Apple Ricotta Cake: Step-By-Step Recipe
This delicious Apple Ricotta Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. The mix of tender cake, sweet apples, and creamy ricotta cheese make for a delectable treat. It’s sure to please any sweet tooth.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert or want a tasty treat to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Also, it’s easy to make. So even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can still whip up a delicious cake that’s sure to impress.
In addition, the moist and flavourful cake infuses with aromatic spices and vanilla. It creates a cosy and comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall or winter.
The apples add a delightful crunch and sweetness to every bite. While the ricotta cheese adds a creamy and tangy note. It balances out the flavours.
You can choose to enjoy it as a morning treat with your coffee or as an after-dinner dessert. This Apple Ricotta Cake is sure to become a favourite in your recipe collection.
So, get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven with this Apple Ricotta Cake recipe!
What Is Apple Ricotta Cake?
The origin place of Apple Ricotta Cake is Italy. Italians use ricotta cheese in desserts. The cake features a moist and dense texture. Thanks to the ricotta cheese. It often studs with chunks of fresh apples, cinnamon, and sugar for a warm and comforting flavour.
It is a popular dessert in many regions of Italy. Particularly during the fall and winter months when apples are in season. Today, Apple Ricotta Cake is enjoyed around the world and can found to be on the menus of many bakeries and cafes.
Further, Apple Ricotta Cake is a type of cake made with ricotta cheese and apples. The cake has a dense, moist texture and is often flavoured with cinnamon, vanilla, and other warm spices.
To make Apple Ricotta Cake, ricotta cheese mix with butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. The dry ingredients, for instance, flour, baking powder, and spices, are then mixed. The batter pours into a cake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Lastly, Apple Ricotta Cake can serve warm or at room temperature. It often enjoys as a dessert or snack with coffee or tea. It is a delicious and comforting cake that is perfect for fall and winter when apples are in season.
Why This Recipe Works
Apple Ricotta Cake is a delicious dessert that is popular for its unique texture and flavour. Here are some reasons why this cake works:
- Moist texture: The ricotta cheese helps in the cake batter to give the cake a moist and creamy texture. Above all, The combination of ricotta cheese and apples creates a soft and moist cake that is not sweet.
- Flavourful ingredients: The apples in the cake provide a natural sweetness. It adds a fresh, fruity flavour. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavour of the apples. It gives the cake a warm, comforting aroma.
- Nutritional value: The use of fresh apples in this cake adds a nutritional boost to the dish. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It makes the cake a healthier dessert option.
- Versatility: This cake is versatile and can enjoy as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat. It can be served with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It depends on personal preferences.
- Easy to make: Apple Ricotta Cake is easy to make. It requires minimal preparation time and simple ingredients. Above all, The batter can prepare in advance and stores in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Aesthetic appeal: This cake is appealing, with chunks of apples visible on top of the cake. It has a rustic charm that makes it perfect for casual gatherings or afternoon tea.
Lastly, Apple Ricotta Cake works due to its texture, flavourful ingredients, and ease of preparation. It is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients Required to Make Apple Ricotta Cake
Here is the list of ingredients to make this recipe:
- 3 Apples (Medium Sized): Select a delicious apple variety such as Gala or Pink Lady. Go for apples that are not overly sweet to balance the cake during baking, enhancing the overall flavour.
- 3 Cups Cornmeal: Use fine, yellow cornmeal for the cake batter. Caramel can be added as a topping for the Apple Ricotta Cake to provide sweetness and flavour. Drizzle caramel on top of the baked and cooled cake for a decorative finish, enhancing its taste and appeal.
- 1 lb Whole Milk Cottage Cheese: Select cottage cheese made from full milk to add moisture and richness to the cake.
- 1 tablespoon Cane Sugar: Use this sugar to glaze and add a deeper, richer flavour to the cake. Brown sugar’s slight molasses taste complements the recipe and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
- 14 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Some butter will be used for the apples, and the rest will go into the maim of the cake.
- 3 Separated Eggs: Whisk the egg whites to give the cake more volume. Combine egg whites that are whisked at the end after incorporating the egg yolks into the mixture.
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla: Vanilla extract has a sweet and aromatic flavour that enhances the overall taste of the cake, providing a comforting and inviting element.
- ¾ Teaspoon Baking Powder: Baking powder ensures even rising throughout the cake, resulting in an evenly cooked and smooth-textured dessert.
- 1 Cup Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the cake, making it more enjoyable and palatable.
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances the cake’s flavours and balances out the sweetness, bringing out the natural taste of the other ingredients.
Tools Required to Make Apple Ricotta Cake
Here is the list of tools to make this recipe:
- Frypan: The skillet is essential for caramelizing the apples used in the Apple Ricotta Cake. Its non-stick surface prevents the apples from sticking and ensures even browning.
- Food Processor: Whisking cheese and egg whites requires a lot of effort, so having either a stand mixer or a hand mixer will be very helpful.
- Mixing bowl: An indispensable tool when making a cake, the mixing bowl is where you combine and mix the dry and wet ingredients to form the batter.
- Knife: If the recipe calls for sliced or diced apples, you may need to use a knife to prepare them before adding them to the cake batter. After baking and cooling, you can also use a knife to loosen the edges of the cake.
- Oven: Baking the cake at the required temperature will require an oven.
Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
Our Apple Ricotta Cake is perfect for dessert, snacking and even breakfast! Our recipe is simple but delicious and promises to leave you dreaming of another slice!
Servings: 12 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Course: Dessert Cuisine: Italian Calories: 380 kcal
Get the microwave ready and take the skillet:
Set the microwave to 400°F (200°C). Grease a square cake pan (8×8 inch) with butter and line the bottom with baking paper.
Cook the apples:
Using a sharp knife, remove the core from the apples and slice them into thick rounds. Heat the frypan on a normal heat with 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter starts to sizzle, put on the slices of apples. Cook until they turn golden brown, occasionally flipping them. After that, combine the cane sugar and Stir the apples in the sugar mixture until coated. Transfer the cooked apples to a bowl to cool.
Combine the dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the salt, baking powder and cornmeal.
Combine the wet ingredients with sugar:
Using a food processor, combine the butter and sugar until well blended. Add the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, add the ricotta cheese and continue mixing for approximately 3 more minutes.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients:
Fold the cornmeal mixture into the wet ingredients until well combined.
Beat the egg whites:
Clean and dry the mixing cup. Whisk the egg whites until they start to froth up. Gradually add the last cup of sugar while continuing to beat at normal-high speed. Beat till soft peaks form.
Complete the batter:
Combine a quarter of the beaten egg whites with the cornmeal mixture and stir to loosen it. After that, combine the leftover egg whites and fold them until fully incorporated.
Assemble and bake:
Pour the batter into the pan, ensuring it spreads to the edges. Bake for approximately half an hour, or until the middle is set and the borders are golden brown.
Serve the Ricotta Cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once cooled, slice and serve the delicious ricotta cake. Enjoy!
Tips To Make The Best Apple Ricotta Cake
Here are some tips to make the best Apple Ricotta Cake:
- Use fresh apples: Fresh apples are essential to get the best flavour and texture for the cake. Choose apples that are firm and free from bruises or blemishes.
- Grate the apples before mixing: Grating the apples before mixing them into the cake batter will prevent them from turning brown. It helps keep their freshness and flavour.
- Drain the ricotta cheese: It is important to drain the cheese before using it in the cake batter. Excess moisture in the cheese can make the cake too wet and dense.
- Beat the eggs and sugar until pale: Beating the eggs and sugar together until they are pale and fluffy will help incorporate air into the batter. It results in a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Fold in the dry ingredients: Over-mixing the cake batter can make the cake tough and dense. Therefore, it is important to fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula.
- Do not overbake the cake: Overbaking the cake can result in a dry and tough texture. Therefore, it is important to check the cake during baking. And remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before slicing: Letting the cake cool on a cooling rack before slicing will help the cake to set. It prevents it from falling apart.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream can be served with the Cake. Above all, This is to add a creamy and decadent element to the dessert.
Storing & Freezing
Storing and freezing instructions for Apple Ricotta Cake can vary. It depends on the recipe and the specific ingredients used. Here are some general guidelines:
Storing:
To preserve the cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two to three days.
For an extended shelf life, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days.
Before storing, make sure the cake has cooled down completely.
Otherwise, condensation can form inside the container and make the cake soggy.
Freezing:
To freeze the Apple Ricotta Cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag.
In addition, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw the cake by transferring it to the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it. Or, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Note that the texture of the cake may change a little after freezing and thawing. But it should still be delicious.
FAQs
Why Is It Called Irish Apple Cake?
It is likely due to its association with traditional Irish baking. Apple cakes is a popular dessert in Ireland for centuries. It has many regional variations and family recipes.
However, Some theories suggest that the name “Irish” may have been given to this cake. Because it often contains ingredients found in Ireland. For instance, apples and dairy products like butter and cream. While not Irish, Ricotta cheese was added as a modern twist on the classic recipe.
How Do You Make A Mary Berry Apple Cake?
To make Mary Berry’s apple cake, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and caster sugar. Add eggs, sunflower oil, and vanilla extract. Fold in chopped apples and walnuts. Bake at 160°C and dust with icing sugar before serving.
Does Apple Kuchen Need To Be Refrigerated?
Apple Kuchen is a traditional German cake that contains apples, dough, and a sweet topping. Some recipes may call for ingredients such as cream cheese, custard, or sour cream. They need to be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. However, In these cases, I will recommend refrigerating the Apple Kuchen.
Yet, if the recipe does not contain perishable ingredients. It can store at room temperature for a day or two.
Are Gala Apples Good For Cake?
Yes, Gala apples can be good for cake. Gala apples have a sweet flavour and a firm texture, which makes them a good choice for baking. They hold their shape well when baked and don’t turn mushy, making them a great option for apple cakes.
Further, Gala apples can add a delicious flavour and texture to apple cake and are a popular choice for baking.
Why Is It Called Depression Cake?
This Apple Ricotta Cake uses Depression cake principles. For instance, simple ingredients, are known as a Depression cake variation. But, it’s important to note that the term Depression cake refers to a specific type of cake. It was popular during the Great Depression era, rather than a specific recipe or type of cake.
What Is Firefly Cake?
Firefly cake is a type of cake that is also known as glow-in-the-dark cake or glow cake. It is a unique type of cake that glows in the dark, much like a firefly or a glowstick.
In addition, the cake has tonic water, which contains quinine. When exposed to UV light. The quinine in the tonic water is fluorescent creating a glowing effect. The tonic water is useful to replace some of the liquid in the cake recipe, resulting in a cake that glows under UV light.
In Conclusion
This Apple Ricotta Cake is a delicious and unique twist on a classic dessert. The mix of sweet apples, creamy ricotta cheese, and warm spices makes for a flavourful and moist cake. It’s perfect for any occasion.
The recipe is easy to follow and can customize with your favourite type of apple. Once the cake bakes & cools, it can dust with powdered sugar. You can serve it as it is or top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
However, leftovers can store in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two in the refrigerator for longer storage.
Enjoy this delightful Apple Ricotta Cake as a dessert or snack. Impress your friends and family with its unique flavour and texture!
Did you try the recipe? Which is your favourite dessert? Tell us in the comments section!
Apple Ricotta Cake: Step-By-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Apples Medium-sized
- 3 cups Cornmeal
- 1 lb Whole Milk Cottage Cheese
- 1 tbsp Cane Sugar
- 14 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 3 Separated Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- ¾ tsp Baking Powder
- 1 cup Sugar
- ¼ tsp Salt
Instructions
Get the microwave ready and take the skillet:
- Set the microwave to 400°F (200°C). Grease a square cake pan (8x8 inch) with butter and line the bottom with baking paper.
Cook the apples:
- Using a sharp knife, remove the core from the apples and slice them into thick rounds. Heat the frypan on a normal heat with 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter starts to sizzle, put on the slices of apples. Cook until they turn golden brown, occasionally flipping them. After that, combine the cane sugar and Stir the apples in the sugar mixture until coated. Transfer the cooked apples to a bowl to cool.
Combine the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the salt, baking powder and cornmeal.
Combine the wet ingredients with sugar:
- Using a food processor, combine the butter and sugar until well blended. Add the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, add the ricotta cheese and continue mixing for approximately 3 more minutes.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients:
- Fold the cornmeal mixture into the wet ingredients until well combined.
Beat the egg whites:
- Clean and dry the mixing cup. Whisk the egg whites until they start to froth up. Gradually add the last cup of sugar while continuing to beat at normal-high speed. Beat till soft peaks form.
Complete the batter:
- Combine a quarter of the beaten egg whites with the cornmeal mixture and stir to loosen it. After that, combine the leftover egg whites and fold them until fully incorporated.
Assemble and bake:
- Pour the batter into the pan, ensuring it spreads to the edges. Bake for approximately half an hour, or until the middle is set and the borders are golden brown.
Serve the Ricotta Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once cooled, slice and serve the delicious ricotta cake. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh apples: Fresh apples are essential to get the best flavour and texture for the cake. Choose apples that are firm and free from bruises or blemishes.
- Grate the apples before mixing: Grating the apples before mixing them into the cake batter will prevent them from turning brown. It helps keep their freshness and flavour.
- Drain the ricotta cheese: It is important to drain the cheese before using it in the cake batter. Excess moisture in the cheese can make the cake too wet and dense.
- Beat the eggs and sugar until pale: Beating the eggs and sugar together until they are pale and fluffy will help incorporate air into the batter. It results in a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Fold in the dry ingredients: Over-mixing the cake batter can make the cake tough and dense. Therefore, it is important to fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula.
- Do not overbake the cake: Overbaking the cake can result in a dry and tough texture. Therefore, it is important to check the cake during baking. And remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before slicing: Letting the cake cool on a cooling rack before slicing will help the cake to set. It prevents it from falling apart.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream can be served with the Cake. Above all, This is to add a creamy and decadent element to the dessert.
