Frozen Sicilian cassata with ricotta gelato, candied fruit, and a sponge cake shell. This elaborate mediterranean frozen dessert is a family celebration showpiece.
Prepare the ricotta gelato: In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, marsala wine, and salt until smooth.
Fold in candied citrus peel, chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios for flavor and texture distribution.
Line a deep loaf pan with plastic wrap, then layer thin slices of sponge cake to form a shell, pressing firmly and overlapping at the seams.
Pour the ricotta gelato mixture into the sponge-lined pan, smoothing the top for even freezing and a clean finish.
Cover with additional sponge cake slices, then wrap the entire pan tightly and freeze for at least 3 hours until firm; unmold, slice, and serve chilled.