Ricotta and Orange Cake

The ricotta and orange cake is a delicious dessert that combines the freshness of citrus fruits with the creaminess of ricotta. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 300 g ricotta
• 3 eggs
• 200 g sugar
• Grated zest of 1 untreated orange
• Juice of 1 orange
• 200 g 00 flour
• 1 packet baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• Butter and flour for the pan
• Powdered sugar for decorating (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and prepare a cake pan by buttering and lightly flouring it.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta with the sugar until you obtain a smooth mixture.
3. Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Add the yolks to the ricotta and sugar mixture and mix well.
4. Add the grated zest and juice of the orange to the mixture.
5. Add the sifted flour and baking powder, mixing from the bottom up to avoid deflating the mixture.
6. In another bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of salt.
7. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter to avoid deflating them.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level it with a spatula.
9. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool slightly before removing it from the pan and dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Fun Facts

Ricotta is a versatile ingredient in Italian pastry, starring in traditional desserts like Sicilian cassata and cannoli. The addition of orange gives a touch of freshness and lightness to the cake, making it ideal in every season.

If you want an extra touch, you might consider adding chocolate chips to the batter or decorating the cake with caramelized orange slices for a contrast of flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal!