Blood Orange Ricotta Almond Glazed Italian Cake

This blood orange ricotta almond glazed Italian cake is a showstopper for any gathering. Thin slices of crimson blood orange crown a tender, moist crumb enriched with ricotta and almond flour, while grated white chocolate adds subtle sweetness.

A ruby blood orange glaze and toasted almonds finish it with a glossy, crunchy top. It's a beautiful dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

The combination of blood oranges, ricotta, and almonds is classic Italian baking at its best. The ricotta keeps the cake incredibly moist, while almond flour adds a delicate nuttiness.

Blood oranges bring a vibrant color and a tangy-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the white chocolate. This cake is perfect for brunches, holidays, or any time you want a stunning dessert.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The ricotta in the batter adds moisture and richness without making the cake heavy. It creates a tender, velvety crumb that stays soft for days. The almond flour complements the ricotta and reinforces the nutty flavor from the sliced almonds on top.

Baking the cake with the blood orange wheels on top allows them to soften and caramelize slightly, infusing the top of the cake with citrus flavor.

The white chocolate, folded into the batter, melts into pockets of sweetness that balance the tangy oranges. The final glaze locks in moisture and adds a glossy, professional finish.

Notes and substitutions

Use whole-milk ricotta for the best texture; low-fat versions can make the cake drier. Blood oranges are seasonal, but you can substitute regular oranges or a mix of citrus.

The white chocolate coverture is ideal because it melts smoothly and has a higher cocoa butter content, but a good-quality white chocolate bar works too.

For the glaze, fresh blood orange juice gives the best color and flavor. If you can't find blood oranges, use regular orange juice and add a drop of red food coloring to achieve a ruby hue. Toast the almonds lightly before adding to the top for extra crunch.

• blood oranges: regular oranges or a mix of oranges and grapefruit for a similar citrusy look and flavor.
• white chocolate coverture: high-quality white chocolate bars, finely grated.
• almond flour: an equal amount of finely ground blanched almonds.
• whole milk ricotta: full-fat Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.

Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Box grater
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan
• Metal cake server