Lemon Pistachio Ricotta Cloud Cake Recipe
A light and airy Lemon Pistachio Ricotta Cloud Cake combining the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese with bright lemon zest and juice, studded with crunchy pistachios, perfect for a delicate dessert or afternoon treat.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lemon, zested
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
Add-ins and Garnish
- 0.5 cup chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Ricotta and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and granulated sugar. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which helps create the delicate texture of the cake.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the ricotta and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and promote a light batter.
- Combine Wet Flavors: Stir in the melted butter, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the batter. These ingredients add moisture and bright citrus flavor.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Pistachios: Gently fold in the chopped pistachios, distributing them evenly without deflating the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing condensation and sogginess.
- Finish and Serve: Once fully cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle extra chopped pistachios for garnish before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the ricotta cheese is well-drained for best texture.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest and juice for vibrant flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake light and airy.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or light coffee.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of cake)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: lemon pistachio cake, ricotta cake, light dessert, Italian dessert, cloud cake