Citrus Ricotta–Mascarpone Cake with nuts
When I visit my kids, I never arrive empty-handed—I always bring something tasty and homemade. This time I baked sourdough bread and a Citrus Ricotta–Mascarpone Cake with nuts for Nicole—a bright, delicate citrus pie that bakes like a rustic Italian torta, finished with a citrus syrup and toasted almonds. And of course, I had to keep a little sample for us 
. Mérida, here we come!
Citrus Ricotta and Mascarpone Cake (uses only flour, cheese, eggs, nuts, and citrus) Ingredients • 2 cups (475 g) ricotta • 2 cups (475 g) mascarpone • 4 large eggs • 1 cup (200 g) sugar (slightly reduce the amount if you prefer it less sweet) • Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange (or double the zest, if you prefer) • 1 tsp. vanilla or a dash of orange liqueur (optional) • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking powder • A pinch of salt • ½ cup (50 g) finely chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts) Instructions 1. Preparation • Preheat oven to 175°C. • Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line a regular baking pan with parchment paper. 2. Combine wet ingredients • In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thick. • Fold in the ricotta and mascarpone until smooth. • Add citrus zest and vanilla/liqueur, if using. 3. Add dry ingredients. • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. • Gently fold into the cheese mixture until smooth. • Stir in the chopped nuts. 4. Bake. • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. • Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. 5. Cool and serve. • Cool for 15 minutes before unmolding. • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon-orange glaze, if desired. ⸻ Tips and Variations • Alternative to a Nut Crust: Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with chopped nuts before pouring in the batter for a crispy crust. • Texture Enhancement: Lightly toast the nuts first for a richer flavor. • Citrus Syrup: While the cake is cooling, simmer equal parts sugar and lemon/orange juice; brush over the warm cake for extra richness. This cake is moist, slightly sweet, and fragrant with citrus notes—perfect with coffee or tea—and can be made using only flour, cheese, eggs, nuts, and fruit.
