Imagine a slice of pure bliss that combines the creamy richness of ricotta with the sweet, tender embrace of fresh apples. This Italian-inspired cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a magical experience that will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in the heart of Italy. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver a moist, delectable treat that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ricotta cheese and sugar until smooth and well combined. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the ricotta mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure no lumps remain.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. Stir gently until just combined.
- Peel and dice the apples into small, uniform cubes. Gently fold the diced apples into the cake batter, distributing them evenly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
- Slice and serve at room temperature. The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all your ingredients, especially eggs and ricotta, are at room temperature for a smoother, more even batter.
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter gently to keep the cake light and tender. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Moisture Check: The toothpick test is crucial - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from absorbing the sugar.
- Storage Hack: To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
