Corn flour gives this cake a golden hue while ricotta adds tenderness and chew. Topped with mascarpone and blood oranges, it makes a bright treat for the depths of winter.
Today's post is in honor of a special lady. In fact, it's in honor of TWO special ladies, one of whom is about to emerge into the world in a few short weeks. Yes, this is a virtual baby shower for Sarah's #cheesebabygirl!
Sarah's little one has been hankering for cheese and sweets these first 9 months of her existence (clearly, she's a gal after my own heart), so Todd and I decided to throw the two of them this virtual party (aka #cheesebabyshower) full of cheesy sweet goodness. See below for all the delicious links!
When I first met Sarah a little over a year ago, I learned that 1) we both love orange cats and 2) I needed to trick her into being my friend. I think it worked! Since then, my life has improved exponentially. I've learned so much from Sarah: how to negotiate, how to make contracts and invoices, how to use WordPress, how to adult (some of the time), and most importantly, how to play the catpipes. Since then, we've made chickpea pasta, chestnut pasta, floats with Todd, a handful of recipe videos, and styled dozens of dishes for The New York Times (let the tunnel of fudge cake never be forgotten).
Also, that chick can COOK. Sarah makes the best green smoothies, Oboro tofu, arepas, ginger tofu pudding, spiced poached pears, vegan ice cream, mochi, scallion pancakes, bacon ginger molasses cookies, spaghetti squash fritters, and waffles. She keeps me VERY well fed.
Sarah can teach herself how to do anything: build websites, edit videos, take stunning pictures, design graphics, logos and book covers, and even ice cookies when an impatient photographer is standing in the doorway staring her down. Oh, and did you know she has a PhD? NO BIG DEAL.
If she weren't one of the most kind, thoughtful, generous souls in the world, I would hate her.
And the best news? There is about to be 50% more Sarah in the world! I have no doubt Sarah will be as nurturing and caring a mother as she is a friend and I can't wait to support her in that as best I can.
So I'm expressing my love like I do: in edible form. I made Sarah and mini-Sarah a cake I think both ladies will dig. (And I even promise to save them a piece!)
This cheesy-sweet cake gets moisture and richness from whole-milk ricotta. Corn flour adds its sunny-yellow hue and sweet, grassy flavor, making the cake meltingly tender. Rubbing citrus zest and vanilla bean into the sugar draws out the oils, adding their floral notes to a cake enhanced with the full flavor of alternative flours. I used sweet white rice flour as a neutral binder, but I'd wager that regular white rice flour, or a rice-based all-purpose blend, could stand in since the cake gets plenty of "stick" from the ricotta. That said, no one would ever guess this cake was gluten-free. A finish of mascarpone whipped cream and blood orange makes a striking finish, but you could just as easily serve slices of warm cake with a dollop of whipped cream and berries.
I can't wait for berry season to try this as per the original, or perhaps with rhubarb come spring or plums in the fall.
Check out all the other cheesy sweet goodies made by bloggers in honor of our dear Sarah, below.
*Ps. I'm hosting an Instagram contest through the end of January where you could be one of five lucky cooks to win a box of delicious organic spices from Spice Society. Show us your healthy, home-cooked meals and tag #eatgreen2016 for a chance to win. *
More Blood Orange Recipes:
- Blood Orange Chocolate-Bottom Crème Brûlée for Two
- Strawberry Blood Orange Rum Punch
- Blood Orange Upside-Down Cake
- Blood Orange Tart
*Bojon appétit! For more Bojon Gourmet in your life, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, purchase my gluten-free cookbook Alternative Baker, or subscribe to receive new posts via email. And if you make this blood orange ricotta cake recipe, I’d love to know. Leave a comment and rating below, and tag your Instagram snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet.*
Blood Orange & Corn Flour Ricotta Cake with Whipped Mascarpone {gluten-free}
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Cake:
- 1 teaspoon butter for greasing the pan
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons organic granulated cane sugar (175 g)
- finely grated zest of 1 large blood orange and 1 large lemon (preferably meyer)
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups best-quality whole-milk ricotta (I like this one) (12 ounces, 340 g)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (113 g)
- ½ cup sweet white rice flour (80 g)
- ½ cup corn flour (i.e. very finely ground cornmeal, NOT cornstarch) (75 g)
- ½ cup oat flour (50 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
For serving:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (120 ml)
- ½ cup mascarpone (4 ounces, 113 g)
- 1 tablespoon organic granulated cane sugar
- seeds from ½ vanilla bean (or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 4 large blood oranges
Instructions
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350ºF. Butter an 8-inch cake pan and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
- Place the sugar in a large bowl and add the citrus zest and vanilla pod and scrapings. Rub the zest and vanilla seeds into the sugar to moisten and distribute. Remove the vanilla pod and reserve for another use. Beat the eggs into the sugar mixture, then the ricotta, and finally the butter. Place a strainer over the bowl and add the sweet rice, oat and corn flours with the baking powder and salt. Sift in and stir until well-combined.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake until golden on top and a tester comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Let cool until warm, then invert the cake onto a plate, peel away the parchment, and flip right side-up. Let cool completely unless serving warm.
- To prepare the topping, whip together the cream, mascarpone, sugar and vanilla seeds or extract until the mixture just holds firm peaks. (If you overwhip and the mixture starts to look grainy, you can rescue it by folding in a few tablespoons of cream until it loosens up.) Chill until needed.
- Prepare the oranges by cutting off ½-inch from each end. Place a cut side down and use a sharp knife (I like a small serrated knife) to pare away the peel and white pith, following the curve of the fruit. Turn the orange on its side and slice into rounds 3/8-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining oranges.
- Dollop and spread the whipped mascarpone all over the top of the cake leaving a 1-inch border. Drain the orange rounds and place atop the cake in overlapping circles. Serve the cake right away, using a large serrated knife to cut slices (they will be messy – go with it). Extra cake will keep refrigerated airtight for up to a day or two.
Notes
Nutrition
#CheeseBabyShower!
Cheesy Things
- the briny - Smoky Beans n' Greens Enchiladas with Roasted Sweet Potato and Sunflower Seed Cheese
- Half Baked Harvest - Greek Falafel Melts
- Healthy Nibbles & Bits - Japanese-Spiced Goat Cheese Ball with Pistachios
- Just Putzing Around the Kitchen - Cheesy Fried Spinach & Artichoke Bites
- My Natural Kitchen - Brazilian Cheesy Thyme Popovers
- Vanilla And Bean - Almond-Sage Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Gruyere
- Fix Feast Flair - Mixed Greens Salad with Lilikoi Vinaigrette, Honey Macadamia Nuts, and Goat Cheese
- FoodieCrush - Cheesy Sausage Pizza Bread
- Foodness Gracious - Avocado Feta Bowl with Couscous Grilled Chicken and Charred Corn
- Will Frolic for Food - Vegan Walnut Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
- Vegetarian 'Ventures - Pimento Mac & Cheese Bites
- MJ and Hungryman - Cheese Stuffed Kimchi Pancakes
- Savory Simple - Cheddar Chive Crackers
Sweet Things
- the pig + quill - Mini Vegan PB+J Cheesecakes
- The Kitchen McCabe - Meyer Lemon Pudding Cakes + Honeyed Chevre Whipped Cream
- The Little Epicurean - Matcha Mochi Waffles Sundae
- Shared Appetite - Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Mousse
- The Pancake Princess - Vegan Aquafaba Lemon Meringue Pie
- The Food Charlatan - Lemon Bars {gluten-free}
- Kale & Caramel - Spiced Caramel Chocolate Nut Clusters
Cheesy & Sweet Things
- The Bojon Gourmet - Blood Orange & Corn Flour Ricotta Cake with Whipped Mascarpone {gluten-free}
- HonestlyYUM - Sweet Cheese Puffs (for a Sweet Cheese Baby)
- fit for the soul - Queso Mais Ice cream {No-Churn}
- Completely Delicious - Chocolate Orange Ricotta Scones
- Good on Paper Design - Citrus Ricotta Mini Cakes {gluten-free}
- Floating Kitchen - No-Bake Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache Layer {gluten-free}
- Hungry Girl por Vida - Gluten-Free Pretzel Goat Cheesecake Bites
- Heartbeet Kitchen - Roasted Citrus Bowls with Honey Mascarpone
- Salted Plains - Pavlova with Mascarpone Coconut Cream and Candied Citrus
- The Kitchen Paper - Candied Citrus Ricotta Cake
- le jus d'orange - White Cheddar and Apple Mini Pies with Cinnamon-Infused Honey
Ellie | fit for the soul says
Awwww! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to further know the fun that your friendship holds!! And well, the fact that Sarah's one of those "good-at-everything" people that makes this life so unfair at times, lol, I kid, but no really. I knew she was gifted but after reading this I can truly see how much more humble she is knowing that she has so so much to offer! And you too, Alanna, this is beautiful and that frosting has me weak in the knees.....mascarpone fo'lyf. (cheesily holds a peace sign)
Alanna says
Hehe, thanks so much Ellie! Loving that ice cream, mmmmm.
Gaby Dalkin says
Such a sweet cake for a baby shower!
Alanna says
<3!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Just gorgeous, the blood orange topping is beautiful!
Alanna says
Aw, thank you Laura! xo
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
Love this cake Alanna!! I seriously want to try it with rhubarb like you suggested!
Alanna says
Yeah, dude - dooooo it! ;)
Angela - Patisserie Makes Perfect says
Wonderful cake and it looks fantastic piled high with the decoration like that.
Alanna says
Thanks!
Sara says
Lovely post, and cake! Did you make your own ricotta, or, what brand did you use?
Alanna says
Bellwether Farms basket dipped whole milk - sooooooo good!
Sara says
thank you! will try it soon!
Alanna says
doooooo it!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
I just love what you and Todd have assembled here in honor of Sarah. SO much to enjoy and share. Thank you for this. I'm not surprised at your description of Sarah.. she is Superwoman! I hope to meet you two someday! I read how you and Sarah met Todd, how you two approached him. I think it's the sweetest thing... these friendships all united by a love of food, (cats) and sharing. I've been dreaming of this cake for soooo long, Alanna. Ricotta almond though... but am completely intrigued by the corn flour in this recipe... is it like masa flour? Is the purpose flavor or texture or both? Paired with that whipped marsc. and blood orange.. my goodness. A divine creation and beautiful presentation. Gorgeous!
Alanna says
Hi Traci! Thank you so much for your kindness and for bringing such deliciousness to this gathering! I'm glad you dig the cake. The corn flour is not unlike masa harina, but it's more yellow. It adds flavor and color to the cake, though it's ground so finely that I didn't notice it in the texture. You'll have to come over for a slice and tell me what you think! I'll trade you for a sandwich. ;)
Lucy Murofushi says
This is my first year of having my own organic blood oranges from my dwarf tree. I am so excited to try your beautiful cake. Thank you.
Alanna says
Wow, lucky you!
Nancy Stern says
Sounds delicious and I'm so lucky to now have Sarah and Lucas and very soon mini Sarah as my neighbors!!!! They are WONDERFUL!!!
Alanna says
Yes, lucky you indeed!
MB @ Bourbon and Brown Sugar says
The cake is stunning, and the tribute to your awesome friend so dear... I am going to have an awesome time visiting all these blogs while snowed in on the east coast this weekend.
Alanna says
Eek! Stay warm! Thanks so much for the kind words!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
First of all, thank you and Todd SO, SO much for organizing the shower and for inviting me to join the party! Yes, Sarah is such a talented person, and I'm so glad to know the both of you. This cake is just the perfect way to celebrate #cheesebabygirl!
Alanna says
Aw! Back atcha, Lisa. Thanks so much for joining!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
What a great idea for a baby shower. Oh how glorious this cake is! I love the idea of using corn in it too. Just lovely.
Alanna says
Thanks, lovely!
Laura | liefdevoorbakken says
This looks amazing!
Ellie says
Oohhh....I want a piece of this amazing cake!!! It's so easy to make, I HAVE to make it :)
Emily R says
I couldn't help myself from making this beautiful looking cake for a fun weekend baking project, especially since I hadn't used my corn flour in a while. It was very easy to put together and we definitely ate it quickly.
There were some components that didn't work quite as well, but that was mostly my own doing. I made my own mascarpone (https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/mascarpone-51226440) since a small tub in Canada is around $10. It definitely wasn't authentic, but it was turned out okay since it was cut with whipped cream and blood oranages. I'll definitely be repeating a mascarpone/whipped cream topping for a cake! My blood oranges weren't super flavourful, unfortunately, but they certainly looked striking on top. I think lots of other fruit could be delicious on top as well. The oranges were a little bit trickier to eat the way they were cut, so I might cut them into smaller pieces next time. And just a suggestion that if you put the cake in the fridge for leftovers, I'd recommend letting it warm up a bit before eating it as the cold butter made it feel a bit more dense (at least I think that's what it was, the texture and crumb was nice when it was freshly assembled).
Thanks for this fun recipe and also for pointing me in the direction of Snixy Kitchen. I've made so many of her delicious recipes since finding out about her from your blog!
Alanna says
I'm so glad you liked the cake! Thank you for the tips on cake temperature and orange pieces - I'll add that into the recipe. Yes Snixy Kitchen is the best! So glad you're enjoying her recipes as well. :)