Il Cucinologo
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Apple Cake with Fluffy Ricotta and Pomegranate

17/11/2023

The “Apple Cake with Fluffy Ricotta and Pomegranate” is a dessert that combines the classic apple cake with the creaminess of ricotta and the explosion of flavor and color from the pomegranate. Here’s how to prepare it, with an all-Italian touch.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium apples
  • 250 g ricotta
  • 100 g granulated sugar, plus a little extra for dusting
  • 3 eggs
  • 200 g 00 flour
  • 1 packet baking powder
  • Grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 pomegranate
  • Butter as needed to grease the pan
  • Ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and grease a cake pan with butter, then dust it with a little flour.
  2. Peel the apples, remove the core, and slice them thinly.
  3. In a bowl, beat the ricotta with the granulated sugar until you get a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
  4. Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Add the yolks to the ricotta mixture and stir.
  5. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of salt and gently fold them into the ricotta mixture using a spatula, to obtain a soft and airy batter.
  6. Add the sifted flour and baking powder, then the grated lemon zest and, if desired, a dusting of cinnamon.
  7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, evenly distribute half of the apple slices, then cover with the remaining batter and finish with another layer of apples.
  8. Dust the surface with a little granulated sugar and cinnamon.
  9. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  10. While the cake is baking, open the pomegranate and remove the seeds.
  11. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool, then garnish it with the pomegranate seeds and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Interesting Facts

The pomegranate is an ancient fruit, a symbol of prosperity and fertility in many cultures. Adding it on top of an apple cake, which is a classic comfort food, creates a very pleasant taste and visual contrast. Additionally, the fluffy ricotta makes this cake particularly light and soft, perfect for ending a meal or as an afternoon snack.