GRANDMA’S ITALIAN RICOTTA & ALMOND CAKE
This cake is a celebration of simple but delicious ingredients, blending the creamy texture of ricotta with the nutty essence of almonds.
It is a not-too-sweet dessert perfect for any time of day, from a morning treat to an elegant after-dinner treat.
Whether you are an experienced pastry chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is simple and sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The ricotta adds a luscious texture to the cake, while almond flour keeps it moist and tender.
- Not Overly Sweet: A perfect balance of flavors, making it suitable for various occasions.
- Elegant and Simple: Easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests.
- Customizable: Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey for added flair.

Preparation Time
- Active Preparation: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings
- 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) almond flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Sliced almonds, for garnish
METHOD:
- Preheat the Oven
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper. - Cream Butter and Sugar
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. - Incorporate Ricotta
• Add the ricotta cheese and mix until smooth and well combined. - Add Eggs
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. - Flavor the Batter
• Stir in the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until evenly distributed. - Mix Dry Ingredients
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour and salt. - Combine Wet and Dry
• Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Pour Batter into Pan
• Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula. - Bake
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Release the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. - Decorate
• Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
• Garnish with sliced almonds for an elegant finish. - Serve
• Slice and enjoy your homemade Ricotta and Almond Cake!
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein |
| 8g |

Grandma’s Italian Ricotta & Almond Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 150g almond flour
- 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 250g ricotta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Incorporate Ricotta
- Add the ricotta cheese and mix until smooth and well combined.
Add Eggs
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Flavor the Batter
- Stir in the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until evenly distributed.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour Batter into Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Release the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate
- Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
- Garnish with sliced almonds for an elegant finish.
Serve
- Slice and enjoy your homemade Ricotta and Almond Cake!








