Healthy Pumpkin and Ricotta Cakes
These healthy pumpkin and ricotta cakes are a delicious way to use up leftover roasted pumpkin or squash, making them perfect for autumn baking. Light, moist and naturally sweetened, they’re ideal for a nutritious breakfast, a wholesome snack, or a cosy seasonal dessert. Made with oat flour and gently spiced with cinnamon and mixed spice, they can easily be made gluten-free, and they work just as well in the oven or the air fryer. Serve them warm with a swirl of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup, or enjoy them plain for a soft, muffin-like treat. You can even use tinned pumpkin purée if you don’t have fresh pumpkin on hand.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and place 2 small silicone cake moulds on a baking tray.
- Add the roasted pumpkin, ricotta, spices, maple syrup, eggs, oil and vanilla to a blender. Pulse briefly, then blend again until smooth.
- Add the oat flour and blend again just until combined. If the batter is too thick, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to loosen it. If it’s too sticky, add more flour.
- Fold in the pumpkin seeds, if using.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two moulds.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the moulds for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Air Fryer Option: Bake at 180°C / 350°F for approx. 15 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.