This pistachio orange ricotta cake is a real treat! With a smooth ricotta base, crunchy pistachios, and a hint of fresh orange, it’s full of bright flavors that cheer you up instantly!
It’s moist, fluffy, and certainly impressive. I love serving it at afternoon tea—just watch how fast it disappears! 🍰 Who can resist that beautiful green topping?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: This gives the cake a rich, moist texture. If you can’t find it, cottage cheese can work in a pinch if blended smooth. Greek yogurt is another creamy substitute, though it will change the taste slightly.
Pistachios: These add a lovely crunch and flavor. Roasted unsalted pistachios are ideal. If you’re allergic or seeking alternatives, chopped walnuts or almonds offer a nice crunch too!
Orange Zest & Juice: Fresh is best for both zest and juice as they pack in the most flavor. If oranges aren’t available, you could use lemon zest and juice for a different citrus twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the cake from being too salty. You can replace it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Achieve a Light and Fluffy Cake?
Getting that perfect light texture requires careful mixing. Start by creaming butter and sugar; this incorporates air, making your cake fluffy. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure the butter is softened; this makes it easier to cream together with sugar.
- Beat the mixture until it’s pale and fluffy — around 3-5 minutes. It should look light in color and texture.
- Add eggs one by one; this helps maintain that fluffy texture instead of dumping them all at once.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delightful cake ready to enjoy!
How to Make Delightful Pistachio Orange Ricotta Cake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup pistachios, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (optional for flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes baking time. After baking, allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling in the pan and then let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. All together, you’ll need around an hour to an hour and a half, plus cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for a good texture!
3. Adding the Ricotta and Eggs:
Next, add the ricotta cheese and mix until it’s well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is nicely blended.
4. Mixing in the Flavors:
Stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract to the mixture. This will give your cake a wonderful citrus flavor!
5. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Folding in the Pistachios:
Gently fold in the chopped pistachios into the batter. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor that pairs perfectly with the orange.
7. Baking the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling Down:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Making the Frosting:
For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Then, add ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest, mixing well until fluffy.
10. Frosting the Cake:
Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. This is your moment to make it look beautiful!
11. Garnishing:
For the finishing touch, sprinkle some additional chopped pistachios on top of the frosting. This will not only look great but add extra flavor too.
12. Serving:
Slice your delightful cake and serve it up! Enjoy the delicious combination of pistachio and orange flavors—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Substitute the Ricotta Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. Just make sure to blend them well to achieve a smooth consistency. If using Greek yogurt, consider reducing the sugar slightly, as it can have a tangier flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Unsalted Butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors. Alternatively, you could also use coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the un-frosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. To thaw, just leave it in the fridge overnight and frost it before serving.
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Definitely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Wait to frost it until right before serving to keep the frosting fresh and fluffy. If frosted, store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
