18 Recipe Cassata Cake Little Italy Cleveland They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
If you've ever taken a trip to Little Italy in Cleveland, you know that it's a food lover's paradise. The charming streets are lined with some of the best Italian restaurants in the country, each one offering their own unique and delicious dishes. One of the must-try desserts in this neighborhood is the Cassata Cake. This traditional Sicilian dessert has been a staple in Little Italy for decades, and for good reason. Let's take a closer look at this delicious treat and why it's a must-try when visiting Little Italy in Cleveland.
Main Ingredients: Sargento Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, Sugar, Cream
Cassata cake is a traditional Italian dessert that originated in Sicily. It is a rich and decadent cake made with layers of sponge cake, sweetened ricotta cheese, and candied fruit. The cake is then soaked in a liqueur, such as Marsala or rum, and topped with a layer of marzipan. It is a popular dessert for special occasions and holidays, and there are many variations of this classic recipe. Here are 20 different ways to make a delicious cassata cake that will impress your friends and family.
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Sicilian Cassata Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Caster Sugar, Vanilla Essence, Lemon, Boiling
The Sicilian version of cassata cake is made with layers of sponge cake, ricotta cheese, and candied fruit. The cake is then covered in marzipan and decorated with colorful pieces of candied fruit. The Sicilian version is known for its bright and vibrant colors, making it a beautiful and festive dessert for any occasion. It is also typically soaked in a sweet liqueur, giving it a rich and boozy flavor.
In Italy, cassata cake is often made with ricotta cheese, which gives the cake a creamy and tangy flavor. The ricotta is mixed with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to create a smooth and luscious filling. The cake is then topped with a layer of marzipan and decorated with candied fruit. This version of cassata cake is perfect for those who prefer a less sweet and more balanced dessert.
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Cassata Ice-Cream Cake
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Mascarpone, Whole Milk, Sugar, Vanilla
If you're a fan of both cassata cake and ice cream, then this version is for you. This recipe combines the best of both worlds by layering vanilla ice cream, sponge cake, and a ricotta cheese mixture. The cake is then topped with a layer of marzipan and frozen until firm. This is a great summer dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
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Little Italy Burger
Main Ingredients: Hot Sausage, Sausage, Provolone Cheese, Lettuce, Pizza
This burger is inspired by the flavors of Little Italy, with a juicy beef patty topped with fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and a basil pesto mayo. It's a delicious twist on a classic burger and is perfect for a summer BBQ or game day gathering.
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Little Italy Meatball Sliders with Whipped Ricotta
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Large Egg, Onion, Garlic, Water
These sliders are a miniature version of a classic Italian dish, with tender meatballs smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with whipped ricotta cheese. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Maggiano's Little Italy Taylor Street Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Ground Italian Sausage, Minced
This recipe is a copycat of the famous baked ziti from Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant. It's a hearty and comforting dish that features layers of ziti pasta, meat sauce, and a blend of three different types of cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
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The Little Italy {grilled chicken alfredo pizza}
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Herbs, Sugar, Kosher
This pizza is a delicious fusion of Italian and American flavors, with a thin and crispy crust topped with alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, and a blend of Italian cheeses. It's a great alternative to traditional pizza and is sure to satisfy your craving for a cheesy and indulgent meal.
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Carrot Cake
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda, Canela, Salt, Carrots, Oil
Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It's a moist and flavorful cake that is made with grated carrots, warm spices, and a cream cheese frosting. It's a great way to sneak some veggies into your dessert and is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Perfect Carrot Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Vegetable Oil
This recipe takes the classic carrot cake to the next level by adding crushed pineapple and coconut to the batter. The result is a cake that is extra moist and bursting with tropical flavors. The cream cheese frosting is also spiked with coconut, making this cake a true showstopper.
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Tres Leche Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter Cake Mix, Unsalted Butter, Water, Large Eggs
Tres leche cake is a popular dessert in many Latin American countries, and for good reason. This cake is soaked in three different types of milk – evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream – which gives it a rich and creamy texture. It's a must-try dessert that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Mexico.
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Red Velvet Cake
Main Ingredients: Swans Down Cake Flour, Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Red velvet cake is a classic Southern dessert that is perfect for any celebration. This rich and decadent cake is made with buttermilk and cocoa powder, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's topped with a cream cheese frosting that adds a tangy and creamy element to the cake.
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Moist White Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda, Baking Powder
If you prefer a lighter and less rich cake, then this recipe is for you. This white cake is made with egg whites, giving it a lighter and fluffier texture. It's a great base for any type of frosting or filling, and it's perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion.
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Moist Banana Cake
Main Ingredients: Bananas, Lemon Juice, All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda
Banana cake is a great way to use up ripe bananas and is a delicious and moist alternative to traditional vanilla or chocolate cake. This recipe adds a layer of cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It's a great way to switch up your usual cake routine.
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The Lazy-Ass Cake
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Cocoa, Baking Soda, Salt, Water, Oil
This cake is perfect for those days when you want a homemade dessert, but don't feel like putting in a lot of effort. It's made with a boxed cake mix, but with the addition of sour cream and pudding mix, it turns into a moist and flavorful cake that will fool anyone into thinking it's from scratch.
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Easy Strawberry Cassata Cake
Main Ingredients: Pillsbury Purely Simple White Cake Cupcake Mix, Heavy
This recipe puts a fruity twist on the classic cassata cake. It's made with layers of sponge cake, sweetened ricotta cheese, and fresh strawberries. The cake is then soaked in a strawberry liqueur, giving it a burst of flavor. It's a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for spring and summer.
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Pat's Easy Cassata Cake
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix, Large
This recipe is a simplified version of the traditional cassata cake, making it perfect for beginners or those short on time. It uses store-bought pound cake instead of making a sponge cake from scratch, and the ricotta cheese mixture is made with pre-made cannoli filling. It's a great way to get the flavors of cassata cake without all the work.
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Italian Cassata Cake
Main Ingredients: Dried Currants, Marsala Wine, Sweet Cherries, Ricotta
This recipe stays true to the traditional Italian version of cassata cake, with layers of sponge cake, ricotta cheese, and candied fruit. The cake is then soaked in a sweet liqueur and topped with a layer of marzipan. It's a classic and delicious dessert that will transport you to the streets of Italy.
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The “Little Italy” Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Bread, Italian Salad Dressing, Provolone
This sandwich is a delicious and easy lunch option that is packed with Italian flavors. It's made with a crusty baguette, Italian deli meats and cheeses, and a tangy and spicy giardiniera spread. It's a great way to satisfy your cravings for a classic Italian sub without having to leave your kitchen.
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Little Italy Pignoli Cookies
Main Ingredients: Almond Paste, Egg White, Honey, Confectioners Sugar
Pignoli cookies are a traditional Italian cookie that is made with almond paste and pine nuts. These cookies are chewy, nutty, and perfect for dipping in a cup of coffee or tea. They are also gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
The History of Cassata Cake
Originating from Sicily
The Cassata Cake has its roots in Sicily, a region in southern Italy. It was originally created as a dessert for special occasions such as weddings and Easter. The name "Cassata" comes from the Latin word "caseus," meaning cheese, which refers to the ricotta cheese used in the filling.
A Traditional Recipe
The traditional Cassata Cake recipe consists of layers of sponge cake soaked in liqueur, filled with a sweetened ricotta cheese mixture, and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. The cake is then decorated with candied fruits, nuts, and sometimes even marzipan. This combination of flavors and textures creates a truly unique and indulgent dessert experience.
The Cassata Cake in Little Italy
A Local Favorite
In Little Italy, the Cassata Cake has become a beloved dessert among locals and tourists alike. Many of the restaurants in this neighborhood have their own version of this traditional Sicilian dessert, each with their own twist and unique flavors. Some use different liqueurs in the soaking syrup, while others add their own special toppings.
A Symbol of Italian Heritage
The Cassata Cake has also become a symbol of the Italian heritage in Little Italy. It's a dessert that has been passed down from generation to generation, and many families have their own treasured recipes. By trying this dessert, you not only get a taste of the delicious flavors of Italy, but also a glimpse into the rich culture and history of Little Italy.
Conclusion
The Cassata Cake is more than just a dessert, it's a cultural experience. Its history, traditional recipe, and popularity in Little Italy make it a must-try when visiting this charming neighborhood in Cleveland. So next time you're in Little Italy, be sure to indulge in a slice of this delectable and iconic dessert.
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