Cassata facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Cassata siciliana |
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| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Sicily |
| Main ingredients | sponge cake, fruit juice or liqueur, ricotta, candied peel, marzipan, icing |
| Variations | Cassata a forno (in oven), cassata catanese |
Cassata or cassata siciliana is a traditional and colorful cake from Sicily, Italy. It is made with layers of soft sponge cake soaked in fruit juice or a sweet liqueur. Inside, you'll find creamy ricotta cheese mixed with tasty candied fruit. This filling is also used in another famous Italian treat called cannoli.
The outside of a cassata is covered with a thin layer of marzipan (a sweet almond paste). It often has bright pink and green icing and pretty decorations. Sometimes, "cassata" can also mean a type of Neapolitan ice cream that has candied or dried fruit and nuts.
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Where Did Cassata Come From?
Cassata is thought to have started in Palermo, Sicily, way back in the 10th century. At that time, Sicily was under Muslim rule. The name cassata might come from an Arabic word for the bowl used to shape the cake. Or, it could come from a Latin word meaning "cheese concoction."
For a long time, cassata was not exactly a dessert. It became the striped, decorated cake we know today in the 18th century.
Different Kinds of Cassata
While many cassatas are round, some are made in different shapes like rectangles or squares.
- Cassata Catanese: In the Sicilian city of Catania, cassata is sometimes made like a pie. It has a top and bottom crust, filled with ricotta cheese, and then baked in the oven.
- Cassatella di sant'Agata: These are smaller, individual-sized versions of cassata. They often have a bright green marzipan and a candied cherry on top. They are usually made in Catania for the festival of Saint Agatha.
- Gelato Cassata: Instead of cheese layers, some cassatas use layers of gelato (Italian ice cream). This makes it similar to an ice cream cake. The cassata made in Messina is often less sweet than the one from Palermo.
Sometimes, "cassata" can also be the name of an ice cream flavor inspired by this sweet cake.
Cassata in the United States
In Cleveland, Ohio, and the surrounding area, "Cassata Cake" means something special and different! It's a layered yellow sponge cake soaked in rum or rum syrup. It's filled with fresh strawberries and creamy custard. This cake is usually decorated beautifully with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.
This Cleveland version of Cassata Cake first appeared in the 1920s at LaPuma Spumoni & Bakery. The bakery owners' children didn't like the traditional cassata with ricotta and candied fruit. So, Tomasso LaPuma created this new version. Many Italian bakeries in the Cleveland area still make this popular cake today. It's a local favorite for weddings and big family events.
Cassata in India
In India, 'cassata' usually means a layered ice cream. It's similar to Neapolitan ice cream, often with three flavors like pistachio, vanilla, and strawberry. This ice cream is usually placed on a base of sponge cake and topped with chopped nuts.
See also
In Spanish: Cassata para niños
