Ricotta and Amaretti Crumble Cake Recipe: A Deliciously Crumbly Dessert

Ricotta and Amaretti Cake is a rustic yet elegant dessert that blends the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the delicate almond flavor of amaretti cookies. Featuring a tender, crumbly crust and a rich filling, it’s the perfect treat for family gatherings, weekend baking, or a cozy afternoon coffee break.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Creamy ricotta filling meets crunchy amaretti for a flavor-packed contrast
• Naturally aromatic with almond and vanilla notes
• No need for rolling or fancy equipment—just crumble and press
• Perfectly sliceable, portable, and great for make-ahead

What Is Ricotta and Amaretti Cake?

This Italian-inspired cake is a cross between a tart and a crumble. The filling is made from sweetened ricotta cheese and crushed amaretti biscuits, which add a delightful crunch and a hit of almond flavor. The base and topping use the same crumbly dough, making it simple to assemble and irresistibly textured.

Cooking Tips

• Use well-drained ricotta: If your ricotta is watery, strain it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for 30 minutes.
• Don’t overmix the dough: You want a crumbly texture, not a compact pastry.
• Add lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy twist.
• Chill the assembled cake for 10–15 minutes before baking to help the crumbs hold their shape.
• Use parchment paper to easily lift the cake out of the pan after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Amaretti Biscuits?

Amaretti are Italian almond-flavored cookies. They’re crisp, sweet, and made with ground almonds or apricot kernels.

Can I Substitute the Amaretti?

Yes, you can use graham crackers or digestive biscuits, but the almond flavor will be less pronounced. Add a bit more almond extract to compensate.

Do I Need to Chill the Dough?

No chilling is required, but letting the cake rest in the fridge for a few minutes before baking helps maintain the crumb texture.

Is This Cake Best Served Warm or Cold?

It’s best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled—perfect for making ahead and serving later.

How to Store

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving, or enjoy it chilled for a firmer bite.

How to Freeze

To freeze, wrap the whole cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the crumble topping.

How to Make Ricotta and Amaretti Crumb Cake

Step 1

Step 1

Crush the amaretti biscuits using a food processor or rolling pin.

Crush the amaretti biscuits using a food processor or rolling pin.

Step 2

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix ricotta, sugar, egg, almond extract, and crushed amaretti until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix ricotta, sugar, egg, almond extract, and crushed amaretti until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3

Step 3

In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir with a spoon, then use your hands to mix until a crumbly dough forms.

In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir with a spoon, then use your hands to mix until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 4

Step 4

Press half of the dough into the base of a 9-inch (24 cm) cake pan lined with parchment paper.

Press half of the dough into the base of a 9-inch (24 cm) cake pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 5

Step 5

Spread the ricotta-amaretti filling over the base, avoiding the edges.

Spread the ricotta-amaretti filling over the base, avoiding the edges.

Step 6

Step 6

Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the top—don’t press it down.

Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the top—don’t press it down.

Step 7

Step 7

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 45 minutes, or until golden and set.
Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 45 minutes, or until golden and set.
Allow to cool before slicing and serving.