Rhubarb Cake with Ricotta

This delightful rhubarb cake with ricotta is a fusion of tangy rhubarb and creamy cheese, wrapped in a crispy puff pastry. The juxtaposition of flavors and textures makes it a unique dessert experience. The tartness of the rhubarb, when sweetened, balances beautifully with the mild creaminess of the ricotta. The puff pastry provides a flaky base that adds another dimension to this treat. As it bakes, the aroma of cinnamon mingles with the rhubarb, creating a warm and inviting scent. A touch of brown sugar gives a caramel-like essence, enhancing the dessert’s appeal. This cake is versatile, perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or an elegant dinner party. It's an easy-to-make recipe that results in a stunning and delicious dish. Let's dive into the intricate layers of this Rhubarb Cake with Ricotta.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Puff pastry (without yeast) - 500g
• Medium-sized rhubarb stalks - 5 to 6
• Ricotta cheese - 500g
• Eggs - 5
• White sugar - Approximately 2/3 cup
• Brown sugar - Approximately 2/3 cup

Spices and Sauces:

• Cinnamon
• Sour cream

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 80 minutes (Prep: 20 mins, Cook: 60 mins)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Begin by rolling out the puff pastry and laying it on a baking sheet.
2. Prepare Rhubarb: Cut the rhubarb into small pieces and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of white sugar. Mix well and let it sit for about 10 minutes to release the juices.
3. Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Mix well until smooth.
4. Combine Rhubarb and Ricotta: Drain any excess juice from the rhubarb and fold the pieces into the ricotta mixture, ensuring they're distributed evenly.
5. Assemble the Cake: Pour the ricotta and rhubarb mixture over the puff pastry, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Place the cake in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
7. Final Touch: Once baked, brush the top with sour cream.
8. Garnish: Lightly dust with sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that final, sweet touch.
9. Cool Down: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld together.
10. Serving: Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture experience.

Tips

• Alternate Cheese: Substitute ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer flavor.
• Rhubarb Substitute: Use apples or pears if rhubarb is unavailable.
• Sugar Adjustment: Adjust the sugar levels based on personal sweetness preference.
• Storage: Store in the refrigerator and reheat slightly before serving for optimum flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
• Protein: 8g
• Cars: 40g
• Fats: 18g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free puff pastry.
• Vegan Version: Replace ricotta with a vegan ricotta substitute and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

Serving Suggestions

• Great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
• Serve with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing complement.

Best Places

1. The Bakehouse Cafe - Charming cafe known for its delectable pastries. Location: 24 High St, Paris, France.
2. Rhubarb & Custard Cafe - Specializes in desserts that feature rhubarb. Location: 72 King St, London, United Kingdom.
3. Ricotta Bakery - Offers unique takes on classic ricotta desserts. Location: 15 Via Roma, Rome, Italy.
4. Sweet Indulgence Patisserie - Known for its innovative use of spices in baking. Location: 108 Main St, Sydney, Australia.
5. The Cinnamon Corner - Famous for incorporating cinnamon in creative dishes. Location: 34 Elm St, New York, USA.
6. Pastry Heaven - Celebrated for heavenly sweet treats. Location: 9 Cherry Ln, Auckland, New Zealand.
7. Rhubarb Delight Cafe - Cozy atmosphere with rhubarb-centric menu. Location: 45 Canal St, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
8. Cream Cheese Corner - Offers delightful cheese-based desserts. Location: 54 Spring Rd, Dublin, Ireland.
9. The Dessert Pear - Known for pairing fruits in their desserts. Location: 87 Orchard Ave, Toronto, Canada.
10. La Patisserie de Charme - An elegant patisserie with charm and flair. Location: 22 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.