Italian Almond Ricotta Cake Recipe

Fluffy Italian Almond Ricotta Cake Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Dessert enthusiasts adore this classic Italian almond ricotta cake that brings a touch of Mediterranean charm to your table.

Creamy ricotta blends seamlessly with delicate almond notes, creating a sophisticated yet comforting treat.

Light and airy textures promise a delightful experience with every slice.

Each forkful carries the warmth of traditional Italian baking techniques.

Rich almond flavors dance across your palate, offering a subtle sweetness that isn’t overwhelming.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that speaks volumes about culinary craftsmanship.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this heavenly cake.

Why You’ll Adore Almond Ricotta Cake

  • Revolutionize Dinner Routine: Taco Spaghetti breaks traditional meal boundaries by merging two beloved favorites into one mouthwatering dish that keeps everyone excited.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: This one-skillet wonder means fewer dishes to wash, reducing kitchen cleanup and letting you spend more quality moments with family after enjoying a delicious meal.
  • Quick Culinary Magic: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, anyone can create this crowd-pleasing recipe without complicated techniques or advanced cooking skills.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or switching ground beef for ground turkey to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What’s Inside Italian Almond Ricotta Cake

Wet Ingredients:
  • Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that provides moisture and richness to the cake.
  • Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create a tender cake texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's caramelization.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic sweet and aromatic flavor to the cake.
  • Almond Extract: Enhances the almond flavor and adds depth to the dessert.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Almond Flour: Adds nutty flavor and creates a gluten-free base for the cake.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps the cake rise.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Finishing Ingredient:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, sweet dusting on top of the finished cake.

Steps for Making Almond Ricotta Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Creamy Wet Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together these dreamy ingredients:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Almond flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract

Blend everything until silky smooth with no lumps.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 4: Fill and Prepare for Baking

Pour the luscious batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely. Finish by dusting with a snowy layer of powdered sugar.

Notes for Italian Ricotta Cake Success

  • Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the cake's delicate texture and perfect balance of flavors.
  • Mix dry and wet ingredients with a light hand to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense and tough.
  • Test the cake with a toothpick – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for the ideal moistness.
  • Bring eggs and ricotta to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more even batter.
  • Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

New Twists for Almond Ricotta Cake

  • Gluten-Free Almond Ricotta Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Citrus Infused Almond Cake: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, refreshing flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Ricotta Cake: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly option.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut ricotta and egg substitute to create a plant-based version of the cake.

Tasty Pairings With Almond Ricotta Cake

  • Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Indulge in a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, whose delicate sweetness and light bubbles perfectly complement the cake's almond and ricotta flavors, creating a harmonious Italian-style dessert experience.
  • Enhance with Espresso Companion: Serve alongside a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino, letting the rich, bold coffee notes contrast beautifully with the cake's subtle sweetness and creamy texture.
  • Elevate with Fresh Berries: Garnish the cake with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding a bright, tangy element that cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, nutty cake.

Storing Your Almond Ricotta Cake Fresh

  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Slice the cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas.
  • Gently reheat individual slices for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain the cake's delicate texture. Check frequently to prevent overheating.

FAQs

  • What is the texture of the Italian Almond Ricotta Cake?

The cake has a soft, moist, and tender crumb with a delicate almond flavor, thanks to the combination of ricotta cheese and almond flour.

  • Can I use different types of flour in this recipe?

Stick to all-purpose flour and almond flour for the best results. Substituting may change the cake’s texture and flavor profile.

  • Why use both vanilla and almond extract?

The combination creates a more complex, rich flavor. Vanilla adds depth, while almond extract enhances the nutty undertones of the cake.

  • Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The cake contains eggs and dairy, so it’s not appropriate for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. However, it’s a great gluten-reduced option when using almond flour.

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Italian Almond Ricotta Cake Recipe

Italian Almond Ricotta Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Italian Almond Ricotta Cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table, blending creamy ricotta with delicate almond essence. Elegant yet simple, this cake promises a luxurious slice of Italian culinary tradition you’ll savor with pure pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Flavor Enhancers and Leavening:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine ricotta cheese, almond flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  4. Gently incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding carefully to maintain the batter’s lightness and prevent overmixing.
  5. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased cake pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
  7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and prevents breaking.
  8. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire cooling rack, letting it reach room temperature completely.
  9. Before serving, delicately dust the top with powdered sugar, creating an elegant and sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure ricotta is at room temperature for smoother batter consistency and better mixing.
  • Sifting dry ingredients prevents lumps and creates a lighter, more delicate cake texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality almond extract to enhance the nutty flavor profile.
  • For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or additional almond flour.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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