🍎Apple and Ricotta Cake🍎
Prepare the Ingredients:
- 3 apples (choose a sweet-tart variety like Golden Delicious or Granny Smith).
- 250g ricotta (drained well).
- 200g all-purpose flour.
- 150g sugar.
- 3 eggs.
- 100g butter (melted).
- 1 packet of baking powder (16g).
- A pinch of salt.
- 100ml milk (or cream for a richer texture).
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional).
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional).
- Peel and core the apples, then cut them into slices or small cubes, depending on your preference.
- Optional: To keep the apples from turning brown, you can sprinkle them with a little lemon juice. This step isn’t necessary, but it helps preserve their color.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Add the melted butter (make sure it’s not hot) and vanilla extract (if using), then mix until well combined.
- Stir in the ricotta until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour in the milk (or cream) and mix again to combine.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently with a spatula until you get a smooth, thick batter.
- Gently fold the prepared apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
- If you want to decorate the top, you can save a few apple slices to place on top of the batter.
- Grease and flour a 24 cm (9-inch) round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Pour the batter into the pan and level it out with a spatula. If you reserved any apple slices, place them on top of the batter for decoration.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) (or 160°C/320°F for fan ovens).
- Bake the cake for about 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover the cake with foil and continue baking until it’s done.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is fully cool, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a light finishing touch.
- Slice and enjoy your moist, delicious apple and ricotta cake.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Apple and Ricotta Cake.😋😋
Important Notes:
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, this cake tastes better the next day! Bake it a day early and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Can I use something other than sugar?
Sure! Honey, maple syrup, or sugar substitutes work too. But remember, the taste and texture might change, like with liquid sweeteners. You might need to adjust the dry ingredients.
What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
No worries! Use whole wheat flour for a denser cake or almond flour for gluten-free. Just ensure the right mix for the cake to hold together.
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil after cooling. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready.
Can I use a bundt pan instead of a round cake pan?
Yes, a bundt pan works great! Grease it well to prevent sticking. Baking time might vary, so check with a toothpick.
How can I make the cake extra indulgent?
For a richer taste, add cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze. It's also great with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Can I add other fruits to the cake?
For sure! Try pears, peaches, or berries instead of apples. Apples are great, but feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits.
What should I serve it with?
The cake is perfect on its own. But pair it with warm tea or coffee for a cozy treat. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream add an extra delight.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter instead of butter. For ricotta, try cashew-based or tofu ricotta. The cake will be moist and delicious.
Can I add chocolate to the cake?
Yes, definitely! Mix in chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a fun touch.
How do I keep the apples from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the apple slices in flour before adding them to the batter. This keeps them floating in the cake while it bakes.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! Use a flaxseed mixture or a store-bought egg replacer for an egg-free version. It works great.