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From the hills of Massa, Tuscany to the heart of Metro Manila — a family recipe, generations in the making.

Mascarpone Cake By Benassi packaging box

The Beginning

Born in Tuscany, Loved in Manila

Katia Benassi-de Guzman was born and raised in Massa, Tuscany, Italy. Her father is Italian and her mother, Rolyn, is Filipina. Growing up in Italy, the family always enjoyed mascarpone cake during special occasions — a cherished recipe taught by Katia's Italian grandmother.

This mascarpone cake is a typical homemade dessert that many Italian families make in Massa. It features authentic, simple, and comforting Italian home cooking at its finest — made with only the best ingredients and a generous amount of love.

The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation in the Benassi family, preserving the authentic flavors and techniques of traditional Tuscan dessert-making.

Our Journey

A Timeline of Tradition

How a grandmother's recipe became one of Manila's most beloved cakes.

Massa, Italy

Katia grows up in Massa, Tuscany, learning the art of Italian home cooking from her grandmother. The mascarpone cake becomes a family tradition, always present at celebrations and special gatherings.

2002

The Benassi family moves to Manila, Philippines. Katia, together with her husband DJ De Guzman and mother Rolyn (who has impressive culinary training and 20 years of Italian residency), opens Benassi Ristorante Italiano in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

2012

The Mascarpone Cake becomes the restaurant's most requested dessert. Customers who dine at Benassi Ristorante fall in love with the authentic Italian tiramisu, and it earns recognition on SPOT.ph's Top 10 Tiramisu in Manila list.

2017

Benassi Ristorante Italiano closes its doors. Loyal customers are heartbroken and many try to convince Katia to continue selling her beloved mascarpone cake.

2019

Overwhelmed by the continued demand and love from former customers, Katia finally gives in and launches Mascarpone Cake By Benassi as a dedicated cake delivery business based in Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

Today

Mascarpone Cake By Benassi continues to delight thousands across Metro Manila. With over 40,000 Instagram followers and features in top food publications, the authentic Italian mascarpone cake remains a favorite for celebrations, gifts, and everyday indulgence.

What Makes It Special

Premium Ingredients, Authentic Technique

Unlike typical tiramisu with multiple thin layers, the Mascarpone Cake By Benassi features one generous thick layer of espresso-soaked Savoiardi biscuits topped with an equally thick layer of premium mascarpone cream. The whole cake is then finished with a dusting of fine cocoa and coffee.

The result is a rich, creamy, and decadent dessert that is perfectly balanced — not too sweet, with subtle hints of coffee and cacao. Every ingredient is carefully selected to honor the original Italian family recipe.

As SPOT.ph noted: "The coffee flavor is very subtle here, and the balance is right if you're having it after a savory lunch."

100% Premium Mascarpone
40K+ Instagram Followers
2012 Established
Slice of Mascarpone Cake by Benassi on a plate

Taste the Tradition

Experience a slice of Italy, handcrafted from a recipe passed through generations of the Benassi family.

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