Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1 pint chocolate ice cream
- 1 pint caramel ice cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to high and cook, without stirring, until the mixture turns amber in color and reaches 350°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Add the sliced almonds and stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Let cool.
4. In a large bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
5. Remove the caramel-almond mixture from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut it into small pieces and add them to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
6. Spread the vanilla ice cream over the cooled caramel-almond mixture in the springform pan. Freeze for 30 minutes.
7. Spread the chocolate ice cream over the vanilla ice cream. Freeze for 30 minutes.
8. Spread the caramel ice cream over the chocolate ice cream. Freeze for 30 minutes.
9. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
10. Remove the springform pan from the freezer and spread the melted chocolate over the top. Sprinkle with the toasted sliced almonds.
11. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
12. To serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and slice the cassata into wedges.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 520
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 48g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of nuts instead of almonds.
- You can use any flavor of ice cream instead of vanilla, chocolate, and caramel.
- You can use semisweet chocolate instead of chocolate chips.
Variations:
- You can add chopped dried fruit to the butter mixture.
- You can add a layer of crushed cookies between the ice cream layers.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to freeze each layer of ice cream before adding the next one.
- Use a hot knife to slice the cassata for clean cuts.
- You can make the caramel-almond mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cassata in the freezer, covered with plastic wrap, for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
- Let the cassata sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cassata on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Garnishes:
- Toasted sliced almonds
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Chocolate cake
- Vanilla cupcakes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel-almond mixture is too hard to cut, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature.
- Store the cassata in the freezer to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Cassata is a traditional Italian dessert that originated in Sicily. It is typically made with sponge cake, ricotta cheese, and candied fruit.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet
- Nutty
- Creamy
- Chocolatey
- Caramelized
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cassata as a dessert after a dinner party or special occasion.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Creamy, Caramelized