Decadent Chocolate Orange Cassata
Indulge in our Decadent Chocolate Orange Cassata, a delightful blend of rich chocolate, creamy ricotta, and zesty orange flavors. This layered dessert features luscious chocolate frosting and a refreshing orange liqueur that pairs perfectly with the moist chocolate pound cake. Perfect for celebrations or a fancy dinner, this cassata not only looks stunning but also delivers a symphony of flavors and textures. Impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe that showcases the art of dessert making with a touch of elegance.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
semisweet chocolate
4 ounces (chopped (scant 1 cup))
unsalted butter
6 ounces (room temperature)
brewed espresso
1/2 cup (or 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/2 cup boiling water)
ricotta cheese
2 cups
confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup
orange zest
1 tablespoon
chocolate (sweet, semi-sweet, bittersweet or milk chocolate)
3 ounces (in one chunk)
chocolate pound cake
1 (store-bought or homemade)
orange liqueur
4 tablespoons (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
Instructions
1
Frosting: Begin by placing the chopped semisweet chocolate, unsalted butter, and brewed espresso in a small heatproof bowl or the top of a double boiler. Set it over a pot of gently simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the mixture continuously until it melts and becomes smooth and well-combined. Once melted, remove from heat and refrigerate the mixture until it firms up, stirring every 15 minutes for about 1 hour.
2
Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, and freshly grated orange zest. Grate the chunk of chocolate into the ricotta mixture using a grater, and gently fold until evenly distributed.
3
Assembly: Carefully slice the pound cake horizontally into three equal layers using a serrated knife. Place the first layer on a serving plate and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur. Spread half of the ricotta filling on top of the layer.
4
Add the second layer of pound cake, sprinkle it with the remaining orange liqueur, and spread the rest of the ricotta filling over it. Finish with the third layer of cake on top.
5
Using a narrow spatula, frost the top and sides of the assembled cake with the cooled chocolate mixture, creating an even layer of frosting.
6
Refrigerate the Cassata until it's time to serve, but make sure not to exceed 8 hours. This dessert is best served chilled to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
27.5
Fat
33.75
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Chocolate Orange Cassata?
It is a layered dessert featuring a blend of rich chocolate frosting, creamy ricotta filling, and zesty orange flavors, typically built using a chocolate pound cake.
What are the primary flavors in this Cassata?
The primary flavors are rich chocolate, creamy ricotta, and refreshing orange liqueur and zest.
How do I prepare the chocolate frosting?
Melt chopped semisweet chocolate, unsalted butter, and espresso in a double boiler until smooth, then refrigerate for about an hour until firm.
Can I use instant espresso instead of brewed espresso?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 cup of brewed espresso with 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/2 cup of boiling water.
What ingredients are in the ricotta filling?
The filling consists of ricotta cheese, confectioners' sugar, freshly grated orange zest, and grated chocolate.
How do I incorporate chocolate into the filling?
Grate a 3-ounce chunk of chocolate (sweet, semi-sweet, bittersweet, or milk) directly into the ricotta mixture and fold it in.
What type of cake is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses one chocolate pound cake, which can be either store-bought or homemade.
How should the pound cake be sliced?
The pound cake should be sliced horizontally into three equal layers using a serrated knife.
Which orange liqueurs are recommended?
Liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Cointreau are recommended for the best flavor.
How much orange liqueur is needed?
You will need a total of 4 tablespoons of orange liqueur.
How do I assemble the layers of the Cassata?
Drizzle the first layer with liqueur and spread half the filling; repeat with the second layer and the rest of the filling, then top with the third layer.
How do I apply the chocolate frosting?
Use a narrow spatula to frost the top and sides of the assembled cake with the cooled chocolate mixture until even.
How long should the frosting be refrigerated before use?
The frosting mixture should be refrigerated for approximately 1 hour and stirred every 15 minutes.
Should the Cassata be served cold?
Yes, it is best served chilled to enhance the flavors.
What is the maximum refrigeration time before serving?
The dessert should be refrigerated until serving, but make sure not to exceed 8 hours.
How many calories are in a serving of this dessert?
There are approximately 375 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 27.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the Decadent Chocolate Orange Cassata?
There are 33.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
The recipe provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 9 main ingredients.
What kind of chocolate should I use for the frosting?
The frosting calls for 4 ounces of chopped semisweet chocolate.
What is the recommended butter for the frosting?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of unsalted butter at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its elegant appearance and rich flavors make it perfect for celebrations or fancy dinners.
Can I use milk chocolate for the grated portion of the filling?
Yes, you can use sweet, semi-sweet, bittersweet, or milk chocolate for the grated component.
How much orange zest is used in the filling?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest.
What tool is best for frosting the cake?
A narrow spatula is recommended for creating an even layer of frosting on the top and sides.
What is the best way to melt the frosting ingredients?
Place them in a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of ricotta cheese.
How much confectioners' sugar goes into the filling?
The filling uses 1/4 cup of confectioners' sugar.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe that produces professional, elegant results.