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Cassata Cheesecake
It starts in the most comforting way possible. You crush some biscuits, mix them with melted butter, and press everything into the pan until it’s snug and golden and your kitchen smells like something good is already happening. Then comes the filling, the real heart of the dessert. Ricotta takes center stage, smoothed out with cream cheese until it’s creamy and soft, lightly sweetened, and lifted with fresh citrus zest. A splash of vanilla or a whisper of orange blossom water gives it that unmistakable Sicilian perfume. And then, by hand, you fold in candied fruit and dark chocolate, little bursts of flavor that pop up when you least expect them.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Crust

    250 g (9 oz) digestive biscuits or graham crackers, finely crushed

    120 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted

    1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)

    ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

  • Filling

    500 g (18 oz) whole-milk ricotta, very well drained

    250 g (9 oz) cream cheese, softened

    180 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar

    3 large eggs, room temperature

    Zest of 1 orange

    Zest of 1 lemon

    1 tsp vanilla extract

    1 tsp orange blossom water (optional but traditional)

    80 g (½ cup) mini dark chocolate chips

    80 g (½ cup) mixed candied fruit, finely diced

    Pinch of cinnamon

    Pinch of salt

  • Optional Topping

    Chopped pistachios

    Candied citrus peel

    Powdered sugar

Equipment

  • 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Instructions
 

  1. Crust
    Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
    Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
    In a bowl, mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer.
    Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  2. Filling
    If the ricotta is grainy, press it through a fine sieve for a smoother texture.
    In a large bowl, beat the ricotta, cream cheese, and sugar until creamy and lump-free. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
    Stir in the orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla, orange blossom water, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in the chocolate chips and candied fruit using a spatula.
  3. Bake
    Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
    Place the pan in the oven and bake for 65–70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
    (For the creamiest texture, place the pan in a water bath.)
    Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  4. Chill
    Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, before unmolding.

Notes

Drain the ricotta thoroughly: Excess moisture is the biggest enemy of a good cassata cheesecake. Drain ricotta overnight in the refrigerator or press it gently in a sieve lined with cheesecloth for a smoother, creamier filling.
Use full-fat ingredients: Whole-milk ricotta and full-fat cream cheese give the cheesecake its rich, authentic texture. Low-fat versions will make the filling grainy and less flavorful.
Go easy when mixing: Mix just until smooth. Overbeating adds air and can cause cracks during baking.
Add eggs one at a time: This helps the filling emulsify properly and keeps the texture velvety rather than dense.
Water bath for best results: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps it cook evenly and prevents cracking, especially with ricotta-based fillings.
Look for a gentle jiggle: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles. It will firm up as it cools.
Cool slowly: Let the cheesecake rest in the oven with the door slightly open to avoid sudden temperature changes.
Chill overnight: The flavors, especially citrus and chocolate—develop best after 12–24 hours in the fridge.
Decorate just before serving: Add pistachios, candied fruit, or powdered sugar at the last minute to keep toppings fresh and vibrant.