Orange Amaretto Ricotta Cake

This is a ricotta cake that is almost like a cheesecake. I have used orange zest and Amaretto soaked raisins with the rich ricotta and mascarpone filling. Served simply with a few orange segments and some powdered sugar. It makes a delicious treat.

You will need:

• 1 -  425 gram/1 1/2 cup container of ricotta cheese - strained to remove liquid - 30 minutes
• 10 Amaretti cookies - crushed makes 1/4 cup crumbs
• 1/3 cup raisins - chopped
• 3 tbsp Amaretto liqueur like Di Sarrono
• 1 tbsp softened unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup mascarpone  - room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 of a stick) - room temperature
• 1/4 cup fruity olive oil - I used Terraliva from Italy
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp orange extract
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup cake flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• zest from 1 lemon 
• zest from 1 orange

Step 1: drain the ricotta for at least 30 minutes to remove some of the liquid.

Step 2: crush amaretti in a plastic bag to form crumbs to coat the pan instead of flour. They are so dry you can do this with your hand.

Step 3: chop raisins and pour over DiSarrono liqueur to soak. I also microwave for 25 seconds to soften and allow DiSaronno to infuse.

Step 4: take an 8 inch spring form pan and line bottom with a sheet of parchment paper. You just lock on the spring form right over the bottom lined with the paper. Butter bottom and sides generously. Sprinkle with the cookie crumbs to coat. Set aside.

Step 5: in a food processor add ricotta and mascarpone and puree until smooth. 30 seconds.

Step 6: in another bowl add sugar, butter and olive oil. With a hand mixer beat until smooth and fluffy, 1 minute.

Step 7: add eggs

Step 8: add creamed ricotta and citrus zest. Mix until incorporated. Add sifted flour, baking soda and salt. Mix until just incorporated.

Step 9: fold in raisins and liqueur by hand.

Pour into prepared pan and bake on a tray to avoid any leaks or spills. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until lightly browned. If you bake in a water bath you will avoid potential cracks but, if it doesn't matter just bake on tray.

serve with orange slices and powdered sugar or Amaretto sweetened whipped cream.