NONNA’S LIMONCELLO AND RICOTTA ALMOND CAKE

Nonna’s Limoncello and Ricotta Almond cake is one of my favorite combinations.  Light, tangy, smooth and simple. Double boom.

Truth be told, I made this cake twice. 

I first made a version using semolina flour but didn’t quite like the texture of the cake.

So for this version, I swamped out the semolina flour with almond flour.  

I like the crumb on this version much better.  

And it is now gluten-free too (if you be sure to use gluten-free baking powder).

This dessert is not overly sweet – great with that morning coffee or paired with some vanilla gelato to end the meal.

And simple, simple, simple.  

I unfortunately couldn’t take any photos showing the inside of the cake as I need to bring it to a party this eve – trust me on this one.

Yield: 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (113 grams)
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 3 eggs, room temperature, separated
• 1 cup full-fat ricotta
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Zest from 1 organic lemon
• 3 tablespoons limoncello
• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Video Recipe

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until incorporated. Mix in the ricotta, vanilla and lemon zest.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the egg yolks, one at a time, continuing to beat until very light and creamy. Add in the limoncello, almond flour and baking powder and beat to combine.
4. In a separate clean chilled bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cake mixture. (Don’t worry if white streaks remain – they will disappear once in the oven.)
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula or spoon. Sprinkle with the sliced almonds. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until firm yet slightly springy to the touch.
6. Allow to cool completely. (It will fall slightly.) Dust with powdered sugar.
7. Limoncello and Ricotta Almond cake is ready to be serve.