Melon Cold Cake
17/11/2023The melon cold cake is a refreshing and delicious summer dessert. Here is the recipe to make it:
Ingredients
- 250 g of dry biscuits (like Digestive)
- 120 g of melted butter
- 400 g of ripe melon
- 250 g of ricotta cheese
- 200 ml of whipping cream
- 100 g of powdered sugar
- 8 g of sheet gelatin (fish glue)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Grated lemon zest (optional)
- Mint for garnish (optional)
Preparation
- Start by preparing the cake base: finely chop the biscuits in a mixer until you get a sandy consistency. In a bowl, mix the chopped biscuits with the melted butter until you have a uniform mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a springform pan (or an opening ring mold) and press it firmly on the bottom to create a compact base. Put in the fridge to cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whip the ricotta with the powdered sugar until you get a smooth cream.
- Cut the melon, remove the peel and seeds and blend it to obtain a puree. Strain it through a sieve to remove any threads.
- Whip the cream until it is firm and set it aside.
- Soften the sheet gelatin in cold water for about 10 minutes. Squeeze out the excess water and dissolve it in a saucepan with the warmed lemon juice. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Combine the dissolved gelatin with the melon puree, stirring thoroughly.
- Add the melon puree to the ricotta and gently mix, then also fold in the whipped cream.
- Pour the mixture over the now cooled biscuit base and level the surface with a spatula.
- Put the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until it is firm.
- Before serving, decorate with slices of melon, grated lemon zest and mint leaves for a touch of freshness.
Remember that it is important to use ripe melon for a more intense and sweet flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Curiosity
The melon, in addition to being delicious and refreshing, is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. This cake is a different and creative way to enjoy the benefits of this summer fruit. In Italy, melon is often paired with savory dishes, such as the classic appetizer melon and raw ham, but its sweetness is also perfectly suitable for desserts.