Apple and Ricotta Mousse Cake

Apple and Ricotta Mousse Cake - A No-Bake Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Servings: 8-10

Overview

Autumn delights us with its juicy and fragrant apples, and this apple and ricotta mousse cake is the perfect way to enjoy them. With a smooth texture and refreshing taste, this no-bake treat is sure to become the star of your seasonal gatherings. It’s a simple recipe, yet it makes a strong visual and taste impact, ideal for get-togethers with friends or family evenings. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Necessary Ingredients

*For the crust:*
- 250 g digestive biscuits (choose a quality variety for better flavor)
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

*For the apple mousse:*
- 5-6 apples (you can mix different varieties for a more complex flavor, such as sweet and tart apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds a lovely aroma)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the mousse)

*For the ricotta cream:*
- 250 g ricotta (choose fresh ricotta for better texture)
- 200 ml heavy cream (make sure it's high-fat for better consistency)
- 150 ml store-bought green apple juice (e.g., Santal)
- 5 g gelatin granules (to stabilize the cream)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (to taste)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the crust

- Crumble the biscuits: Start by crushing the digestive biscuits in a food processor or place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Ensure you achieve a fine crumb so that the crust is even.
- Mix with the butter: Melt the butter and pour it over the biscuits, along with the powdered sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is moist.
- Form the crust: Prepare a springform pan (about 20 cm in diameter) and pour the biscuit mixture into it. Press down firmly with a spatula or the bottom of a glass to create an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator to set.

2. Preparing the apple mousse

- Peel and grate the apples: Wash the apples, peel them, and grate them using a fine grater.
- Cook the apples: Place the grated apples in a saucepan over low heat, adding the sugar and cinnamon. Let them simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften nicely. The aroma of cinnamon will blend wonderfully with the other ingredients.
- Thicken the mousse: Once the apples are cooked, add the cornstarch dissolved in a little water (or a bit of apple juice) and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
- Blending: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Then, blend with a mixer on high speed until the mousse becomes fluffy and airy.

3. Ricotta cream

- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until fluffy but not overly stiff.
- Prepare the ricotta: In another bowl, mix the ricotta with 50 ml of the apple juice to achieve a slightly greenish hue. Gently fold in the whipped cream with a spatula to combine the ingredients.
- Incorporate the gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin in the remaining apple juice, then dissolve it over a double boiler. Once it reaches room temperature, add it to the ricotta mixture and mix well.

4. Assembling the cake

- Apple layer: Pour the apple mousse over the biscuit crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Add the ricotta cream: Then, pour the ricotta cream over the apple mousse, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Chilling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight for it to set well.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Once the cake has set, remove it from the pan and decorate it with thin apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a few fresh mint leaves. It’s a perfect dessert to serve alongside a cup of green tea or a dry white wine, which will complement the subtle flavors of the apple and ricotta.

Frequently Asked Questions

- *Can I use other types of cheese?* Absolutely! You can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or cottage cheese for a different texture.
- *What can I do if I don't have gelatin?* If you want a vegan option, try agar-agar or even a mixture of banana puree that helps bind the ingredients.
- *How can I adapt the recipe for a smaller serving?* Halve the ingredients and use a smaller pan.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also relatively healthy, considering it uses natural ingredients. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while ricotta provides protein and calcium. Being no-bake, the cake retains all the nutrients from its ingredients.

Customized Variation

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add chopped nuts or ground hazelnuts to the biscuit crust or even some raisins to the apple mousse. These variations will add texture and a more complex flavor to your cake.

In conclusion, this apple and ricotta mousse cake is a treat that should not be missed this autumn. With every bite, you’ll feel the warmth of the season and the joy of sharing unforgettable moments with loved ones. Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and every step of the recipe!