Description
A creamy Italian-inspired ricotta tart with a tender, buttery almond crust and delicate notes of vanilla and almond. Optional lemon zest adds a fresh citrus finish.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups almond flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ricotta cheese
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional, for a firmer filling
Zest of 1 lemon, optional, for freshness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a tart pan.
- Combine the almond flour, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared tart pan and slightly up the sides.
- Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, until it begins to turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Whisk together the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, almond extract, and salt. Mix in the optional cornstarch for a firmer filling and the optional lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
- Pour the ricotta filling into the partially baked crust and spread it into an even layer.
- Return the tart to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges, the center has only a slight wobble, and the top is very lightly golden.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
Drain the ricotta before using if it is particularly watery for a creamier, better-set filling.
Cornstarch is optional but helps produce a firmer filling that is easier to slice.
For variations, add lemon or orange zest, mini chocolate chips, fresh berries, or toasted sliced almonds.
Serve chilled or let individual slices stand at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Store covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Individual slices can be wrapped securely and frozen in a freezer-safe container, then thawed overnight in the refrigerator.
For serving, garnish with powdered sugar, toasted almonds, fresh berries, citrus zest, or berry compote.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
