of sweet pastries and desserts.  During the Middle Ages, it was considered a delicacy only enjoyed by the nobility and wealthy merchants, due to the high cost of its ingredients. Over time, the Cassata recipe evolved and incorporated new ingredients, such as marzipan, sponge cake, and dark chocolate.

The name “Cassata” is said to derive from the Arabic word “quas’at,” which roughly translates to “bowl” or “dish.” Referring to the unique shape of the dessert, the cake was traditionally made in a bowl-shaped mold. Interestingly, the Cassata has also been adopted by neighboring regions such as Puglia and Calabria, where it is known as “Cassatella.”

In recent years, the Cassata has gained worldwide recognition and popularity, with variations of the recipe being enjoyed in many different countries around the world. However, the traditional Sicilian Cassata remains a unique and iconic dessert, beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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Why is the Italian-inspired Cake with Strawberries and Ricotta called a Cassata Cake?

What is the Cleveland Cassata Cake?

Cassata Cakes are still popular in Cleveland

The ‘Cussata’ Cake with Strawberries and Ricotta

Here’s what the cake looks like after layer 1:

CUSSata Cake with Strawberries and Ricotta filling

Print

5 from 125 votes

CUSSata Cake

Fresh and moist Italian Cassata Cake

Prep Time40 minutes mins

Active Time28 minutes mins

Assembly Time30 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 38 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: birthday cake, casada, Casada cake, cassada, Cassada cake, Cassata cake, Cassata Cake recipe, Classic Italian Cake, Cleveland Cassata Cake, Cussata cake, Easter Cake, Italian cake, Italian Cassata Cake, Italian Ricotta Cake, ricotta, Ricotta cake, ricotta filling, Sicilian Cassata Cake, Strawberry and Ricotta Cake, Strawberry Casada Cake, Strawberry Cassata cake, strawberry dessert

Yield: 12

Author: Hanna Jobs

Equipment

• Round 9 inch Cake pans

Materials

Cake Mix

• Your favorite Yellow Cake Mix
• Oil (as directed by mix)
• Water (as directed by mix)
• Eggs (as directed by mix)

Ricotta Filling Milk

• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 2½ Tbs flour

Ricotta Filling (Rest)

• 2 sticks Softened Butter
• 1 ¾ cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 tbsp Lemon zest
• 2 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• ½ cup Ricotta

Strawberries

• 1½ pints Strawberries (Washed, Hulled, and thinly Sliced)

Whipped Cream

• 1 pint Chilled Heavy Whipping Cream
• ½ cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven as described in cake mix instructions

Prepare cake in two 9 inch Rounds

• Prepare round pans with grease or cooking spray and/or parchment paper
• Blend ingredients as directed by cake mix - Mix well to make a smooth batter
• Bake in preheated oven as directed by cake mix
• Carefully remove the cakes from the oven
• Allow the cakes to cool for at least 30 minutes

Tempered milk and flour mixture

• Add the milk to a pot
• Whisk in the flour, until you have no lumps
• Turn stove to simmer
• Keep stirring until milk begins to bubble
• Turn the stove off
• Continue stirring another 30 seconds
• Let the mixture cool for 3-5 minutes

Mix the Remainder of the Ricotta mix

• Mix Softened Butter and Sugar together first with an electric mixer
• Mix in the Lemon Zest, Vanilla, and Ricotta
• Mix in Tempered Milk and Flour mixture
• Chill until you are ready to use. (refrigerate for at least 30 minutes)

Make Whipping Cream

• Add Chilled Heavy cream, Sugar, and Vanilla to a large bowl
• Combine ingredients using a standing mixer, with wire whip or beaters. Start at low speed
• Increase the mixing speed slowly, to high speed, as the cream starts to firm up
• Beat for 60-90 seconds or until you see stiff peaks form

Assembling the Cake

• Carefully take the flattest round out of the pan, and place it on a cake board or plate
• Cover the cooled cake with ½ of the Ricotta Mix. Cover to the edge of the cake
• Add ⅓of the washed ,dried, and thinly sliced Strawberries to the top of the Ricotta Mix
• Place the second layer of cake on top
• Cover with the remaining Ricotta Mix
• Place another ⅓ of the sliced Strawberries on top of the new layer of Ricotta Mix
• Cover the top and sides of cake with the Whipped Cream topping
• Decorate the cake with the remaining Strawberries
• Refrigerate your cake until ready to serve

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Cassata Cake

What the FAQ?

What is a Cassata cake?

A Cassata cake is a traditional Italian or Sicilian dessert that consists of sponge cake layered with sweetened ricotta cheese.  It may contain candied fruit, and chocolate chips. The cake may be soaked in a sweet syrup or liquor before being assembled.

What is the origin of Cassata cake?

Cassata Siciliana hails from Sicily, Italy, where it is a popular dessert served during special occasions and holidays.  This Sicilian cake has a long history and is believed to have been influenced by Arab and Spanish culinary traditions.

Can I make a Cassata cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make a Cassata cake ahead of time. The cake actually benefits from being chilled for a few hours or overnight before serving, as it allows the flavors to meld together.

How should I store a Cassata cake?

Once assembled, refrigerate to keep your Cassata cake fresh. Cover with a sheet of plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It is best enjoyed within a day of making it.

Can I make a gluten-free or dairy-free version of Cassata cake?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Cassata cake by using a gluten-free cake mix or alternative flours. For a dairy-free version, substitute a non-dairy ricotta cheese, lactose-free milk and and lactose-free whipped cream frosting.

Aphrodesi’Hacks’ for Cussata Cake with Strawberries and Ricotta

• Be sure to stick with your Milk, while tempering… Don’t let it burn- or you may be adding extra CUSS words to the process!
• Be sure your cakes are cooked- by inserting a tooth pick or knife in the center of a cake- (it should come out clean)
• While Cassata cakes are traditionally Strawberry, you could Mix it up with your favorite fruit…maybe cherry, blueberry or peach?
• I prefer the Heavy cream, but you could use Cool Whip- Make sure it is cool, but not frozen. Frost the top and sides of your cake and garnish with the remaining strawberries.  Ready to serve on an attractive cake plate.  Such a pretty cake
• Keep the cake in the refrigerator, and cover with plastic wrap to keep it fresh

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Perfect Pairing

Homemade Limoncello goes perfectly with Italian Cake.  Who doesn’t love an icy homemade Limoncello? Such a beautiful Italian tradition. Many will enjoy it as an after-dinner- but it is a treat at any time- especially on a warm and sunny day- Delizioso!

How about a delicious Strawberry Mojito with your cake?  Try our Skinny Whore-jito  This low-calorie Whore-jito combines Sugar free lemonade, white rum, fresh mint leaves, and sliced strawberries.  The Weekend – maker!  Perfect for the summer heat.

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