Berry Cassata Semifreddo
Berry Cassata Semifreddo
A no-bake frozen cassata: rum-dipped ladyfingers lining a sweet ricotta-and-mixed-berry filling, frozen and turned out to serve.
Prep: 15 minutes (plus freezing) · Cook: 0 minutes
What Is Berry Cassata Semifreddo?
A frozen icebox cassata: an 8-inch dish lined with rum-soaked ladyfingers and filled with sweetened ricotta folded through fresh blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, then frozen and turned out.
Why Make Berry Cassata Semifreddo?
- A no-bake, freezer-friendly showpiece
- Make it months ahead — it keeps frozen
- Three berries give colour and tang against the sweet ricotta
- Ladyfingers make a built-in crust and sides
- Slices like a frozen cake for easy serving
Ingredients
- 1 pkg Savoiardi ladyfingers (Italian hard-style)
- 1 lb ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup rum (divided)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blackberries
- strawberries (to decorate, optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch souffle dish with ladyfingers dipped briefly in 1/4 cup of the rum.
- In a bowl, beat the ricotta and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the remaining 1/4 cup rum and blend well.
- Gently fold the berries into the ricotta mixture, then spoon into the ladyfinger-lined dish.
- Freeze until firm (it keeps up to 6 months).
- To serve, turn the cassata out onto a plate, let it thaw about 30 minutes, and decorate with strawberries if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Dip the ladyfingers briefly so they soften but don't fall apart
- Beat the ricotta smooth before folding in the berries
- Fold gently to keep the berries whole
- Freeze until fully solid before turning out
- Let it thaw about 30 minutes so it slices, not shatters
Frequently Asked Questions About Berry Cassata Semifreddo
-
1. Is this a traditional cassata?
No — it's a frozen ricotta-and-berry icebox cake, not the classic Sicilian sponge cassata.
-
2. Can I make it well ahead?
Yes — it freezes for up to 6 months.
-
3. Can I leave out the rum?
Dip the ladyfingers in berry juice or coffee instead for an alcohol-free version.
-
4. Why let it thaw before serving?
Thirty minutes softens it enough to slice cleanly.
-
5. Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh hold their shape best, but thawed, well-drained frozen berries work.
Cooking Guides & Tips
- Holiday Italian Desserts: Tiramisu, Cassata and More Classic Italian holiday desserts — tiramisu, cassata, polenta cake and more — and the pantry staples behind them.
Berry Cassata Semifreddo Made Simple
Berry Cassata Semifreddo is a make-ahead freezer dessert that slices like a dream — an effortless finish you can put together weeks before you serve it.