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Torta delle Monache recipe Italian almond and ricotta cake

Italian Almond and Ricotta Cake (Torta delle Monache Recipe)

Silvana Nava
This Italian almond and ricotta cake, known as Torta delle Monache, is a flourless cake with no yeast, made with just a few wholesome ingredients. Ricotta, eggs, sugar, almond flour, and freshly grated lemon zest come together to create a soft, delicate texture and a light, fresh aroma. No flour, no rising agents, just authentic Italian flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course cake, Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 494 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium eggs
  • 150 g granulated sugar - ¾ cup
  • 200 g almond flour - 2 cups
  • 500 g ricotta - 2 cups
  • 2 organic lemons zest
  • 2 tablespoons rum - optional
  • powdered sugar - for dusting

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, crack the eggs, add the granulated sugar, and beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy.
  • Flavor the mixture with the grated lemon zest, being careful not to include the white pith, which is more bitter.
    If desired, you can add two tablespoons of rum or another liqueur at this point (limoncello is also highly recommended).
  • Gradually add the almond flour in small batches, stirring gently until the mixture is smooth. Fold the batter with a spatula using an up-and-down motion to avoid deflating it.
  • Work the ricotta—well drained and thoroughly dried—with a spoon or fork until creamy. Then add it to the mixture and mix until you have a soft, creamy batter.
  • Line a rectangular baking pan (about 10 x 8 inches / 25 x 20 cm) with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and gently level the surface.
  • Bake in a preheated conventional oven at 340°F (170°C) for about 40 minutes, until the surface is golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the torta delle monache from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Turn it out only when it's cool, place it on a serving plate, and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 100gCalories: 494kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 21gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 152mgSodium: 113mgPotassium: 178mgFiber: 5gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 537IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 269mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Italian almond and ricotta cake, nuns' cake recipe, torta delle monache recipe, traditional italian nun cake
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