Cassata

A satisfying, refreshing layered Italian dessert that takes only 20 minutes of hands-on prep time. MORE+ LESS-

By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Updated August 11, 2004

Ingredients

loaf (16 ounces) pound cake

1/2

cup rum

1/2

cup chopped candied fruit or golden raisins

cup coffee ice cream, slightly softened

cup maple nut or butter pecan ice cream, slightly softened

1/3

cup whipping (heavy) cream

tablespoon powdered sugar

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1

Place loaf pan 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 inches, in freezer. Pour rum over candied fruit; let stand 1 hour.
2

Remove loaf pan from freezer. Spread coffee ice cream in pan; freeze about 1 hour until firm.
3

Cut cake into rectangle about 2 inches thick to fit loaf pan, 8 1/2x4 1/2 inches. Drain fruit, reserving rum. Drizzle reserved rum over cake; set aside. Spread maple nut ice cream over ice cream in pan; freeze about 1 hour until firm.
4

Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar in chilled small bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Fold in candied fruit. Spread whipping cream mixture over ice cream in pan. Top with rum-soaked cake, cutting pieces to fit pan. Cover and freeze about 8 hours or until firm. Loosen edges of cake from pan with knife; turn upside down to unmold cake.

Meaning “in a case,” cassata is a traditional Italian dessert served at celebrations such as weddings.
Hold the rum, please! Instead of rum, use 2 teaspoons rum extract mixed with 1/2 cup water.
You can use a delicious homemade pound cake or sponge cake if you like.
Make quick work out of slicing this dessert by using an electric knife.