Apple and Ricotta Mousse Cake

Apple and Ricotta Mousse Cake: A Delight on a Biscuit Base

Do you dream of a dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the creaminess of ricotta? The apple and ricotta mousse cake is the perfect choice! This recipe is not only simple but also extremely delicious, making it ideal for any special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooling time: 4 hours (or overnight for a perfect result)
- Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Servings: 8

A Brief Story about Apple and Ricotta Mousse Cake

This cake blends tradition with innovation, having roots in classic desserts but with a modern twist brought by the apple mousse and ricotta cream. Apples, nutrient-rich fruits with a sweet-tart flavor, are perfect for creating an airy texture and delicious fillings. Ricotta, on the other hand, is a versatile ingredient that enriches desserts with its unmistakable creaminess.

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 250 g digestive biscuits
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

For the Apple Mousse:
- 5-6 large apples (preferably sweet-tart varieties)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Ricotta Cream:
- 250 g ricotta
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 5 g granulated gelatin
- 150 ml store-bought green apple nectar (Santal)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Start by crushing the digestive biscuits. You can use a food processor to turn them into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the biscuits in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

2. In a bowl, mix the biscuit crumbs with the powdered sugar.

3. Melt the butter and add it to the biscuit mixture. Mix well until the composition is uniform.

4. Prepare a baking pan (preferably with a removable bottom) and pour the biscuit mixture into it, pressing down firmly with a spatula to form a compact layer.

5. Place the pan in the fridge to harden while you prepare the mousse.

Step 2: Preparing the Apple Mousse

1. Wash the apples, peel them, and grate them finely.

2. Place the grated apples in a saucepan over low heat, adding sugar and cinnamon. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples become soft and turn into a puree.

3. Once the apples are well cooked, add the cornstarch dissolved in a little cold water, stirring continuously. Leave on the heat for another 5 minutes.

4. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, using a mixer, turn the mixture into an airy mousse.

5. When the mousse has cooled completely, pour it over the biscuit base, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 3: Preparing the Ricotta Cream

1. In a bowl, whip the liquid cream with the powdered sugar until fluffy, but not completely stiff (it should remain slightly soft).

2. Separately, in another bowl, mix the ricotta with 50 ml of the apple nectar until you achieve a homogeneous mixture with a slightly greenish hue.

3. Heat the remaining apple nectar in a small saucepan. Add the granulated gelatin and stir until completely dissolved. Allow it to reach room temperature.

4. Incorporate the dissolved gelatin into the ricotta mixture, mixing well. Then, add the whipped cream and gently mix everything until homogeneous.

5. Pour the ricotta cream over the layer of apple mousse. Make sure everything is even.

Step 4: Cooling

1. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This cooling time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly and help the gelatin set the cream.

Chef's Tip

For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the ricotta cream. Additionally, if you want to add a crunchy note, sprinkle some crushed nuts or almonds on top before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace ricotta with something else?
Yes, you can use well-drained cottage cheese or mascarpone, but ricotta offers a slightly fluffier texture.

2. How can I make the apple mousse sweeter?
Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. Apples can vary in sweetness, so taste the mixture along the way.

3. How can I decorate the cake?
A caramel sauce or a white chocolate glaze would be excellent options. You can also use apple slices or fresh mint leaves for a more elegant look.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

The apple and ricotta mousse cake is a healthier choice compared to many other desserts, having a lower sugar and fat content due to the ingredients used. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants, while ricotta provides essential proteins for a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cake with a berry sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and textures. A warm drink, such as apple tea or a semi-dry white wine, will perfectly complement the flavors of this cake.

Possible Variations

- Pear Mousse Cake: Replace the apples with pears for a different flavor and new texture.
- Cocoa Cake: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa to the biscuit mixture for a more decadent base.
- Chocolate Cake: Add melted chocolate to the ricotta cream for a richer taste.

This apple and ricotta mousse cake is a true delight for any dessert lover. Easy to prepare but with an impressive visual and taste impact, it is perfect for serving at a party or simply to bring a touch of joy to your days. Don't hesitate to experiment and add your personal touch! Enjoy!