Marble cake with ricotta

Marbled Cake with Ricotta – A Sweet Delight

If you are looking for a quick and simple dessert that impresses with its taste and presentation, you have found the perfect recipe! The marbled cake with ricotta is a delicious combination of a soft cocoa base and a fine cheese cream, harmoniously blending into a symphony of flavors. This cake is not only easy to prepare, but also offers an attractive appearance, perfect for serving on special occasions or simply to indulge yourself.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the cocoa base:
- 5 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 2 tablespoons of baking powder
- a pinch of salt

For the ricotta filling:
- 250 g ricotta
- 100 g cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Cocoa Base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This is an essential step to ensure even baking. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Add a pinch of salt over the egg whites and beat them with a mixer until frothy. Then, gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you get a stiff, glossy meringue. This is the key to an airy cake.

2. Combining the Ingredients:
Add the yolks, oil, flour, cocoa, and baking powder to the egg white mixture. Gently fold in from top to bottom to preserve the air in the egg whites. This will ensure a fluffy and light texture.

3. Preparing the Baking Pan:
Line a springform pan with parchment paper so that the cake releases easily after baking. Pour the cocoa mixture into the pan and spread it evenly.

4. Preparing the Ricotta Filling:
In another bowl, mix the ricotta, cream cheese, egg, sugar, flour, and baking powder. Make sure the mixture is smooth and fine. This step is crucial as the ricotta filling will add a rich and creamy taste to your cake.

5. Adding the Filling:
Using a spoon, add the ricotta filling over the cocoa base. You can create a marbled effect by gently swirling with a fork or spatula, but don’t overdo it to avoid destroying the appearance.

6. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Check if it’s done using the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

7. Cooling and Serving:
Once cooled, let the cake rest for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. You can dust it with powdered sugar or serve it with a fruit sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical Tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth mixture.
- You can substitute ricotta with mascarpone for an even creamier version.
- If you want an extra flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the ricotta mixture.

Possible Variations:
- Add chocolate chips to the cocoa mixture for an extra chocolatey treat.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cottage cheese or goat cheese, for a distinct flavor.
- Replace cocoa with carob powder for a caffeine-free version.

Nutritional Benefits:
Ricotta is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and its combination with flour and sugar makes this cake a healthier option compared to other fat-rich desserts. However, moderate consumption is essential given the sugar content. Each serving has approximately 250 calories, making it a lighter choice for those who want to indulge without neglecting their diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of ricotta?
- Yes, you can experiment with other types of cheese, but make sure the texture is similar to achieve a good result.

2. How can I store the cake?
- The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.

3. Is it possible to freeze the cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the unadorned cake. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Pairing with Drinks:
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fresh coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine or a coffee liqueur would add an elegant touch to the serving.

This ricotta marbled cake recipe is not just a simple delicacy, but a cooking experience. Take your time to enjoy each step, and the result will surely please everyone. Enjoy!