Thank you so much for stopping by! I’m thrilled to share this Zesty Ricotta Almond Cake—a pillowy, flourless delight crowned with bright lemon curd and a creamy yogurt swirl. It feels like a warm Southern Italian afternoon baked into a cake. Want more recipes like this? Subscribe for delightful kitchen creations by email!
Overview of Recipe Content
This Zesty Ricotta Almond Cake is a lovely dessert or elegant brunch centerpiece. It’s:
- What it is: A flourless almond cake made light with ricotta, baked till it’s cloud-soft with a golden crust.
- Why you’ll love it: Gluten-free, uplifting lemony notes, rich but not heavy.
- Taste and texture: Moist, tender crumb with lively citrus and creamy yogurt swirl.
- Health perks: Grain-free, protein-rich from almonds and cheese; lemon adds freshness.
Ingredients
- 200 g almond flour (finely ground almonds)
- 250 g full‑fat ricotta cheese
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, separated
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
(Plus homemade lemon curd and yogurt swirl to top—recipe follows in-body.)
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 8‑inch springform or round cake pan
- Zester, spatula, fine mesh sieve
Substitutions & Additions
- Swap sugar with coconut sugar or honey (reduce juice if honey).
- Use Greek yogurt instead of ricotta (texture slightly different).
- Add 1–2 tsp almond extract for deeper nutty aroma.
- Toasted almond slices for extra crunch on top.
How to Make Zesty Ricotta Almond Cake
- Preheat oven to 170 °C (340 °F). Grease and parchment-line your pan.
- In a large bowl, mix almond flour, sugar, ricotta, egg yolks, lemon zest + juice, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gently fold into the batter in three additions, keeping it airy.
- Pour into pan; smooth the top. Bake ~35–40 min until edges golden and center slightly wobbly.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before adding toppings.
Lemon Curd & Yogurt Swirl
- Lemon Curd: Whisk 3 egg yolks, ¾ cup sugar, juice from 2 lemons, cook gently with 60 g butter till thick, then cool.
- Yogurt Swirl: Whisk ½ cup Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp sugar.
Spread curd on the cooled cake, then dollop yogurt and swirl lightly with a skewer. Sprinkle toasted almond slices.
What to Serve with Zesty Ricotta Almond Cake
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries)
- A dollop of whipped cream or extra yogurt
- Espresso, Masala chai, or a zesty herbal tea
- Sparkling wine or limoncello for brunch celebrations
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Be gentle folding egg whites — keeps it airy!
- Measure almond flour accurately — lightly scoop and level.
- Let the cake cool fully before adding curd — prevents melting/runny top.
- Make curd ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temp before topping.
Storage Instructions
- Keep loosely covered in fridge up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover slices (no yogurt topping) up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight, then add fresh toppings.
General Information
This has roots in Southern Italy where ricotta and almonds shine in flourless cakes. Ideal for gluten-free celebrations or elegant dessert tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dairy-free ricotta?
Yes—try almond or oat-based ricotta, though texture might shift slightly.
Can batter be made ahead?
You can mix base and fold in egg whites right before baking.
What if the cake cracks?
Minimal cracks are fine—they give rustic charm. Just level top before curd.
Can I skip lemon curd?
Absolutely—dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh fruit instead.
Conclusion
This Zesty Ricotta Almond Cake is a dreamy blend of almond sweetness and lemon brightness, with a soft crumb and joyful finish. If you loved this, you’ll also adore:
- Irresistible Lemon Ricotta Cottage Cheese Mug Cake – bright, quick, protein-packed treat poulef.com+1poulef.com+1poulef.com
- Delightful Fig and Orange Cake – A 5‑Star Mediterranean Treat – fragrant, fruit-forward, and cozy poulef.com
Happy baking and don’t forget to tag me on Pinterest: pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ 📌
Interactive Elements
I’d love your review—leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest tagging me!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/12 cake approx):
Calories | Fat | Sat Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
~240 kcal | 18 g | 4 g | 14 g | 2 g | 10 g | 6 g |
Zesty Ricotta Almond Cake with Tangy Lemon Curd & Yogurt Swirl 🥄
- Total Time: PT55M
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A cloud-like flourless almond and ricotta cake crowned with homemade lemon curd, creamy yogurt swirl, and toasted almond crunch.
Ingredients
200 g almond flour (finely ground almonds)
250 g ricotta cheese (full-fat)
150 g granulated sugar
3 large eggs, separated
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Lemon curd (for topping)
Greek yogurt (for swirl)
Toasted almond slices (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, ricotta, sugar, egg yolks, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks using a mixer or whisk.
4. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions, keeping the mixture light and airy.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden on top and slightly set in the center.
7. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Once cooled, spread lemon curd evenly over the top.
9. Add dollops of Greek yogurt and swirl gently with a skewer.
10. Sprinkle with toasted almond slices and serve.
Notes
For best results, use full-fat ricotta and fresh lemon zest.
Make the lemon curd ahead of time and cool completely before topping the cake.
This cake is naturally gluten-free and perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze individual slices without toppings for longer storage.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT40M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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