Thank you so much for being here — I’m honestly thrilled to share this one with you. This Almond Cake is soft, moist, and quietly elegant, with a tender crumb, gentle sweetness, and a delightful crunch from chopped pistachios. It’s the kind of cake that doesn’t shout for attention but wins everyone over with the very first bite.
This recipe reminds me of the simple cakes my nonna used to make — nothing flashy, just honest ingredients coming together into something special. Before we get baking, don’t forget to subscribe by email so you never miss a cozy, bakery-style recipe like this one
Overview of Almond Cake with Ricotta & Pistachios
This almond cake uses almond flour and ricotta cheese to create an incredibly moist texture without being heavy. The ricotta adds richness, while pistachios bring a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist, tender crumb thanks to ricotta
- Naturally nutty almond flavor
- Light sweetness — never overpowering
- Perfect for brunch, dessert, or afternoon coffee
What It Tastes Like
Delicate almond flavor, creamy softness from ricotta, and little bursts of pistachio crunch in every bite. Finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, it’s understated and irresistible.
Ingredients
Almond Cake Batter
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, whole milk preferred
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Fine mesh sieve (for dusting sugar)
Substitutions & Additions
- Extra almond flavor: add ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- Gluten-free: replace all-purpose flour with GF blend
- Citrus twist: add lemon or orange zest
- More crunch: sprinkle extra pistachios on top before baking
How to Make Almond Cake
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, beat ricotta and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chopped pistachios.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top and bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and set.
Step 6: Cool & Finish
Cool completely, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
What to Serve with Almond Cake
- Espresso or cappuccino
- Fresh berries
- Light whipped cream
- Honey drizzle
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use whole milk ricotta for best texture
- Don’t overmix — keep it tender
- Let cake cool fully before dusting
- Store covered to retain moisture
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Freezer: wrap slices and freeze up to 2 months
General Information
Almond cakes are popular in Italian and Mediterranean baking for their naturally moist crumb and gentle sweetness. Ricotta-based cakes are especially beloved for their light, almost cloud-like texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cake taste cheesy?
Not at all — ricotta simply adds moisture and richness.
Can I use mascarpone instead?
Yes, but the cake will be slightly richer.
Can I frost this cake?
You can, but it’s perfect simply dusted with sugar.
More Relevant Recipes You’ll Love
- Italian Pistachio Ricotta Cream Cake
https://poulef.com/italian-pistachio-ricotta-cream-cake
Pinterest inspiration https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Conclusion
This Almond Cake with Ricotta & Pistachios is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly elegant. Soft, nutty, and perfectly balanced, it’s a cake you’ll reach for again and again — whether for guests or just yourself.
Interactive Elements
Leave a review if you bake it
Share your cake on Pinterest or Instagram and tag @poulefrecipe
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Protein | 9g |
Heavenly Almond Cake with Ricotta & Pistachios (8 Irresistible Reasons You’ll Bake It Again)
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This almond cake is moist and tender thanks to ricotta cheese, gently sweet, and finished with crunchy pistachios and powdered sugar.
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1 tsp vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare pan.
2. Beat ricotta and sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Whisk dry ingredients separately.
5. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
6. Fold in pistachios.
7. Bake 35–40 minutes until set.
8. Cool and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Use whole milk ricotta for best texture.
Do not overmix batter.
Let cake cool fully before dusting.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Table of Contents

Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
Let’s be friends!






