Delightfully moist and subtly tangy, Ricotta Cake makes a tender dessert with a delicate crumb. Creamy ricotta and softened butter blend seamlessly into the batter for a rich yet airy texture. After a quick 15 minutes of prep, this simple treat bakes to perfection in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, dusted with powdered sugar for an effortless finish.
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Ingredients for Ricotta Cake
For the cake
- All-purpose flour – This forms the base of the cake, so don’t skip it.
- Granulated sugar – Just the right amount to balance the richness of the ricotta.
- Unsalted butter – Softened so it creams perfectly with the sugar.
- Ricotta cheese – Room temperature ensures it blends smoothly into the batter.
- Eggs – Also at room temperature for best results.
- Vanilla extract – A must for that warm, aromatic flavor.
- Baking powder – Essential for a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking soda – Works with the baking powder to give the cake lift.
- Salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
For the finishing touch
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting adds a sweet, delicate finish.
Cook Time for Moist Ricotta Cake
I love a dessert that doesn’t keep me tied to the kitchen all day, and this one totally fits the bill. Here’s the quick timeline for this easy baked ricotta treat.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
Since you’ll have some extra time while it bakes, why not browse our other healthy baking recipes for your next kitchen project?
How to Make Italian Ricotta Cake
Creating this light and creamy cheese cake is a joyful process. Let’s walk through the steps together, just like I would if you were here in my Provencal kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray, and lightly dust it with flour. Tap the pan to remove any excess flour.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the ricotta cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: The Finishing Touch
Once the cake has cooled, use a fine-mesh sieve to evenly dust the top with powdered sugar. Slice and serve.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few secrets that make this holiday ricotta cake even more special. These are the little touches that turn a good cake into a great one!
- Flavor Swap: For a citrus twist, add the zest of one lemon to the batter. It brightens up the entire cake beautifully and makes it perfect for spring gatherings.
- Diet Tweak: If you’re watching your sugar, you can successfully reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup without affecting the texture. For more diabetic-friendly options, check out our high-protein desserts collection.
- Texture Fix: For an extra-moist crumb, let the baked cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it retain its wonderful moisture.
- Storage Tip: This cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to 2 days when covered. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. If you love no-bake options that store well, you might enjoy our cottage cheese strawberry mousse too!
Ricotta Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese at room temperature
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment
- oven
- baking pan
- spatula
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and lightly dust it with flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ricotta cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cool, dust the top with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Slice and serve.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this moist ricotta cake is certainly a treat, it also offers some nutritional benefits thanks to its star ingredient. Ricotta cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium, making this dessert more satisfying than many other cakes. I often find myself reaching for a slice with my afternoon tea when I need both a sweet treat and a little energy boost.
The eggs contribute additional protein while the moderate sugar content keeps this light and creamy cheese cake from being overly indulgent. For those curious about ricotta cheese production and its nutritional profile, you’ll find it’s made from whey and contains less fat than many other cheeses.
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Protein | Helps keep you full and satisfied |
| Calcium | Supports bone health |
| Moderate Sugar | Lighter than frosting-heavy cakes |
If you’re looking for other desserts with nutritional benefits, try our high-protein desserts collection or this delicious cottage cheese banana bread that’s become a family favorite.
A Lighter Version of Ricotta Cake
I understand that sometimes we want to enjoy our favorite treats with a lighter touch. Over the years, I’ve perfected several variations that maintain the wonderful texture and flavor while reducing calories and fat. These tweaks let me enjoy this easy baked ricotta treat more often without guilt.
For a lower-fat version, you can substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. The applesauce adds moisture while cutting the fat content significantly. Alternatively, using low-fat ricotta cheese works beautifully in this recipe without compromising the tender crumb we love.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider reducing the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup and adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for extra flavor. The spice complements the ricotta beautifully and makes the cake feel indulgent with less sweetness. For more inspiration on lighter baking, browse our healthy baking recipes or try these healthy muffin recipes for everyday treats.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve had many friends and family members with different dietary needs around my table over the years, and I’ve learned that with a few thoughtful adjustments, everyone can enjoy this Italian ricotta cake. For those who are sugar conscious or managing blood sugar levels, there are simple ways to make this dessert more diabetic-friendly without losing its essence.
First, consider using natural sweeteners like stevia or xylitol in place of some or all of the sugar. These sugar alternatives provide sweetness without the glycemic impact of regular sugar. I often use a blend of half sugar and half stevia for a lower glycemic index option that still gives that traditional cake flavor.
Portion control is another simple strategy – cutting smaller slices allows everyone to enjoy the experience while managing sugar intake. Finally, serving the cake with fresh berries instead of additional powdered sugar adds natural sweetness and fiber, which helps with glycemic control. These small tweaks make this lovely dessert accessible to more people around your table.
How to Serve Ricotta Cake
I remember serving this exact ricotta cake recipe at my daughter’s graduation party last spring. The afternoon sun streamed through the kitchen window as I dusted the final touches of powdered sugar, and the entire house smelled like vanilla and warm cheese cake. Our guests kept drifting toward the dessert table, drawn by the aroma and the beautiful presentation.
This moist cake with powdered sugar topping pairs beautifully with fresh seasonal berries – strawberries in spring, raspberries in summer, or poached pears in autumn. For a truly special presentation, I sometimes serve it with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest. The bright citrus cuts through the richness beautifully.
For beverage pairings, this holiday ricotta cake shines with a cup of strong espresso or a light herbal tea. If you’re serving it as part of a larger dessert spread, it complements other Italian treats perfectly. Consider adding our lemon cherry gelato or this refreshing frozen yogurt recipe for a cool contrast to the warm cake.
Mistakes to Avoid
I learned these lessons the hard way through years of baking this ricotta cake recipe. Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing someone struggle with what should be an easy ricotta dessert. Let me share the most common pitfalls so your baked Italian cheese dessert turns out perfectly every time.
Overmixing the batter is perhaps the biggest mistake. When you work the batter too vigorously, you develop gluten and lose that beautiful tender crumb we love. I gently fold the ingredients until just combined – a few small lumps are perfectly fine. They’ll melt away during baking into a moist ricotta cake.
Another common error involves the ricotta itself. Using watery or low-quality ricotta can make your cake dense. Always drain excess liquid from your ricotta before measuring. For authentic Italian ricotta cake texture, look for whole milk ricotta with a creamy consistency. If you’re exploring other cheese-based desserts, our cottage cheese strawberry mousse shows how proper cheese handling makes all the difference.
Timing matters too. I once pulled my holiday ricotta cake out too early because the top looked golden. The center collapsed as it cooled, teaching me to always use the toothpick test. Insert it into the center – if it comes out clean, your light and creamy cheese cake is ready. For more baking wisdom, explore traditional Italian ricotta cake origins and techniques that have been perfected over generations.
How to Store Ricotta Cake
Last Christmas, my neighbor Maria gifted me a beautiful tin of her family’s ricotta cake that stayed fresh for days. She shared her nonna’s storage secret that I’ve used ever since. Proper storage keeps this moist cake with powdered sugar tasting just-baked for your enjoyment.
Once completely cooled, wrap your fluffy ricotta dessert with vanilla tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to five days. The cool environment helps maintain that perfect texture.
If you’d like to freeze your easy baked ricotta treat, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They’ll keep for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. For more storage ideas and no-bake options, check out our healthy no-bake desserts collection that includes wonderful make-ahead treats.
I also love transforming leftover ricotta cake into new desserts. Cubed and layered with berries, it makes a wonderful trifle. Or try our lemon rhubarb loaf for another dessert that stores beautifully and develops flavor over time.
Try This Ricotta Cake Yourself
I’ll never forget the first time I made this ricotta cake for my book club. The women in my neighborhood still talk about that warm spring evening when we sat on the porch, sipping tea and enjoying thick slices of this tender cake. There’s something magical about sharing food made with love and care.
This Italian ricotta cake has become my go-to for celebrations, comfort cravings, and everything in between. Its versatility never ceases to amaze me – equally at home at a fancy holiday gathering as it is on a random Tuesday afternoon with a cup of coffee. The simplicity of ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary still feels like kitchen magic to me.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Add your favorite citrus zest, swirl in some fruit preserves, or keep it classic with just the vanilla. However you make it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your creations with me on social media using #AllisonsKitchen.
If you enjoy this moist ricotta cake, you might also love our pineapple cake recipe for another tropical twist, or this indulgent fruity pebbles cheesecake for something playful. For romantic occasions, our healthy Valentine’s Day desserts offer lighter options that feel special.
Whatever you bake next, remember that the best recipes are those made with joy and shared with loved ones. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different variations of ricotta cake?
You can create wonderful variations by adding citrus zests, chocolate chips, or seasonal fruits. I often swirl in raspberry purée or add almond extract for a different flavor profile. The basic ricotta cake recipe adapts beautifully to many additions while maintaining its tender texture.
What are the nutritional benefits of ricotta cake?
Ricotta provides protein and calcium, making this dessert more satisfying than many other cakes. With moderate sugar content and the nutritional benefits of eggs, it offers a balanced treat. For more protein-packed options, explore our high-protein desserts collection.
Where did ricotta cake originate?
Ricotta cake has deep roots in Italian culinary traditions, particularly in regions where cheese-making is prominent. It evolved from the practice of using fresh ricotta in both savory and sweet dishes. The cake version became popular in Italian-American communities as a celebration dessert.
What does ricotta cake taste like?
This cake tastes like a cross between a traditional cake and cheesecake – moist, slightly tangy, and wonderfully creamy. The ricotta creates a tender crumb with a subtle cheese flavor that’s complemented by vanilla and citrus notes. It’s lighter than cheesecake but richer than standard cake.
More Italian-Inspired Desserts You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this ricotta cake, you’ll adore these other Mediterranean-inspired treats that bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen.
Each recipe captures that beautiful balance of simplicity and elegance that makes Italian desserts so special.
– Lemon Cherry Gelato – Bright, fruity frozen perfection that tastes like a summer day in Sicily. – Lemon Coconut Gelato – Tropical creaminess meets zesty citrus in this refreshing frozen treat. – Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream – All the richness of cheesecake swirled with sweet cherries in frozen form. – Lemon Cherry Sherbet – Lighter than ice cream but packed with vibrant fruit flavor that dances on your tongue.
