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Lemon Ricotta Cake and Pistachio Frosting


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5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Hein van Tonder
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

A bright citrus cake with almond meal and ricotta. Topped with a luscious pistachio frosting (recipe not included).


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 oz (113 g) butter
  • 7 oz (200 g) caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon zest
  • 4 eggs
  • 8 oz (227 g) almond meal
  • 11 oz (300 g) ricotta
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 356°F (180°C). Line the base and sides of a 20cm round cake tin with baking paper.
  2. Place 100g of castor sugar and the lemon zest in a food processor and blitz until finely ground.
  3. Beat the butter, vanilla, and sugar/zest mixture together for about 10 minutes until pale and creamy.
  4. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition.
  5. Add the almond meal and beat to combine. Fold in the ricotta.
  6. Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form.
  7. Gradually add the remaining sugar to the egg whites and whisk until stiff peaks have formed.
  8. Mix a third of the egg whites into the cake mixture, then gently fold in the rest of the egg white mixture.
  9. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
  10. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 356°F (180°C), until cooked and firm to the touch.
  11. Allow to cool completely in the cake tin before removing.
  12. Frosting

Notes

  • For a more intense lemon flavor, use Meyer lemons or add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest.
  • If you don’t have almond meal, you can substitute an equal amount of finely ground blanched almonds.
  • To prevent the cake from drying out, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25
  • Sodium: 50
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 6
  • Cholesterol: 100