Award-winning chef. Successful restaurateur. Iron Chef judge. Social media star. Donatella Arpaia has done it all. Still her favorite thing to do is working in the kitchen, creating inspiring dishes using the freshest, most authentic ingredients—including Galbani® cheese. Explore her latest menu ideas and learn tricks of the trade from this inspirational entrepreneur.

Galbani® Lemon & Lavender Ricotta Cake

INGREDIENTS

For the Lavender Honey Syrup

½ cup Honey
½ cup Water
2 tsp. Edible dried lavender flowers
   

For the Cake

3 cups All-purpose flour
4 tsp. Baking powder
1½ tsp. Kosher salt
14 tbsp. Unsalted butter, softened
2 cups Granulated sugar
2½ cups Galbani Ricotta, drained and at room temperature
4 Large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp. Bourbon vanilla extract
4 tbsp. Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  Zest from 2 large lemons (approx. 2 tbsp.)
  Zest from 1 large orange  (approx. 2 tbsp.)
  Baking spray or softened, unsalted butter to grease pan
  Powdered sugar for garnish
   

METHOD

  1. To make lavender honey syrup, In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and lavender flowers. Heat over medium-low heat until just simmering, stirring occasionally until the honey is dissolved.
     
  2. Remove from heat and let sit for 20 to 60 minutes to allow the lavender to fully infuse to your preferred taste.
     
  3. Strain the syrup into a jar using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
     
  4. To make the cake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8” cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
     
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
     
  6. In a standing mixer, cream butter and sugar together on medium high speed for 2 minutes. Add Ricotta and beat again until smooth, about another 3 minutes.
     
  7. Add eggs, vanilla, orange zest, lemon juice and zest, and beat until incorporated.
     
  8. Remove bowl from mixer. Pour in flour mixture and stir until just combined. Batter will be thick.
     
  9. Scrape batter into the prepared pan and level with offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake’s center comes out clean.
     
  10. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove from pan and finish cooling on baking rack.
     
  11. To garnish, brush the cake with lavender honey syrup and dust on top with powdered sugar.

Pairings

  • Wine & Spirits
  • Beer
  • Proteins
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Nuts, Grains & Starches
  • Flavors, Spices & Condiments