Dessert

Light and Fluffy Ricotta Almond Pillows That Melt in Your Mouth Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Introduction

These Light and Fluffy Ricotta Almond Pillows are delicate treats that practically melt in your mouth. Soft, subtly sweet, and infused with almond essence, they make a perfect snack or dessert for any time of day.

Seven small round sponge cakes are placed close together on a white plate. Each cake has a light beige fluffy texture and is covered with a top layer of white powdered sugar. On top of the sugar, there is a whole brown almond and a thin sliced almond piece on each cake. Some powdered sugar is also scattered around the cakes on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Substitution: Mascarpone or blended cottage cheese as alternatives)
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Almond Extract
1 large Egg (Acts as a binder)
1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend if desired)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/3 cup Slivered Almonds
1 cup Powdered Sugar (For dusting)
1 tablespoon Butter or Oil (For greasing the pan)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the slivered almonds evenly throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the dough into pillow-like balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Try substituting ricotta with mascarpone for a richer texture or blended cottage cheese for a lighter version.
Chop some almonds finely and mix a small amount into the powdered sugar dusting for extra crunch.
Don’t overmix the dough to keep the pillows tender and fluffy.

Storage

Store the ricotta almond pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh softness, if desired.

How to Serve

Seven round light beige spongy cakes are arranged on a white plate. Each cake has a generous topping of white powdered sugar covering its top, with a single whole almond and a thin almond slice placed on the powdered sugar. The plate also has some powdered sugar scattered around the cakes. The setting is on a white marbled textured surface with a subtle background blur. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these dairy-free?

You can try substituting the ricotta with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, but texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the pillows from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your dough is firm enough to hold its shape before baking and avoid adding extra liquid. Chilling the dough briefly before shaping can also help maintain their form.