Italian Almond Ricotta Cake: A Soft and Moist Classic Dessert
This Italian almond ricotta cake is a soft, moist, and classic Italian dessert that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the nutty depth of almond flour. Lightly sweet and beautifully textured, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a cup of espresso for an authentic Italian experience. Whether you enjoy it fresh or store it for later, this foolproof recipe guarantees a fluffy, flavorful, and irresistible cake every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- For a more citrusy flavor, add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
- For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the top.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut-based ricotta and vegan butter.
- Best served with espresso, cappuccino, or a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo.
This cake is an Italian classic that’s easy to make and perfect for any celebration or afternoon treat. Enjoy! 🍰✨