Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake
Lemon desserts are beloved for their bright and refreshing flavor profile, and this Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake takes that enjoyment to a whole new level. Combining the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the nutty richness of almond flour, this cake is not only gluten-free but also a delightful treat for any occasion. Its vibrant lemony notes make it a perfect dessert for spring and summer gatherings, or simply as a light end to a meal.
Why Make This Recipe
This Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a healthier dessert option. With minimal ingredients, it offers a delightful balance of taste and texture without the heaviness of traditional cakes. The ricotta adds moisture and creaminess, while almond flour provides a nutty depth and protein boost. Plus, using honey or sugar as a sweetener allows you to control the sweetness to your liking. This cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
How to Make Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake
To prepare this delightful cake, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup honey or sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and honey (or sugar) until well combined.
- Add ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cake is set and lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
How to Serve Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake
This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Fresh berries or a drizzle of lemon glaze also complement the cake beautifully, enhancing its vibrant flavor.
How to Store Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake
To store your Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you prefer to make it in advance, you can also freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
Tips to Make Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is smooth before mixing; you can blend it briefly in a food processor for an ultra-smooth texture.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, consider adding more lemon zest or substituting half of the honey/sugar with lemon extract.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a light and airy consistency.
Variation
You can introduce a variety of flavors to this cake by swapping out the lemon for other citrus fruits such as orange or lime. Additionally, adding a handful of chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips can introduce delightful textures and flavors.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour instead of almond flour?
A1: While almond flour is recommended for this recipe to maintain its gluten-free nature, you can try substituting it with equal amounts of coconut flour, but it may require some adjustment due to differences in absorbency.
Q2: Is there a vegan option for this cake?
A2: Yes! You can replace eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a flaxseed meal combination (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, left to sit until gooey). Use a plant-based ricotta to keep it fully vegan.
Q3: Can I make mini versions of this cake?
A3: Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin or mini loaf pans to create smaller individual cakes. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as they will likely bake faster than a full-sized cake.
Embrace the delightful flavors of this Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake and enjoy the blissful combination of simplicity and taste!
Flourless Ricotta, Lemon & Almond Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups almond flour Use blanched almond flour for best results.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Ensure the ricotta is smooth.
- 3 large eggs Room temperature eggs help with consistency.
- 0.5 cup honey or sugar Adjust sweetness to your liking.
- 1 piece zest of lemon For a stronger lemon flavor, add more zest.
- 1 tablespoon juice of lemon Freshly squeezed is best.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Helps with the cake's rise.
- 1 pinch salt Enhances overall flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and honey (or sugar) until well combined.
- Add ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cake is set and lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
