You’ll Fall in Love with This Ricotta Cake with Guava Paste Recipe

This ricotta cake with guava paste (goiabada) features an incredibly light and fluffy texture. It’s the perfect treat for those who love desserts that are mild, slightly tangy, and have that irresistible touch of sweetness. We all know the classic “Romeo and Juliet” combo of cheese and guava paste never fails, right? Let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients for the Ricotta Cake with Guava Paste:

Cake Batter:

• 2 large eggs;
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk;
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk;
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch;
• 1.1 lbs (approx. 500g) ricotta cheese, cut into chunks;
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest;
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract;
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.

Guava Glaze:

• 1/2 cup water;
• 1 cup guava paste (goiabada), cut into small cubes.

How to make this Ricotta Cake:

Cake Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while you prepare the batter;
2. In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, sweetened condensed milk, cornstarch, ricotta, vanilla extract, and lemon zest;
3. Blend until smooth and fully incorporated;
4. Grease a baking pan with butter and a dusting of cornstarch;
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean;
6. Turn off the oven and let the cake sit inside while you prepare the glaze.

Guava Glaze:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and the guava paste cubes;
2. Stir continuously until the guava paste melts completely and turns into a smooth, pourable glaze.

Assembly:

1. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly;
2. Gently unmold the cake onto a serving platter;
3. Pour the warm guava glaze over the cake and it’s ready to serve!
4. Enjoy!

Pro Tip:

It is crucial not to open the oven door during the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the cake from deflating. Because this is a creamy, moist cake, the batter is naturally more liquid, so it needs that full baking time to set properly.

Did you know?

Ricotta cake with guava is a Brazilian twist on traditional Italian ricotta desserts, often adapted from recipes like “torta di ricotta.” It became a staple in Brazilian households through Italian immigration, eventually finding its perfect pairing with local guava paste. Today, it is a beloved classic, frequently served at celebrations and traditional June festivals (Festas Juninas).

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