If you’re searching for a cake that’s beautifully simple, irresistibly moist, and undeniably sophisticated, Almond Ricotta Cake is the perfect answer. This Italian-inspired dessert has captured the hearts of home bakers everywhere because it blends minimal effort with maximum flavor. Velvety ricotta, nutty almond flour, and fragrant extracts combine to create a tender, delicate crumb that feels gourmet with every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a holiday dessert, or craving something sweet with your afternoon coffee, this cake is always a winning choice. In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to master almond ricotta cake—from the ingredients and technique to variations, storage tips, and serving ideas.

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What Is Almond Ricotta Cake?

Almond ricotta cake is a moist, lightly sweetened Italian-style cake made with ricotta cheese and almond flour. The ricotta lends a rich creaminess, allowing the cake to stay soft for days, while the almond flour adds sweet nuttiness and a tender texture. Unlike traditional butter cakes, almond ricotta cake is:

• naturally moist, thanks to the ricotta
• light yet rich, with a fine crumb
• not overly sweet, making it perfect for pairing with fruit or coffee
• simple to make, even for beginner bakers

This cake has roots in classic Italian baking, where ricotta appears in many desserts—from cheesecakes to pastries. Combining it with almond flour elevates the flavor and keeps the texture luxuriously smooth.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Almond Ricotta Cake

Baking blogs and home bakers rave about almond ricotta cake for good reasons:

1. Ultra-Moist and Tender

Ricotta gives the cake an incredible softness that lasts for days without drying out.

2. Naturally Flavorful

Almond flour, almond extract, vanilla, and citrus zest build a beautiful, aromatic flavor profile.

3. Easy, Every-Day Ingredients

Most ingredients are pantry staples—yet the final result tastes bakery-quality.

4. Versatile

Serve it plain, with powdered sugar, topped with berries, glazed with lemon, or layered with whipped cream.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

It works as:

• a brunch cake
• an afternoon treat
• a holiday dessert
• a hostess gift
• a simple weeknight baking project

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🌟 Ingredients for Almond Ricotta Cake

Below is the classic ingredient list for a rich, flavorful, perfectly textured ricotta almond cake.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or your preferred alternative sweetener)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional but highly recommended)

Optional Toppings

• Powdered sugar
• Toasted sliced almonds
• Fresh berries
• Honey or lemon glaze

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🍰 How to Make Almond Ricotta Cake (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires only one bowl for the wet ingredients and one for the dry.

Step 1 — Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan (springform pans work beautifully).

Step 2 — Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• almond flour
• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt

Set aside.

Step 3 — Cream the Butter, Ricotta & Sugar

Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat:

• softened butter
• ricotta
• sugar

Beat for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
This step helps create a beautifully soft crumb.

Step 4 — Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Then mix in:

• vanilla extract
• almond extract
• citrus zest

Step 5 — Add the Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6 — Bake

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until:

• the center is set
• a toothpick comes out clean
• the top is slightly golden

Step 7 — Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Dust with powdered sugar and garnish as desired.

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🧁 Texture and Flavor: What to Expect

Almond ricotta cake has a texture unlike traditional butter or sponge cakes. Expect:

• A custard-like softness similar to moist pound cake
• A slightly dense structure from the almond flour
• Creamy richness from the ricotta
• A fragrant almond aroma that fills the kitchen
• Mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with fruit

It’s one of those cakes that tastes even better the next day.

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🍯 Variations of Almond Ricotta Cake

One of the best features of this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are delicious twists to try:

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1. Lemon Almond Ricotta Cake

Add:

• juice of 1 lemon
• extra lemon zest

Top with a lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).

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2. Almond Ricotta Berry Cake

Fold in:

• 1 cup blueberries
• or raspberries
• or sliced strawberries

These add brightness and moisture.

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3. Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

Add:

• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips

This variation tastes like an Italian bakery treat.

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4. Orange Almond Ricotta Cake

Replace lemon zest with orange zest
Add 1 tablespoon orange juice
Perfect for winter meals or holiday brunch.

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5. Gluten-Free Version

Replace all-purpose flour with:

• 1 cup gluten-free 1:1 flour

Almond flour is already gluten free, so the swap is simple.

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☕ Serving Suggestions

Almond ricotta cake is one of those desserts that can be dressed up or kept simple depending on the occasion.

Serve it with:

• a dusting of powdered sugar
• whipped cream
• Greek yogurt and honey
• espresso or cappuccino
• fresh figs or berries
• lemon curd
• vanilla ice cream

For an elegant dinner party, serve each slice with:

a drizzle of honey + toasted slivered almonds + orange zest.

Perfection.

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📦 How to Store Almond Ricotta Cake

Because of the moisture in the ricotta, this cake stores exceptionally well.

Room Temperature

Keep covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 5–6 days.
The flavor gets even better over time.

Freezer

Wrap in plastic + foil; freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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🔥 Tips for the Best Almond Ricotta Cake

These pro tips ensure a perfect cake every time:

✔ Use whole-milk ricotta

Low-fat ricotta creates a dry cake.

✔ Drain ricotta if very wet

Some brands contain more moisture.

✔ Use room-temperature ingredients

This helps the batter emulsify and the cake rise evenly.

✔ Don’t overmix

Overmixing makes the cake dense.

✔ Use fresh almond flour

Rancid almond flour will ruin the flavor.

✔ Let the cake cool fully

It sets as it cools, improving texture.

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📌 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake without almond extract?

Yes. Almond extract intensifies flavor but the almond flour alone is delicious.

Is almond ricotta cake gluten free?

Not automatically, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan?

Yes—bake 55–65 minutes.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Yes, use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or allulose.

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🎉 Final Thoughts: A Cake Everyone Needs in Their Recipe Box

Almond Ricotta Cake is one of the most delightful desserts you can make—moist, aromatic, elegant, and incredibly simple. Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or a holiday gathering, it brings a level of sophistication that tastes like it came straight from a classic Italian bakery.

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