Spiced Orange Cardamom Cake with Honey Whipped Ricotta

Ingredients

• •1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• •1 teaspoon baking powder
• •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• •1/4 teaspoon salt
• •1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• •1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• •1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• •1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• •3/4 cup granulated sugar
• •2 large eggs
• •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• •Zest of 1 orange
• •1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• •1/4 cup whole milk
• •1 cup ricotta cheese
• •2 tablespoons honey
• •1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ricotta)
• •Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• •Fresh orange slices or zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

4. 4

   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.

5. 5

   Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the orange juice and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Do not overmix.

6. 6

   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. 7

   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. 8

   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. 9

   While the cake cools, prepare the honey whipped ricotta. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or hand mixer to whip until smooth and creamy.

10. 10

    Serve the cooled cake topped with a dollop of honey whipped ricotta. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and garnish with fresh orange slices or zest.