‘The Great British Baking Show’: What are Cassatelle? And What is Sarawak Layer Cake?

The Great British Baking Show‘s first ever “Festival Week” charged the bakers with making treats fit for a carnival celebration. Specifically, judge Paul Hollywood asked the six remaining bakers to make 12 Sicilian cassatelle for their Technical Challenge, and everyone had to try their hand at kek lapis Sarawak, or a Sarawak layered cake, for their tricky Showstopper. What we got were exploding cassatelle, stodgy Sarawak, and some truly sublime creations. We also got a quick education in Italian treats and Malaysian cake design.

But what is kek lapis Sarawak? What is a cassatelle? Can you make these treats at home? Here’s everything you need to know about the complicated bakes on The Great British Baking Show, Collection 7, Episode 7, “Festival Week.”

What is kek lapis Sarawak? What is a Sarawak Layer Cake on The Great British Baking Show?

Sarawak layer cake, known as kek lapis Sarawak or Modern Sarawak, is a kind of cake that was created in Sarawak, Malaysia in the 1980s. It was introduced by immigrants from Jakarta, Indonesia. They brought the Indonesian Betawi cake (which in turn was perhaps inspired by Dutch immigrants in the 19th century) to Sarawak and upped the ante on the bake by introducing bold colors, flavors, and designs to the layered cake.

Basically, ultra thin cake layers are cooked and then bonded together with sticky jam or filling. They are then cut and re-layered into intricate designs. All Sarawak cakes must have at least two colors and, well, something else…

Did the Bakers Make Real kek lapis Sarawak on The Great British Baking Show?

Technically, no, and The Great British Baking Show might be breaking the law by referring to the Showstopper Challenge as kek lapis Sarawak!

Since 2010, kek lapis Sarawak or Sarawak layer cake has been a protected “geographical indication.” That means that only cake made in Sarawak, Malaysia according to regulations can legally be called kek lapis Sarawak or Sarawak layer cake. What the bakers made this week must be referred to as “Sarawak-style” cake per the law.

So watch out Prue and Paul, the Malaysian government might be coming after you!

What is Sicilian Cassatelle? What is the Technical Challenge on The Great British Baking Show?

Cassatelle are a traditional fried pastry served in Sicily during “carnavale.” Different chefs and towns have their own specific preferred methods of making them, but they are essentially half-moon shaped pastries filled with ricotta and sweet filling, and then fried. Basically, they are fried dessert ravioli.

If you want to try your hand at making your own cassatelle, Paul Hollywood’s recipe is up on the official UK website for The Great British Baking Show. Don’t worry; his recipe has way more instructions than the pared down version he gave to the bakers in the tent.

The next all-new episode of The Great British Baking Show, “Pastry Week,” premieres on Netflix on Friday, October 18th.

Watch The Great British Baking Show on Netflix