Description
Sweet Italian almond ricotta cake melds creamy ricotta with delicate almond essence. Delightful dessert promises rich Mediterranean flavors that transport diners to Italy’s sun-drenched kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) almond flour
- 2 tsps baking powder
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup (30 g) sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Pan Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper for seamless cake release.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring uniform consistency and eliminating potential clumps.
- Creaming Process: Whip butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy texture with enhanced volume.
- Liquid Integration: Gradually add eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each. Blend in almond and vanilla extracts until the mixture becomes smooth and aromatic.
- Batter Composition: Fold ricotta cheese into the creamed mixture, then gently introduce dry ingredients, maintaining a delicate mixing technique to preserve the cake’s airy structure.
- Baking Deployment: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle sliced almonds across the top for textural contrast and visual interest.
- Oven Treatment: Bake for 45-55 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface. Confirm doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
- Cooling Protocol: Rest cake in pan for 15 minutes, then release springform sides and transfer to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
- Finishing Touches: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Adapt Ingredient Temperatures: Ensure butter, eggs, and ricotta are at room temperature for smoother blending and optimal cake texture.
- Prevent Cake Density: Fold dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can create a dense, tough cake instead of a light, airy crumb.
- Control Moisture Balance: Use fresh, high-quality ricotta with minimal liquid to maintain the cake’s ideal moisture and prevent soggy results.
- Alternative Diet Modifications: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for traditional flour, and use dairy-free alternatives like coconut ricotta for vegan adaptations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 157
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 51 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg