Rich, delicious and easy to make, this Apple Curd is overflowing with apple flavor. There are only six basic ingredients in our straightforward recipe, and no additional tools are needed.

This luscious apple spread is a favorite in our home all year. We spread it on just about everything we eat. This tasty apple curd recipe eliminates the need for a double boiler or pressure cooker, making it more convenient than other apple curd recipes.

Apple Curd

Have you ever tasted curd made from apples? Apple curd is another flavorful spread that may be used in place of lemon curd, which is perhaps more well-known among the general public. This great adaptable spread is really affordable, especially if you have an abundance of apples in the fall when you can use them to make this spread.

It goes wonderfully with breakfast, whether on bread, toast, pancakes, Croffle, in a sandwich, or stirred into porridge; nevertheless, it also has a wide variety of other uses.

You can also use it to enhance this Italian lemon ricotta cake. 

Ingredients

• 6 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

• ¼ cup water

• 4 Tbsp lemon juice (or juice from 1 lemon)

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 2 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks

• ½ cup butter, cubed

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra thickness)

• 2 Tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the apples
In a large saucepan, combine the water and lemon juice. Add the chopped apples, cover with a lid, and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, until the apples are very soft.

2. Purée the apples
Remove from heat and mash the apples with a potato masher. Let cool for 5 minutes, then press through a fine sieve for a smooth purée. Return the purée to the saucepan.

3. Prepare the eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 2 yolks until smooth.

4. Optional: make slurry
If you prefer a thicker curd, mix the cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water until smooth.

5. Combine ingredients
Add the butter, sugar, and whisked eggs to the apple purée. Stir continuously over low heat. If using the cornstarch slurry, add it now.

6. Cook to thicken
Continue cooking gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring constantly, until the curd thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling the eggs.

7. Strain and cool
For an ultra-smooth curd, strain once more through a fine mesh sieve. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a jar or airtight container.

8. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The curd will thicken more as it cools.

Tips for Success

• Use tart apples (like Granny Smith or Braeburn) for the best balance of flavor.

• Always cook low and slow — rushing can scramble the eggs.

• Straining twice makes a silky-smooth curd, perfect for spreading or filling cakes.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.

• Freezer: Freeze in small containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Curd

Flavor – Apple curd can be prepared in one pot and has the flavor of apple pie and caramel. The variety of tastes complements so many different dishes!

Texture – Apple curd has a somewhat thicker consistency than custard or jam, but it is still spreadable.

Ease – This recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels.

Speed – Making apple curd takes only 30 minutes.

Apple Curd Variations

• To enhance the flavor with a little touch of warmth, you may add cinnamon. Nutmeg can be substituted for cinnamon if you like a more delicate wood taste.
• To give this apple curd an even more lemony flavor, add more lemon juice or zest. It tastes great to combine apple and lemon flavors.
• The curd gains richness and sweetness with the addition of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Use vanilla bean paste for a more potent vanilla taste.

Sterilize Jars Before Making Apple Curd

Sterilizing any jar you use for preserves is crucial since germs may grow there quickly and ruin the contents.

I frequently reuse jam jars and lids for preserves. It is best to avoid using a jar lid that has come into touch with vinegar since the seal is destroyed. By soaking in hot water, outdated labels and adhesives can be removed.

Set the oven temperature to 270 F. Soak the jars and lids with hot soapy water and a good rinse, but don’t let them dry. Put the jars on an oven tray with the lids flat on the tray—15 minutes of heating.

The jars (but not the lids) can also be sterilized in the microwave. Jars should be washed and left damp. Put in the microwave for 40 seconds at maximum power.

Also, any jar, lid, or seal can be sterilized in a dishwasher.

The Finest Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake recipe is here! It is the ideal Italian dessert since it is flavorful, fluffy, and lightweight. Ricotta cheese and lemon are used in this simple recipe.

You’ll like this recipe because it’s a rich, moist, and easy-to-make cake that is an authentic Italian delicacy made in your kitchen. It is filled with lemon flavor and creamy ricotta. Although this simple lemon ricotta cake appears modest, the flavor is incredible! Think of it as an Italian cheesecake!

What is Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake?

Lemon ricotta cake has a texture that is somewhat denser and less sweet than classic lemon cake. It is a typical Italian dessert that is frequently eaten as a dessert or with fruits for breakfast.

Even though the recipe’s origins are in Sicily, regional variations are common. It’s the ideal dessert for spring and summer since it’s so very moist and has a dense but fluffy texture, regardless of what part of Italy serves it.

This cake is typically kept on counters in Italian restaurants on glass pedestals. It’s a sociable cake that goes well with a warm cup of coffee or as a snack. In addition, the cake stays well both at room temperature and in the refrigerator. And the ricotta ensures that it stays moist and flavorful.

Ingredients you’ll need

The recipe card is located at the end of the post and contains the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions. Keep the ingredients at room temperature for the best results.

Ricotta cheese – Ricotta cheese from the grocery store is ideal since it has a creamy cheesecake feel and is made with whole milk and full fat. Furthermore, it is usually less watery; if yours is, check the notes about straining.

Lemon: Use the juice and the zest to get the most flavor out of those fresh lemons. And nothing beats the taste of fresh lemon juice!

Butter – Butter at room temperature will blend more efficiently and provide a smooth and creamy texture. I like salted butter, but unsalted butter may still be used; add an extra pinch of salt.

Sugar –  Although I prefer pure cane sugar, regular white sugar works just as well.

Eggs – Keep the eggs at room temperature before using them. If you forget, put the eggs in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 6 to 7 minutes.

Sour Cream: Instead of sour cream, you can also use Greek yogurt for an even tangier taste.

Vanilla Extract – pure vanilla extract brings Ricotta cake’s lemon and other tastes to life.

Baking soda and salt – Baking soda and salt are essential aspects of every cake recipe.

All-Purpose Flour – I use all-purpose flour that is organic and unbleached.

Traditional desserts from Italy

One of the delectable traditional Italian sweets is this lemon ricotta cake. You’ll discover that a lot of Italian sweets have a cheese basis (like ricotta or mascarpone) and include citrus or fruit tastes. These pastries will also have an anise or almond (amaretto) flavor.

Here are some other traditional Italian desserts that are suitable for any celebration:

Traditional Sicilian Cassata Cake

Italian Sponge Cake Easy Recipe (Pan di Spagna)

Authentic Maritozzi (Italian Sweet Bun)

Famous Sicilian Cannoli Authentic Recipe

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake Recipe

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake is flavorful, fluffy, and lightweight. You’re going to like this classic Italian dessert made with fresh lemon and lovely ricotta cheese, which is particularly delicious when served as a morning or brunch treat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 220 per serving

Ingredients

• ½ stick (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• 16 oz (about 2 cups) whole milk ricotta cheese

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter, then dust lightly with powdered sugar or flour. Set aside.

2. Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes (a hand mixer makes this easy).

3. Add the ricotta and beat for another 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

5. Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then add the flour. Mix gently just until combined—don’t overmix. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).

8. Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edge and remove the sides of the pan. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if you’d like. Slice and enjoy!

Notes & Tips

• For an extra lemony flavor, add an extra half lemon’s zest.

• If your ricotta is especially wet, you can drain it in a fine mesh strainer for 20–30 minutes before using.

• This cake is great served chilled or at room temperature.

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A copycat of Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana soup that matches the restaurant’s classic in every way. A creamy and flavorful broth was infused with kale, bacon, Italian sausage, and tender pieces of russet potatoes.

What is Zuppa Toscana?

Toscana means Tuscan, and Zuppa means soup. So, Tuscan Soup! The traditional ingredients include kale, potatoes, onion, and garlic, and it is then topped with cheese.

You’re in for a tremendous treat if you’ve never tried Zuppa Toscana soup. Zuppa Toscana soup is a fantastic delight if you’ve never tried it. It is a creamy soup, flavorful potato soup with kale, bacon, and ground Italian sausage.

When you taste it, you’ll realize why it seems so incredible. It’s fantastic! Just like this Olive Garden copycat Alfredo sauce. 

Fun Fact: When the first Olive Garden debuted in Orlando, Florida, it quickly became a popular dining destination. Rapid expansion led to revenues that eventually equaled those of Red Lobster.

Ingredients you’ll need

This soup relies on a short list of basic ingredients. However, the final product is so spectacular that you’ll want to lick your dish clean. The recipe card for this copycat recipe contains the whole list of ingredients and preparation steps.

Sausage: Spicy Italian sausage adds a ton of flavor to the broth.

Bacon: You can leave out the bacon if you prefer, but I never make it without bacon. 

Russet potatoes: Keep the skins on while cooking potatoes to prevent them from disintegrating.

Kale: You don’t need a ton of kale, but if you want it to be more healthful, you can add more because it’s an ideal vegetable for this soup.

Garlic: For added taste, I recommend using a garlic press instead of chopping it by hand and adding it to the soup.

Chicken broth: A base for the soup. 

Heavy cream: not a lot is called for, but it’s essential for that velvety broth texture and taste

Parmigiano Reggiano: get a block of this when you go grocery shopping; it’s pricey but lasts a long time and tastes much better than anything from a plastic container. Also, keep the rind and add it to your favorite red sauce as it simmers for even more flavor.

Salt and pepper: For the flavoring

Olive oil: for frying the garlic and onions

How to make Zuppa Toscana

Step 1: Sauté chopped bacon in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat until browned (6-7 mins). Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, and pour out excess oil, reserving about 1 Tbsp.

Step 2: Toss in the Italian sausage and cook it thoroughly by breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks (5 min). Transfer to a paper towel-covered plate.

Step 3: Add olive oil and onion that has been finely diced to the pot. Cook for 5 min or till tender and golden, then add garlic and saute for around 1 minute.

Step 4: Bring to a boil after adding 6 cups of water and 4 cups of broth. Add the potato slices and simmer for an additional 12 to 15 min or until fork-tender.

Step 5: Add chopped kale and cooked sausage when the potatoes are almost finished, and then bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Add 1 cup of cream and heat through. Remove from heat after adding salt and black pepper to taste. Add grated parmesan and bacon as a garnish.

Is Zuppa Toscana Good for You?

This soup is naturally free of grains and gluten. You can use cauliflower instead of potatoes to produce a Zuppa Toscana that is suitable for Keto dieters.

Heavy cream can be replaced with 1 can of full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk to make this dish Whole 30 compliant (dairy-free). Use only the thick, white cream and mix it at the last minute of cooking.

How Spicy is Zuppa Toscana?

You may create a less spicy version of this soup by using medium or mild Italian sausage and seasoning it with salt and pepper to suit; we use “Hot” Italian sausage, which does give this soup a fiery kick.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Recipe

Italian sausage, bacon, kale, and potatoes fill a bowl of homemade Zuppa Toscana. This recipe for Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana soup is yours to make.

Prep Time: 10 minutes.

Cook Time: 35 minutes.

Calories: 457 per serving

Ingredients

• 5-6 oz of chopped bacon
• 1 lb of hot Italian Sausage
• 1 head of garlic (10 large minced cloves)
• 1 onion, diced finely
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 6 cups of water
• 5-6 russet potatoes, chopped with skin on
• 6 cups of kale
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, to your liking

Instructions

• Saute chopped bacon in a large pot on medium-high heat till browned (6-7 minutes). Spoon off excess oil, reserving about 1 Tbsp; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined dish.
• Put in the Italian sausage and cook it thoroughly by breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks (around 5 minutes). Place on a platter lined with paper towels.
• Add onion that has been finely diced to the pot. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two or until the garlic is tender and golden.
• In a large pot, bring to a boil 4 cups of broth and 6 cups of water—Cook the sliced potatoes for 12 to 14 minutes or until they can easily puncture with a fork.
• When the potatoes are almost done, add the kale and Italian sausage and bring to a low boil.
• Bring to a boil after adding 1 cup of heavy cream. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, sprinkle with bacon and grated parmesan.

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