Grilled Almond-Crusted Ricotta Cakes: A Decadent Italian Dessert

Imagine biting into a dessert where the smoky warmth of the grill meets the delicate sweetness of an Italian bakery. These Grilled Almond-Crusted Ricotta Cakes are exactly that—a stunning interplay of textures and temperatures that elevate outdoor cooking to a fine dining experience. Unlike heavy, flour-dense cakes, these treats rely on creamy ricotta cheese to create a cloud-like interior that barely holds its shape, while a generous coating of sliced almonds provides a satisfying, toasted crunch. Grilling them on the flat cooktop of an Arteflame sears the nuts to golden perfection without melting the delicate cheese filling. Whether you are hosting an elegant summer soirée or simply looking to finish a family barbecue on a high note, this recipe brings a touch of rustic elegance to your table. It is sweet, savory, and incredibly simple to prepare.

Ingredients

The Ricotta Base

• 1 lb (approx. 2 cups) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting hands)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• Pinch of kosher salt

The Crust & Cooking

• 1 1/2 cups sliced almonds (blanched or skin-on)
• Unsalted butter or oil (for greasing the grill griddle)

Optional Garnish

• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
• Honey or maple syrup for drizzling
• Powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. Before starting, ensure your ricotta cheese is well-drained. If it is too wet, let it sit in a sieve lined with cheesecloth for 30 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta, eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt.
3. Mix gently with a spatula just until the ingredients are combined. Do not overmix, as you want to maintain a light, fluffy texture. The dough will be sticky and soft.

Step 2: Shape and Coat the Cakes

1. Pour the sliced almonds onto a shallow plate or baking sheet.
2. Dust your hands lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture into your hands.
3. Gently shape the mixture into a small patty or cake, roughly 2-3 inches in diameter.
4. Press the cake gently into the sliced almonds, coating both sides and the edges thoroughly. The almonds act as a shell to hold the cake together.
5. Place the coated cakes on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to help them firm up before grilling.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your Arteflame grill. You want a medium heat on the flat cooktop griddle surface. Avoid the hottest center ring, as the almonds can burn quickly before the inside warms through.
2. Aim for a surface temperature suitable for pancakes or French toast (around 350°F - 375°F).
3. Generously butter or oil the section of the cooktop where you plan to place the cakes.

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

1. Place the cold ricotta cakes onto the buttered griddle.
2. Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Watch closely; you want the almonds to turn a deep golden brown, not black.
3. Using a thin metal spatula, carefully flip the cakes. Because the center is creamy, handle them with care.
4. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the second side until crispy and warm throughout.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the cakes from the grill and plate immediately.
2. Top with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
3. Drizzle with honey while they are still warm for a meltingly delicious finish.

Tips

To master these ricotta cakes, moisture control is your most important variable. Ricotta varies wildly in water content depending on the brand; if your mixture feels too loose to shape even after adding the flour, do not be afraid to drain it longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour. However, avoid adding too much flour, or the cakes will become rubbery rather than creamy. Temperature management on the grill is also vital. Almonds have a high oil content and brown very fast. By utilizing the outer heat zones of the Arteflame cooktop, you ensure the filling heats through gently while the crust toasts slowly. Finally, make sure to chill the patties before grilling. This resting period hydrates the flour and solidifies the fats, preventing the cakes from falling apart the moment they hit the hot steel.

Variations

While the classic lemon and almond combination is timeless, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to match the season or your personal preferences. Because the base is neutral and creamy, it accepts mix-ins and different crusts beautifully. Here are a few delicious ways to switch things up:

• Chocolate Orange: Swap the lemon zest for orange zest and mix 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the ricotta batter.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend or fine almond flour for the binder.
• Pistachio Crust: Replace the sliced almonds with crushed pistachios for a greener, earthier, and distinctively Sicilian flavor profile.
• Savory Appetizer: Omit the sugar and vanilla. Add fresh thyme, chives, and black pepper to the ricotta, then serve with a tomato chutney.
• Amaretto Infusion: Add a tablespoon of Amaretto liqueur to the batter for an extra punch of almond flavor.

Best pairings

These Grilled Almond-Crusted Ricotta Cakes are rich and creamy, so they pair best with beverages and sides that offer acidity or bitterness to cut through the sweetness. If you are serving this as a dessert course, consider beverages that complement the nutty, toasted notes of the almonds. For a fruit accompaniment, grilled fruits are a natural choice as they mirror the cooking method of the main dish. Here are the top pairings to complete the experience:

• Beverage: A chilled glass of Prosecco or a Moscato d'Asti provides bubbly acidity that cleanses the palate.
• Coffee: A strong double espresso or a macchiato contrasts perfectly with the sweet, creamy cheese.
• Fruit: Grilled peaches or apricots served alongside the cakes add a tart, juicy element.
• Sauce: A warm berry compote or a balsamic glaze reduction adds sophistication and depth.

Conclusion

Grilled Almond-Crusted Ricotta Cakes are a testament to the versatility of outdoor cooking on an Arteflame. They move beyond the standard fare of steaks and burgers, proving that the flat-top griddle is capable of producing delicate, bakery-quality desserts. The contrast between the hot, crunchy almond shell and the melting, sweetened ricotta center is a sensory delight that your guests will not soon forget. This dish captures the essence of Italian rustic cooking—simple ingredients, handled with care, resulting in pure comfort. Whether you serve them for a decadent brunch or a twilight dessert, these cakes are sure to become a requested favorite at your next barbecue gathering.