Cake Made with Ricotta and Pistachios

This Cake Made with Ricotta and Pistachios is a rich and flavorful dessert that combines the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the crunchy, nutty taste of pistachios. The result is a moist, tender cake with a delightful flavor and a beautiful, simple presentation. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make and a treat that everyone will love, especially when dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
3. Stir in the melted butter and chopped pistachios.
4. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add citrus zest: For a fresh twist, add lemon or orange zest to the batter to enhance the flavor.
• Substitute nuts: If you prefer other nuts, you can replace pistachios with chopped almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different texture and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
• Chocolate drizzle: Add a touch of elegance with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top of the cooled cake.
• Serve with fruit: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries pair beautifully with the cake for added color and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, microwave individual slices for about 20 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use non-dairy ricotta?
   Yes, non-dairy ricotta can be used as a substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.
2. What can I use instead of pistachios?
   You can substitute pistachios with almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts, depending on your preference.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
   Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
4. How do I know when the cake is done?
   The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges of the cake are lightly golden.
5. Can I make this cake in advance?
   Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
6. Is this cake very sweet?
   This cake has a mild sweetness from the sugar and ricotta, balanced by the nutty pistachios. If you like sweeter desserts, you can increase the sugar by 1/4 cup.
7. Can I use a different pan size?
   Yes, you can use a different-sized cake pan, but adjust the baking time. A larger pan may require less time, while a smaller pan may need more time to bake.
8. Can I add frosting to this cake?
   While the cake is delicious on its own, you can add a light frosting, such as cream cheese or whipped cream, if you prefer.
9. How can I make this cake more flavorful?
   You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract, lemon zest, or a bit of ground cinnamon to the batter.
10. Can I make this cake without butter?
    You can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a different flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Cake Made with Ricotta and Pistachios is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy ricotta, crunchy pistachios, and a light dusting of powdered sugar makes for a cake that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a treat for yourself, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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