Sun-Drenched Orange Almond Ricotta Loaf – A Bright, Heavenly Treat

Have you ever baked something so fragrant that the entire house feels like it’s wrapped in a warm hug? That’s exactly how I feel when this Sun-Drenched Orange Almond Ricotta Loaf is in the oven. The sweet, citrusy aroma mingling with the nutty almond scent creates the perfect atmosphere for a cozy afternoon. I can already picture it — a slice of this beautiful loaf paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and the sun streaming in through the window. Perfect, right?

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you, and I have no doubt it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. If you’re looking for a way to brighten your day, this is it! But before we dive in, make sure you subscribe to receive more sweet, cozy recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Trust me — you’ll want to bake along!

Overview of Recipe Content

Why you’ll love this loaf:

• The sunny combination of orange zest and fresh juice gives the loaf a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the richness of ricotta.

• The almonds add the perfect crunch, and their nutty flavor complements the citrus so wonderfully.

• It’s incredibly simple to make — a few bowls and a loaf pan, and you’re good to go!

• This loaf is perfect for sharing. It’s light enough for brunch but indulgent enough for dessert, making it ideal for any occasion.

If you’re someone who loves citrusy treats with a bit of texture, then this loaf is about to become your new favorite. It’s like biting into a little slice of sunshine — sweet, zesty, and just the right amount of rich.

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Sun-Drenched Orange Almond Ricotta Loaf

This tender and aromatic loaf blends creamy ricotta, bright orange zest, and nutty almonds into a golden, sunshine-filled bake perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: Baked Goods

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• zest of 1 large orange
• 0.25 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup sliced almonds
• powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

See also  Grandma’s Easy Pistachio-Honey Ricotta Pancake Bake

Equipment

• 9x5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls large and medium
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula for folding and smoothing
• Wire cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, sugar, and butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Add eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Stir until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Don’t overmix.
6. Fold in sliced almonds gently.
7. Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

To add a sweeter twist, top with a simple orange glaze or drizzle with honey before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Toast slices lightly for a warm treat!

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Necessary Tools for Preparation

To get everything together, you’ll need:

• A large mixing bowl

• A separate bowl for dry ingredients

• A whisk for combining the ingredients

• A 9×5-inch loaf pan, greased

• A spatula for folding in the almonds

• A wire rack for cooling the loaf

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Add-ins: If you’re craving a bit of extra flavor, try adding a handful of chocolate chips, a few chopped dried cranberries, or even some lemon zest for an extra citrus punch.

• Substitutions: No ricotta? You can swap it for cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. As for the almonds, feel free to use walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make this amazing loaf? Follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan. You want that loaf to come out smoothly, so don’t skip the greasing step!

2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and softened butter until everything is smooth and creamy. You should see a light, fluffy texture — that’s a good sign!

3. Add the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir everything together until it’s perfectly combined. At this stage, the smell of citrus will already be wafting through your kitchen!

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agents in the batter.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be gentle with the mixing — we want to keep the loaf light and fluffy, not overworked!

6. Fold in the sliced almonds gently, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. You’ll love the little crunch they give to the finished loaf!

7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, and smooth out the top with a spatula. The batter should fill about 2/3 of the pan.

8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!

9. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here — this loaf will be worth the wait!

10. Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy your sun-drenched treat! It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

Suggestions on What to Serve with the Loaf

While this Orange Almond Ricotta Loaf is perfect on its own, you can pair it with:

• A hot cup of coffee or green tea — the citrus and almond flavors are an ideal match for both!

• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

• A fresh fruit salad on the side for a light, refreshing contrast.

Tips for Making the Loaf

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and ricotta are softened before mixing. This will help create a smooth, even batter.

• Don’t overmix: To keep the loaf light and airy, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Cool completely: Let the loaf cool fully before slicing. If you slice it too soon, the texture might be a little too crumbly.

Storage Instructions

Store your Orange Almond Ricotta Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to store it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.