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Single layer cake with a whipped topping on a scalloped plate.

Apple Ricotta Cake with Maple Whipped Cream

5 from 7 votes
Tender ricotta cake with apple pie filling, salted caramel and maple whipped cream.

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (6 g) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • 1/2 cup (109 g) olive oil
  • 1 cups (200 g) sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese, room temperature

FOR THE APPLE PIE FILLING

  • 3 cups (450 g) Granny Smith, apples peeled and diced
  • juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (37.5 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon (2.1 g) cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1.1 g) nutmeg

For the Caramel

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) water
  • 1 teaspoon (7 g) light corn syrup or honey
  • 1/3 cup (80 g) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.1 g) vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt

For the Maple Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup (240 g) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup (31.25 g) powdered sugar
  • 4 ounces mascarpone
  • 1-2 teaspoons (4.2 g) maple extract

Instructions

FOR THE CAKE

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare one 8-inch cake pan with spray, parchment paper and spray again. Set aside.
  • In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside
  • Beat the olive oil and the sugar on medium speed in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for one minute.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and the ricotta, starting and finishing with the flour. Combine until incorporated.
  • Pour cake batter into pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Let cool in pan for about 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can cover with plastic wrap and store in your refrigerator overnight or freezer for longer.

FOR THE APPLE PIE FILLING

  • Combine the apples and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Toss to coat the apples.
  • In a large saute pan, combine the apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg over medium heat.
  • Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  • Drain the excess juice and refrigerate apples in an airtight container to cool and store.

FOR THE CARAMEL

  • Combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and then STOP stirring. Stirring creates crystallization.
  • Allow the mixture to boil on its own.
  • Once the mixture turns amber in color, remove from heat and slowly add warm cream while stirring (heating the cream first ensures you don't get clumps of caramel).
  • Add the vanilla and salt. Stir to combine.
  • Cool to room temperature before using.
  • Caramel can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You'll need to heat it up slightly to thin it out and make it pourable.

For the Maple Whipped Cream

  • This is best made shortly before you're ready to serve the cake.
    In a stainless steel bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until medium-stiff peaks form.
  • Fold in the mascarpone and 1 teaspoon maple extract.
  • Be sure to taste test, you may want an extra teaspoon of maple extract.

Assembly

  • Top the cake with the apples, followed by the caramel and the whipped cream. This will look messy and that's exactly how it should be!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Cake
Keyword: apple pie filling, apple ricotta cake, maple whipped cream, Ricotta Cake