Soft sponge cake dusted with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

Ricotta Almond Cake Recipe: 7 Brilliant Reasons to Love It

by

Nun Cake Recipe: 7 Brilliant Reasons You’ll Love This Ricotta Almond Delight

⭐ Introduction

There are cakes you bake once, enjoy, and forget—and then there are cakes that become part of your kitchen forever. This ricotta almond cake recipe is one of those unforgettable classics. Lightly sweet, naturally gluten-free, wonderfully moist, and infused with the warm aroma of almonds, lemon zest, and a hint of rum, it’s the kind of dessert that feels both rustic and sophisticated at the same time.

This cake traces its roots to traditional convent-style desserts—simple ingredients, slow preparation, and a deep focus on real flavor. The ricotta brings creaminess, the almonds add depth, and the long, slow bake gives the cake its signature golden crust. Whether served with powdered sugar, Chantilly cream, or a simple espresso, this cake is pure comfort.

In this long, detailed recipe guide, you’ll learn exactly how to prepare it the traditional way, plus essential tips, ingredient notes, variations, and expert answers to common questions. Let’s bring this fragrant cake to life in your kitchen!

https://quickyyourrecipes.com/raisin-brioche-recipe/

🍰 Ingredients You Will Need

To make this ricotta almond cake recipe, you’ll need the following:

  • 300g cow’s milk ricotta

  • 150g peeled almonds

  • 150g granulated sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 2 tablespoons rum

  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for blending with almonds)

  • Grated zest of one lemon

  • Pinch of salt

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

This cake is naturally gluten-free because the almond flour replaces all traditional wheat flour.

Continue to next page

🥣 Step-by-Step Preparation( ricotta almond cake)

1. Prepare the Ricotta

Place the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let it drain overnight in the refrigerator.
This step improves the texture by removing excess moisture, giving you a denser and creamier cake.

Smooth and creamy cake batter mixed in a glass bowl.
Perfectly mixed cake batter ready to be poured into the baking pan.

2. Make the Almond Flour

Blend 150g peeled almonds with 1 tablespoon of sugar until a fine, even powder forms.
Don’t over-blend or it will turn into almond butter—pulse gently.

3. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl:

  • Crack 4 eggs

  • Add 150g granulated sugar

  • Whisk until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and airy.

This step gives the cake its delicate, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

4. Combine the Almond Flour and Egg Mixture

Add the freshly made almond flour into the whipped eggs and sugar.
Whisk until everything is well incorporated.

5. Add the Ricotta and Flavorings

Now add:

  • The drained ricotta

  • The lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons of rum

Mix gently but thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and creamy.

6. Baking

  • Line a 20 cm square pan with baking paper.

  • Pour in the cake batter.

  • The thickness should be about 2.5–3 cm.

Bake in a static oven at 170°C (350°F) for about 1 hour, or until:

  • the surface is golden,

  • the edges pull away slightly from the sides, and

  • the center springs back when lightly touched.

This long, slow bake gives the cake its signature rustic crust.

7. Cooling

Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
Let it cool completely—this is essential to avoid crumbling when slicing.

8. Finishing

Once cooled:

  • Dust generously with powdered sugar

  • Cut into squares

  • Serve and enjoy!

ricotta almond cake recipe with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
Light and tender sponge cake sliced into neat squares and topped with powdered sugar.

💡 Tips & Variations

✔ Add Chocolate

Fold dark chocolate chips into the batter for richer flavor.

✔ Add Candied Orange

Candied orange cubes pair beautifully with the rum and almonds.

✔ Serve with Cream

Top with Chantilly cream, mascarpone cream, or vanilla whipped cream.

✔ Make It Citrus-Heavy

Add orange zest in addition to lemon for a brighter fragrance.

✔ Turn It into a Holiday Cake

Sprinkle chopped pistachios or dried cranberries on top.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Almond Cake Recipe

1. Naturally Gluten-Free

No flour—only almonds, giving a rich flavor and tender texture.

2. Light, Moist, and Creamy

Drained ricotta gives the cake a cloud-like softness.

3. Elegant but Easy

Ingredients are simple, preparation is straightforward.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Breakfast, dessert, tea time, holidays—this cake fits everywhere.

5. Wonderful Aroma

Lemon zest + almond + rum = heavenly fragrance.

6. Versatile

Add chocolate, spices, citrus, or dry fruit.

7. Even Better the Next Day

Flavors deepen beautifully after resting overnight.

🙋 FAQ

Can I replace cow’s milk ricotta with another type?

Yes, you can use sheep ricotta or mascarpone, but the texture will change slightly.

What can I use instead of rum?

Use vanilla extract, almond extract, or orange blossom water.

Can I make it without alcohol?

Absolutely. The cake still tastes amazing without rum.

How long does this cake keep?

Up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Flavor improves with time.

Can I freeze it?

Yes—freeze slices individually and thaw as needed.

🔗 External Link

For more Italian-style desserts, you can check a trusted guide such as:
“Traditional Italian Desserts – Complete Guide” on SeriousEats or a similar resource.