Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with butter. Sprinkle with sugar.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and almond extract. Whisk to combine.

Step 3

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4

Add the ricotta and continue to whisk with gusto until there are no lumps present (a few small lumps are ok, but the batter shouldn’t look like cottage cheese). This step is essential for a light and fluffy texture.

Step 5

Add the almond meal, flour, and baking powder. Mix gently to combine.

Step 6

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Step 7

Sprinkle with the flaked almonds.

Step 8

Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes (check at the 35 minute mark). Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean it’s ready.

Step 9

Cool in the tin for 15 minutes. Then remove the outer ring to finish cooling.

Step 10

Right before serving, dust with powdered sugar.

Step 11

Cut into slices and serve.