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Apple, Whipped Ricotta, and Pomegranate Cake

17/11/2023

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

Ingredients

  • 3 medium apples
  • 250 g of ricotta
  • 100 g of granulated sugar, plus a little extra for dusting
  • 3 eggs
  • 200 g of all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet of 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 (356 °F) and grease a cake pan with butter, then dust it with a little flour.
  2. Peel the apples, remove the cores, and slice them thinly.
  3. In a bowl, work the ricotta with the granulated sugar until you have a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
  4. Separate the yolks from the egg whites. Add the yolks to the ricotta mixture and stir.
  5. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt to firm peaks and gently fold them into the ricotta mixture using a spatula, to obtain a soft and aerated mixture.
  6. Add the sifted flour and baking powder, then the grated lemon zest and, if desired, a sprinkling of cinnamon.
  7. Pour half of the mixture into the prepared pan, evenly distribute half of the apple slices, then cover with the rest of the mixture 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. Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool, then garnish it with the pomegranate seeds and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Curiosity

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. Moreover, the whipped ricotta makes this cake particularly light and soft, perfect for ending a meal or as an afternoon snack.