Lemon Ricotta Budino with Almonds and Golden Raisins
Experience the delightful flavors of Italy with this elegant Lemon Ricotta Budino, inspired by renowned chef Mary Ann Esposito. This silky pudding captures the essence of creamy cheesecake but without the traditional crust, making it a lighter yet indulgent dessert. Infused with refreshing lemon zest, rich ground almonds, and sweet bites of candied lemon peel and golden raisins, every spoonful is a blend of textures and tastes. Top your budino with a luscious drizzle of melted chocolate or a vibrant fruit coulis for an added touch of festivity. Perfect for entertaining or a special family dinner!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Breadcrumbs
as needed (for coating the pan)
Egg Yolks
3 (separated from whites)
Sugar
3 ounces (granulated)
Ricotta Cheese
1 cup (preferably fresh)
Ground Almonds
2 ounces (finely ground)
Candied Lemon Peel
1 ounce (finely chopped)
Golden Raisins
1 ounce (slightly chopped if large)
Lemon Rind
1 teaspoon (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 6-inch springform pan by buttering it generously and then coating it with breadcrumbs. Set this aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is light and creamy.
4
Gradually incorporate the ricotta cheese into the egg yolk mixture, whisking until smooth.
5
Fold in the ground almonds, candied lemon peel, golden raisins, and grated lemon rind until evenly combined.
6
Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the pudding is set and gives a slight bounce when touched.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature.
9
Gently release the sides of the springform pan and carefully remove the budino.
10
Serve chilled or at room temperature, drizzled with melted chocolate or a fruit coulis if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Ricotta Budino?
It is an elegant Italian-inspired pudding that captures the essence of a creamy cheesecake but without the traditional crust.
Who inspired this Lemon Ricotta Budino recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned celebrity chef Mary Ann Esposito.
What makes this budino different from a traditional cheesecake?
It is a lighter indulgence because it is made without a traditional crust.
What size pan is required for this recipe?
A 6-inch springform pan is required for baking.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Butter the pan generously and then coat it with breadcrumbs before adding the batter.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How many egg yolks are used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 3 egg yolks, separated from the whites.
How much sugar is needed for the budino?
You will need 3 ounces of granulated sugar.
What type of ricotta cheese is recommended?
Fresh ricotta cheese is preferred for this recipe.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ricotta cheese.
What type of nuts are included?
The recipe includes 2 ounces of finely ground almonds.
Does the recipe include raisins?
Yes, it includes 1 ounce of golden raisins, slightly chopped if they are large.
What kind of lemon peel is used?
The recipe uses 1 ounce of finely chopped candied lemon peel.
How much lemon rind is added?
One teaspoon of grated lemon rind is used for a refreshing citrus flavor.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is light and creamy.
How is the ricotta cheese added?
Gradually incorporate the ricotta into the egg yolk mixture, whisking until smooth.
When do you add the almonds and raisins?
Fold in the ground almonds, candied lemon peel, golden raisins, and grated lemon rind after the cheese mixture is smooth.
How long should the budino bake?
Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
How can you tell if the budino is finished baking?
The pudding is set when it gives a slight bounce when touched.
What should I do after removing the budino from the oven?
Allow the budino to cool at room temperature.
How do I remove the budino from the pan?
Gently release the sides of the springform pan and carefully remove the pudding.
What are the serving temperature options?
The budino can be served chilled or at room temperature.
What are suggested toppings for this dessert?
It can be drizzled with melted chocolate or served with a fruit coulis.
Is the texture of the budino silky?
Yes, it is described as a silky pudding with a blend of textures from almonds and raisins.
How many ingredients are in the Lemon Ricotta Budino?
The recipe has 8 main ingredients listed.
What role do breadcrumbs play in this recipe?
Breadcrumbs are used to coat the pan to help with the release and provide texture.
Is this dessert suitable for entertaining?
Yes, it is perfect for entertaining, special family dinners, or festive occasions.
Can I use large raisins?
Yes, but you should chop them slightly if they are large.
What is the main flavor profile?
The dessert is characterized by refreshing lemon, creamy ricotta, and rich almond flavors.
Is the almond preparation specific?
Yes, the almonds must be finely ground before being folded into the batter.