My Nonna’s gluten-free limoncello and ricotta almond cake. 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
- Zest from 1 organic lemon
- 1 cup full-fat ricotta
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 eggs, room temperature, separated
- 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
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until incorporated. Mix in the ricotta, vanilla and lemon zest.
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- Allow to cool completely. (It will fall slightly.)
- Dust with the powdered sugar and serve your gluten-free limoncello and ricotta almond cake.
Buon Mangiata!
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7 Comments
Beth Davis
12/03/2020 at 4:42 pmLove these recipes! Please notify me.
betty
12/03/2020 at 5:51 pmI like your site. It’s too bad that you have “Brainberries” for your sponsored content. Very racist and rude content.
Mangia Magna!
12/03/2020 at 6:25 pmI live in Italy and I don’t know Brainberries. Unfortunately, the advertisements are decided by Google ..
Jacqueline Verstegen
05/06/2021 at 5:12 pmanxious to try your recipes. Looking for others I saw that are gone now.
How do I get them back?
Mangia Magna!
05/06/2021 at 6:13 pmJust search using the search bar.
Veronica
07/09/2021 at 8:41 amMade your nonna’s Limoncello Cake – it is delicious. I used almond essence and had to cook it for 60minutes.
This is a winner will definitely be making this again.
Mangia Magna!
07/09/2021 at 10:09 amThank You Veronica, it’s a pleasure.