Torta Di Ricotta

Method

1. 1. Make the sponge cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. 2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until the mixture is light yellow and fluffy and forms ribbons on the surface when the paddle is lifted, about 4 minutes.
3. 3. In a clean bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the egg whites and salt and whisk on medium speed until they form soft peaks.
4. 4. Working in three batches, sift the flour over the egg yolk mixture, delicately folding in each batch before adding the next. Add about one-third of the egg whites and gently mix to combine and loosen the batter. Fold in the rest of the whites with a spatula, taking care not to deflate them. The final batter should be of a dropping consistency. If the mixture becomes pasty and dry, add up to 3 tablespoons whole milk, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen it up.
5. 5. Carefully transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and bake until the cake has started to pull away from the sides and is springy to the touch, about 30 minutes.
6. 6. Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely, about 45 minutes. Halve the cake horizontally. Return one layer, cut-side up, to a clean, parchment paper–lined springform pan. Wrap the other half in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze for another use.
7. 7. Make the cherry glaze and filling: In a small pan, whisk two-thirds of the preserves with a little more than a tablespoon of water and cook over medium heat until the mixture becomes liquid, about 1 minute. Strain the preserves through a sieve into a small bowl and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Brush the sponge cake layer with the glaze, and set aside the remainder to use as a topping for the cheesecake.
8. 8. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the ricotta, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until combined and fluffy. Gradually mix in the cream, then fold in the remaining cherry preserves.
9. 9. To assemble the cheesecake: Pour the filling into the prepared pan over the sponge layer, smooth the top with an offset spatula, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
10. 10. Warm the reserved glaze with the sour cherries briefly on the stovetop. Pour the glaze and cherries over the cheesecake immediately before serving.

• Desserts & Baking

Ingredients

• US
• METRIC

You'll Need