Maple Ricotta Parfait with Almonds and Plums Recipe

Serves: 4 people
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 5 minutes (optional)

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Calcium: 285mg
• Vitamin C: 8mg
• Vitamin E: 3.2mg
• Magnesium: 45mg
• Riboflavin: 0.3mg

What You Will Need

For the Maple Ricotta:

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

For the Honey-Kissed Plums:

• 4 large ripe plums, pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Toasted Almonds:

• 3/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Assembly and Garnish:

• 4 clear glasses or parfait cups
• Fresh mint leaves
• Extra maple syrup for drizzling
• Additional toasted almond slices

Essential Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium skillet for toasting almonds
• Sharp knife for slicing plums
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Selecting Perfect Plums

Choose plums that are ripe but still firm, giving slightly when gently pressed but not mushy or overly soft. The skin should be smooth and brightly colored without dark spots or wrinkles. Different varieties like red, purple, or yellow plums all work beautifully and add different flavor notes and visual appeal.

Preparing the Maple Ricotta Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and salt. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. If you prefer an extra-rich texture, fold in the heavy cream for added creaminess.

Achieving Smooth Consistency

For the smoothest texture, you can press the ricotta mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or whisk it vigorously to break up any lumps. The finished mixture should be creamy, sweet, and aromatic with a beautiful pale golden color from the maple syrup. Taste and adjust maple syrup as needed.

Toasting the Almonds

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with salt and cinnamon, stirring quickly to coat evenly before removing from heat.

Cooling the Toasted Almonds

Transfer the maple-glazed almonds to a plate and spread them out to cool completely. As they cool, they will become crispy and develop a lovely caramelized coating. These can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Preparing the Plums

Wash the plums and pat them dry. Cut each plum in half, remove the pit, and slice into wedges about 1/4-inch thick. Try to keep the slices uniform for even cooking and attractive presentation. The natural juices released during slicing will help create a beautiful sauce.

Creating Honey-Kissed Plums

In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced plums with honey, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The honey will help draw out the natural juices while the lemon juice adds brightness and prevents browning. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the First Layer

Divide about half of the maple ricotta mixture evenly among 4 clear glasses or parfait cups, creating the bottom layer. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface. The clear glasses showcase the beautiful layers and make for an elegant presentation.

Adding the Plum Layer

Spoon a layer of the honey-kissed plums over the ricotta in each glass, including some of the accumulated juices. The plums should create a vibrant, colorful layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy white ricotta below. Reserve some plum slices for the top garnish.

Creating the Almond Crunch

Sprinkle a layer of the cooled, toasted almonds over the plums in each glass. The almonds provide essential texture contrast and a lovely nutty flavor that complements both the sweet ricotta and tart plums. Save some almonds for the final garnish.

Final Layering

Add the remaining maple ricotta mixture to create the top layer, smoothing it gently with a spoon. The parfait should now have distinct, beautiful layers visible through the glass. Top with the reserved plum slices and a final sprinkle of toasted almonds.

Final Garnishing

Crown each parfait with a fresh mint leaf for color and aroma. Drizzle a small amount of extra maple syrup over the top for added sweetness and visual appeal. The mint provides a fresh contrast to the rich, sweet layers below.

Chilling for Best Flavor

While these parfaits can be served immediately, chilling them in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and creates an even more refreshing dessert experience, especially on warm days.

Serving and Presentation

Serve the parfaits with long spoons so diners can enjoy all the layers together. The contrast of temperatures, textures, and flavors creates a sophisticated dessert experience. Each spoonful should include creamy ricotta, sweet plums, and crunchy almonds.

Make-Ahead Convenience

These parfaits can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated until serving. The ricotta mixture and toasted almonds can be prepared a day ahead. Add the fresh plum layer just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent excessive juice accumulation.

Seasonal Fruit Variations

When plums are not in season, substitute with other stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, or apricots. Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries also work beautifully. Winter variations might include roasted pears or caramelized apples with warm spices.

Nutritional Benefits

Ricotta cheese provides high-quality protein and calcium, while almonds contribute healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. Fresh plums offer vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Maple syrup, while still a sweetener, contains some minerals and antioxidants compared to refined sugar.

Dietary Modifications

For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta or substitute half the ricotta with Greek yogurt. For dairy-free options, use cashew ricotta or coconut cream. Those watching sugar can reduce the maple syrup and rely more on the natural fruit sweetness.

Storage Tips

Assembled parfaits should be consumed within 24 hours for the best texture and freshness. Store covered in the refrigerator. The individual components can be prepared ahead and stored separately – ricotta mixture for up to 3 days, toasted almonds for up to 1 week.

Elegant Presentation Ideas

For special occasions, serve in wine glasses or crystal parfait cups. Consider rimming the glasses with crushed almonds and cinnamon sugar. Edible flowers like violets or rose petals make beautiful garnishes for formal presentations.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use high-quality, fresh ricotta for the best texture and flavor. Pure maple syrup tastes significantly better than artificial maple-flavored syrup. Allow plums to macerate in the honey mixture for maximum flavor development. Toast almonds just until fragrant to avoid bitterness from over-browning.