Welcome to our food blog, where we are about to dive into the delectable world of Sicilian desserts.
Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to an exclusive variation of the famous Sicilian cassata, known as the Costanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata.
The cassata itself has gained international acclaim and has become a true symbol of Sicilian pastry.
But what sets apart the Costanza d’Aragona Cassata is its celebration of the rich history and cultural influences that have shaped Sicily over the centuries.
Named after Queen Costanza d’Aragona, the consort of Frederick III of Sicily, this dessert pays homage to her patronage of the arts and culture in the vibrant city of Messina.
Just like the queen herself, this extraordinary dessert is a culinary masterpiece that demands great care and attention to detail in its preparation.
To create the Costanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata, each ingredient is meticulously worked to ensure a balanced and harmonious flavor.
The dessert is shaped in a semi-spherical mold, reminiscent of the tiara worn by the beloved queen.
The final result? A sweet cap, intricately decorated with mastery, embodying the perfection of Sicilian pastry craftsmanship.
At the heart of this marvelous dessert lies a fragrant sponge cake and a crumbly shortcrust pastry, lovingly embracing a luscious sheep ricotta cream.
But that’s not all – this divine cream is further enhanced with chocolate chips, candied fruit peel, and candied orange peel, adding layers of complexity to the already tantalizing combination of flavors.
With every heavenly bite of the Costanza d’Aragona Cassata, you’ll experience an explosion of taste that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also evokes the cultural and gastronomic roots of Sicily.
It’s a dessert that encapsulates the rich heritage and traditions of this enchanting island.
So, if you find yourself in Sicily or simply yearning for a slice of Sicilian charm, indulge in the Costanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata.
It’s a dessert fit for royalty and a true testament to the mastery of Sicilian pastry chefs.
Yields and Prep Times
- Serves: 4 people
- Prep Time: 1h 30m
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2h 30m
Nutritional Values per Serving of Costanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Proteins: 10-12 g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
- Sugar: 30-35 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Sodium: 100-150 mg
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
Directions
- Preparation of sponge cake: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C, then prepare a buttered baking pan and sprinkle it with flour to prevent the sponge cake from sticking. Take a large bowl and place inside the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture with a whisk until you achieve a soft and fluffy texture. Now, gradually add the sifted flour, gently stirring from bottom to top to avoid deflating the mixture. Once the flour is fully incorporated, pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the sponge cake turns golden. After baking, partially open the oven door and let the sponge cake cool in the pan before transferring it to a rack to dry completely.
- Preparation of Shortcrust Pastry: You can click here to consult our recipe.
- Creating the Ricotta Cream: Place the ricotta cheese in a sieve and let it rest in the refrigerator to drain excess whey. After resting, transfer the ricotta to a bowl and add powdered sugar and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least two hours. After the resting time, pass the ricotta through a sieve to make it smooth and creamy. Add the chocolate chips and chopped candied fruits, mixing well.
- Assembly of the Components: Roll out a disc of shortcrust pastry directly on parchment paper until it reaches a thickness of about half a centimeter and a size suitable for the spherical mold. Place the disc in the mold, leaving the parchment paper in contact with the spherical shape, and line it up to the edges. Cover the bottom with a thin layer of sponge cake, then pour the ricotta cream on top, leveling it well. Add another layer of sponge cake and press it against the edges of the shortcrust pastry. Cover with another disc of shortcrust pastry, making it adhere well to the edges of the other layer of shortcrust pastry lining the hemisphere. Gently remove the cassata from the mold and place it on a baking tray.
- Baking: Bake the Costanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) and cook for about an hour.
- Artistic decoration: After baking, let the cassata cool completely. Once cool, decorate it with candied cherries, crushed pistachios, and candied oranges, following the shape of Costanza’s tiara.
- Service: The Costanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata is ready to be served. Cut slices and enjoy this masterpiece of Sicilian pastry.
Wine Pairing
If you want to enhance the taste experience of theCostanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata to the fullest, you can’t go wrong with a pairing like the Moscato di Noto Naturale.
This wine, with its golden color and fragrant aroma, is the perfect choice to accompany this Sicilian delight.
The Moscato di Noto Naturale offers a slightly aromatic and sweet flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the rich creaminess of the cassata and the sweetness of its components such as chocolate and candied fruit.
The recommended serving temperature, generally between 8°C and 10°C (50°F), will help reveal the full aromas and flavors of both stars. This pairing is a true triumph of sweetness and fragrance, ensuring a perfect ending to a meal or a delightful sweet break in the afternoon.
How to Store Costanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata
- Refrigeration: After preparing the cassata, it is advisable to store it in the refrigerator. Since it contains dairy ingredients such as ricotta, the cold will help maintain the freshness and consistency of the cream.
- Covering: To prevent the cassata from absorbing unwanted odors from the refrigerator, cover it carefully with cling film or place it in an airtight container. This will also help prevent the dehydration of the shortcrust pastry.
- Shelf life: Cassata Costanza d’Aragona can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days without losing its flavor and consistency. However, if you want to extend the shelf life, you can also freeze it. Wrap it carefully in cling film and put it in a freezer bag. It will be good for 1-2 months in the freezer.
Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Costanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata
In conclusion, the Costanza d’Aragona Sicilian Cassata is much more than a dessert. It is a tribute to the history, culture, and unique flavors of Sicily.
With its layers of sponge cake, shortcrust pastry, and ricotta cream enriched with chocolate, candied fruit, and aromas, this dessert embodies the richness and complexity of the cultural influences that have shaped the island over the centuries.
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