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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
  • 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

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

For the cream

  • In a large bowl, whisk together cream, cheese, honey, and liquor until soft peaks form (about 3 minutes).
  • 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