Claro's Zucotto (Panettone Cake with Ricotta and Marsala Wine)

I found this recipe on the net, in response to a "Request a recipe" post. It's very similar to a cake my grandmother used to make. The recipe makes 10-12 servings, so I will have to wait for an occasion to try it.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 10-12
• Yields: 1 Cake

Ingredients

• 12 -15  slices  panettone or 12 -15  slices  pandoro (sliced fairly thin)
• 1  cup  almond Marsala or 1  cup Amaretto or 1  cup brandy (may be used)
• 2  lbs whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar
• 4  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6  ounces  mini chocolate chips
• 1  container Cool Whip
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped  almonds

Directions

1. Line a 1 1/2 quart bowl with plastic wrap and set aside.
2. In large bowl with an electric mixer, whip ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon until creamy.
3. Stir in chocolate chips and set aside.
4. Cut Panettone slices diagonally and place into bowl setting the tips meeting at the bottom and covering the sides of the bowl, overlapping slightly.
5. Sprinkle generously with Marsala.
6. Spoon about 1/2 of ricotta mixture into bowl and top with Panettone slices.
7. Sprinkle with more Marsala.
8. Top with rest of ricotta, top with Panettone, sprinkle with Marsala, pushing firmly with even pressure so that cake compresses and conforms to bowl.
9. Bring up plastic wrap around sides to seal cake in bowl.
10. Refrigerate overnight.
11. The next day peel back plastic wrap; invert bowl into serving dish.
12. Frost with Cool Whip and sprinkle with chopped almonds.