Sweet cheese ball cake

Ricotta Balls - A Delightful Treat Easy to Prepare

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ricotta Balls are a delicious, soft, and fluffy dessert that combines the creamy taste of cheese with an airy texture, perfect for enjoying at any time of the day. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for gatherings with friends or family meals. Let’s venture into the world of flavors and textures with this delicacy!

Necessary Ingredients

- 250 g Ricotta cheese (or fresh cottage cheese)
- 7 eggs (separate the egg whites from the yolks)
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 2 tablespoons of semolina
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing the pan

Brief History

Ricotta Balls have their origins in the culinary traditions of cheese desserts, which are appreciated in many cultures. This light cake has become popular due to its versatility, being adaptable with various types of cheese and flavors. Passed down from generation to generation, the recipe has evolved, and today we can enjoy it in a simplified yet equally delicious form.

Step by Step – Your Guide to Perfect Ricotta Balls

1. Preparing the cheese mixture
In a large bowl, add the Ricotta cheese, semolina, one egg, 3 tablespoons of sugar, grated lemon zest, and vanilla sugar. Use a spatula or whisk to mix everything until you achieve a smooth mixture. Ensure that the cheese is lump-free, as this will contribute to the fine texture of the dessert.

2. Beating the egg whites
In another bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Add a pinch of salt and lemon juice to the egg whites. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they become frothy. Then, gradually add the 6 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue. This step is crucial to ensure a fluffy cake.

3. Adding the yolks
Gently fold the yolks and the 3 tablespoons of water into the meringue. Use a spatula to mix gently, ensuring that the air in the meringue remains intact.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, then gradually add them to the meringue mixture. Use a wooden spatula and fold from the bottom up to avoid deflating the mixture. Finally, add the cocoa and rum essence, mixing well.

5. Assembling the dessert
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Grease a baking pan with butter and place parchment paper. Using a spoon, form balls from the cheese mixture and place them in the pan. Ensure you leave enough space between the balls, as they will expand while baking. Pour the cocoa mixture over the top, covering the ricotta balls.

6. Baking
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake turns golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Patience is key, so do not open the oven door too early!

7. Serving
Once the ricotta balls are baked, let them cool in the pan. You can dust them with sugar for an elegant look. This dessert is delicious both warm and cold and can be served alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit compote for a contrast of flavors.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the cheese: If you can't find Ricotta cheese, you can use fresh cottage cheese. Make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess water in the mixture.
- Culinary innovation: You can experiment by adding chocolate chunks or nuts to the cheese mixture for a more complex flavor.
- Serving: This dessert pairs wonderfully with warm chocolate sauce or vanilla cream.

Nutritional Benefits

Ricotta Balls are a good source of protein due to the cheese, and the lemon zest adds a boost of vitamin C. The semolina and flour in the mixture provide essential carbohydrates for energy. It is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a tasty dessert without feeling guilty.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese is an excellent alternative, but make sure it is well-drained.

2. How can I store the ricotta balls?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

3. Can this dessert be frozen?
It is recommended to enjoy the ricotta balls fresh, but you can freeze them in an airtight container, thawing them before serving.

4. What other recipes can they be combined with?
These ricotta balls are perfect alongside a fruit tart, vanilla ice cream, or even a warm cocoa drink.

Ricotta Balls are definitely a dessert that will bring joy and satisfaction to your tables. Whether you enjoy them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, they are an excellent choice! Enjoy!