Honeyed ricotta on fruit bread with strawberries and toasted almonds is one of those dishes that looks like it came straight off a boutique café brunch menu, yet it’s incredibly easy to make at home. The creamy ricotta lightly sweetened with honey, the juicy strawberries and the crunch of roasted almonds create a beautiful balance of texture and flavor, fresh, light and satisfying.
This is the kind of breakfast or dessert you can put together in minutes, but it leaves a lasting impression.
PREP 10 MIN
COOK 50 MIN
SERVES 6
Why honeyed ricotta works so well
Ricotta is a soft, slightly sweet Italian cheese made from whey rather than milk, and its very name, ri-cotta, literally means “recooked”. Light as air in texture, it absorbs flavors beautifully, which makes it pair effortlessly with delicate sweetness. When whisked briefly, it becomes even smoother and more luxurious.
Mixing ricotta with honey results in a naturally sweet, velvety cream, while a hint of cinnamon brings gentle warmth. Fresh strawberries add brightness and acidity, and fruit bread underneath provides a subtly sweet, pleasantly soft base that ties everything together.
Ingredients for honeyed ricotta toast
- 4 thick slices of fruit bread
- ½ cup ricotta
- 1 tbsp honey
- 12 strawberries, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup almonds
- a pinch of cinnamon
Honeyed ricotta method – step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Spread the almonds on a baking tray and toast for about 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool, then chop roughly.
- In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, honey and cinnamon until creamy and smooth. A quick whisking makes the ricotta lighter and more airy, it changes the whole texture.
- Toast the fruit bread until golden and crisp.
- Spread the honeyed ricotta generously over the bread, layer the strawberry slices on top, and finish with the toasted almonds.
How I like to perfect the honeyed ricotta flavor and texture
I don’t just stir the ricotta, I fluff it up a bit. It becomes lighter, silkier, almost like a soft mousse. I also like to brighten the ricotta with a touch of finely grated lemon zest, it adds a subtle, elegant citrus lift.
For the strawberries, I sometimes let them sit for a couple of minutes with just a tiny squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar. They release a bit of juice, become more aromatic, and the flavor gets more intense. And one tiny final trick: a few grains of sea salt on the ricotta brings all the sweet flavors forward beautifully.
The experience in every bite
This dish is all about contrast:
- creamy ricotta
- gentle honey sweetness
- juicy fresh strawberries
- soft echo of cinnamon warmth
- crunchy toasted almonds
- crisp-edged, soft-centered fruit bread
Every bite is layered and interesting, not too sweet, just naturally balanced and fresh.
Variations and substitutions for honeyed ricotta toast
Instead of strawberries:
- figs
- peaches
- raspberries
- blueberries
- caramelized pear
Instead of almonds:
- pistachio
- walnut
- hazelnut
- pecan
Instead of fruit bread:
- brioche
- challah
- sourdough
- rye bread (for a deeper flavor)
Instead of ricotta:
- mascarpone
- cream cheese
- whipped cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt (lighter and tangier)
When to serve honeyed ricotta
This works beautifully as:
- a weekend brunch centerpiece
- a light dessert
- a sunny breakfast
- an afternoon coffee companion
- part of a grazing board
- breakfast in bed
It’s elegant, cheerful and visually appealing, and it makes the table look instantly inviting.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using watery ricotta, a thicker one works best
- Skipping the almond toasting, raw almonds don’t add the same depth
- Not toasting the bread, texture matters
- Using underripe strawberries, flavor falls flat
- Adding too much honey, it can overpower the delicate flavors
A little extra elegance
To take this dish up a notch:
- drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze over the strawberries
- mix a hint of vanilla into the ricotta
- garnish with fresh mint
- or add just one drop of rosewater for a fragrant finish
Nutrition (for approx. 3 slices)
- around 300–350 kcal
- 12–14 g protein
- 35–45 g carbohydrates
- 10–12 g fat
- natural fiber from almonds and fruit
Ricotta is a good-quality, easy-to-digest protein source, strawberries provide vitamins and freshness, and almonds contribute healthy fats.
Honeyed ricotta FAQ
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes. Replace honey with sugar-free syrup or use only fruit for sweetness.
Can I use light ricotta?
Yes, but the creaminess will be reduced slightly.
Can the components be prepared ahead of time?
The ricotta cream can, but bread and fruit should always be assembled fresh.
Can it be frozen?
The ricotta mixture can, but the assembled toast should not be frozen.
Does it work with other breads?
Absolutely. Brioche, challah and sourdough are all excellent choices.
Can I add lemon?
Yes. Both lemon juice and lemon zest work wonderfully for brightness.
Conclusion
Honeyed ricotta on fruit bread with strawberries and toasted almonds is simple, elegant and full of character. It’s quick to prepare, yet it has the charm of a thoughtfully composed brunch dish. The soft creaminess of ricotta, the sweetness of honey, the freshness of strawberry and the crunch of almond create a perfect, harmonious bite every time.
It’s a treat worth making, sharing and enjoying, whether for breakfast or as a light dessert.