Indulge in the creamy, dreamy delight of a No Bake Italian Cake that’s as easy to make as it is to devour! This luscious dessert, layered with rich ricotta cheese and delicate ladyfingers, is a true showstopper that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. With just 20 minutes of prep time and no baking required, this cake is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a sweet escape. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to be a hit at any gathering!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 package ladyfingers
- 1 cup strong coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- In a separate bowl, gently fold whipped cream into the ricotta mixture until completely incorporated, creating a light and creamy filling.
- Prepare the cooled strong coffee in a shallow dish, which will be used for dipping the ladyfingers.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy. Arrange the first layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a rectangular serving dish.
- Spread half of the ricotta cream mixture evenly over the first layer of ladyfingers, creating a smooth surface.
- Repeat the process with another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining ricotta cream mixture.
- Using a fine-mesh sieve, dust the top of the cake generously with cocoa powder, creating an elegant and traditional finish.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the cake to set.
- Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, then slice and serve chilled.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this cake relies heavily on the quality of the ricotta cheese and coffee. Opt for fresh ricotta and a strong, flavorful coffee for the best results.
- Don’t Soak the Ladyfingers: When dipping the ladyfingers in coffee, be quick! They should be moistened but not soggy, as they need to hold their shape in the layers.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: For the best taste and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Dust with Cocoa Just Before Serving: To keep the cocoa powder looking fresh and vibrant, dust it on just before serving. This adds a lovely contrast to the creamy layers.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of coffee liqueur to the ricotta mixture for an adult twist, or incorporate citrus zest for a refreshing zing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
