This luxurious twist on the classic Cassata takes the traditional layers of sponge cake and ice cream to a whole new level by adding a creamy cheesecake layer. The combination of vanilla sponge, fruity mango and strawberry ice creams, and a rich cheesecake layer is topped off with roasted nuts for a delightful crunch. This dessert is a beautiful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for special occasions or just an indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
Vanilla Sponge:
- ¼ cup yogurt or curd
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
Simple Syrup:
- 1.5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3-4 drops lemon juice
Ice Cream:
- 500 grams mango ice cream
- 500 grams strawberry ice cream
Vanilla Cheesecake:
- ¾ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup icing sugar
- ½ cup whipped cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Roasted Nuts:
- 1 tablespoon cashews, slivered
- 1 tablespoon almonds, slivered
- 1 tablespoon pistachios, slivered
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vanilla Sponge:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a small baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of oil, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Add Sugar: Add 3 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift in ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the sponge cool completely in the pan.
2. Make the Simple Syrup:
- Heat Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 tablespoons of sugar with 3 tablespoons of water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove from heat and stir in 3-4 drops of lemon juice. Allow the syrup to cool.
3. Assemble the Ice Cream Layers:
- Soften the Ice Cream: Allow the 500 grams of mango ice cream and 500 grams of strawberry ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for easier spreading.
- Layer the Ice Cream: Once the vanilla sponge has cooled, brush it with the simple syrup. Spread the softened mango ice cream over the sponge layer evenly. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
- Add the Strawberry Layer: After the mango ice cream has set, spread the strawberry ice cream over the mango layer. Return the pan to the freezer to set for another 15 minutes.
4. Prepare the Vanilla Cheesecake Layer:
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup of cream cheese with ¼ cup of icing sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in ½ cup of whipped cream and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Layer the Cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry ice cream layer. Smooth the top and freeze for at least 1 hour or until firm.
5. Roast the Nuts:
- Toast Nuts: In a small pan, dry roast the slivered cashews, almonds, and pistachios over medium heat until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Top with Nuts: Before serving, remove the cassata from the freezer and allow it to soften slightly for easier slicing. Sprinkle the roasted nuts over the top of the cheesecake layer.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cassata into portions and serve immediately. Enjoy the creamy, fruity, and nutty layers of this decadent dessert!
Tips for Success:
- Freeze Between Layers: Make sure each layer is well-frozen before adding the next. This will ensure clean, defined layers when the cassata is sliced.
- Roast Nuts Carefully: Keep a close eye on the nuts while roasting to avoid burning them. The toasted flavor adds a wonderful depth to the dish.
- Use High-Quality Ice Cream: The quality of the ice cream will greatly affect the overall taste. Choose flavors that complement each other well.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: This cassata can be made a day in advance and kept in the freezer until ready to serve, making it a great option for parties or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Upgraded Cassata:
- Rich and Creamy: The cheesecake layer adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates this dessert to the next level.
- Fruity and Fresh: The mango and strawberry ice creams bring a refreshing and fruity contrast to the rich cheesecake.
- Nutty Crunch: The roasted nuts provide a delightful crunch, adding texture and a toasty flavor to each bite.
- Visually Stunning: With its layered appearance and vibrant colors, this cassata is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it perfect for impressing guests.
This upgraded Cassata with a cheesecake layer is sure to become a favorite dessert in your household. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, offering a refreshing, creamy, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
