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Honey and Lemon Torta


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  • Author: Kathy Bechtel
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

A delightful Italian torta, bursting with the bright flavors of lemon and honey. Topped with a luscious ricotta cream, its pure springtime indulgence.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) hazelnuts
  • 1 cup (237 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 7 tbsp (100 ml) honey
  • 1/4 cup (59 ml) packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (59 ml) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • zest of one lemon
  • 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup (178 ml) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp grappa or dessert wine

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) with rack in the middle.
  2. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
  3. Pulse hazelnuts with 1 tablespoon of flour in a food processor until finely ground; transfer to a large bowl.
  4. Add remaining flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the bowl; stir to combine.
  5. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, ¼ cup honey, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  6. Mix in the whole egg and egg yolk, one at a time.
  7. Whisk together milk, vanilla, and lemon zest.
  8. Alternating, add the flour mixture and milk mixture to the butter mixture in three additions.
  9. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and place the pan on a baking sheet.
  10. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown and springy to the touch.
  11. Transfer the cake to a wire rack.
  12. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warm and viscous; brush over the cake.
  13. Let the cake cool completely.

For the cream

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together cream, cheese, honey, and liquor until soft peaks form (about 3 minutes).
  2. Serve cake warm or at room temperature with a large spoonful of cream.

Notes

  • Toast the hazelnuts before pulsing to enhance their flavor and aroma.
  • If you don’t have grappa, substitute with an equal amount of orange liqueur or lemon juice.
  • For best results, let the torta cool completely before adding the ricotta cream to prevent it from melting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 30
  • Sodium: 100
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 5
  • Cholesterol: 100