A sponge cake filled with ricotta cheese mixed with sugar and chocolate chips (which were not present in the older versions), covered with almond paste and sponge cake alternating with each other, covered with sugar icing and topped with candied fruit or, in the baked version, enclosed in a shortcrust pastry shell which is then dusted with icing sugar. Cassata, the sweet symbol of Sicily has a long and fascinating history behind it, all waiting to be discovered. But first it is worth tasting it in the Catania pastry shops that best honour its long tradition.
Catania's best cassatas
Caffè Europa
Close to the seafront, it is a reference point from morning to night for those who work in the area. The counter is assorted, the granitas and typical desserts (see the fried iris with pistachio cream) are a must. And then there is the large refrigerated wall dedicated to classic cakes and cassatas, made as tradition dictates.
Caffè Europa - c.so Italia, 304 - 095 372655 - www.caffeuropa.it
Ficarra
Central, it is a good pastry bar with a generous window display and traditional production. Good filled brioche, mignons, even ice cream, all made with quality ingredients, but don't miss the cassatine, a delicacy. Also rotisserie.
Ficarra - via Umberto, 69 - 340 9283395 - Pagina Facebook
Pasubio
Crostata - classic tart - and more modern creations such as the Fedora (with ricotta, almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios), great festive leavened (such as the Panriccone, a reinterpretation of panettone in several variations), doves and almond pastries, but above all the queen of Sicilian pastries: cassata, here in the baked variant.
Pasubio - via Pasubio, 2f - 095 371946 - www.pasticceriapasubio.it
Proietto
Another classic establishment, one of the most renowned in the city, offers mostly classic and typical desserts with a few off-beat ones. If the house speciality is the millefeuille, the cassata is worth a try, beautiful to look at and - rightly - sweet to eat.
Proietto - via Gustavo Vagliasindi, 22 - 347 5559392 - Pagina Facebook
Savia
It is located in the heart of the city and its rotisserie 'pieces' (arancini in primis) are an irresistible temptation. But the heart of the offer is in the pastry shop, in business since 1897 and now under the management of the fourth generation of the family. The cassata in the form of the 'minnuzza di Sant'Agata', patron saint of Catania, is delicious.
Savia - via Etnea, 302 - 095 322335 - www.savia.it
Spinella
Another historic place in the centre, in vogue for over eight decades. Loved across the board by tourists and locals alike, it is an elegant place with a large outdoor area and an inviting counter that hosts sweet and savoury. Among the parfaits the pistachio one is popular, while among the cakes the specialities are the classic ones, from cassata to the one with sponge cake, Chantilly cream, cream and strawberries. There is a separate counter for typical products, where a colourful hand-painted Martorana fruit stands out.
Spinella - via Etnea, 294 - 095 327247 - www.spinellapasticceria.it
Verona e Bonvegna
The atmosphere is the retro one of the small pastry shops of yesteryear, those of the Sunday tray of pastries and occasion cakes. Among these, cassata stands out, played on the great balance between sponge cake, ricotta, candied fruit, chocolate drops and icing. Inevitable in the morning are the classics of the Catanese breakfast, such as ravioli with ricotta (often still warm).
Verona e Bonvegna - via Asiago, 60 - 095 370868 - Pagina Facebook
Cover photo comes from Pasticceria I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza
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