The Irresistible Ricotta Cream Cake is a beautifully balanced dessert that combines the delicate flavors of a light, airy cake with the richness of creamy ricotta. This recipe offers a unique spin on the traditional cake, thanks to the addition of a luscious ricotta cream that adds moisture and depth. The smooth ricotta blends perfectly into the batter, giving the cake a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both luxurious and satisfying.
With simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, this cake is an easy yet impressive dessert for any occasion. It’s ideal for gatherings, after-dinner treats, or as a delightful snack with your afternoon coffee.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 250 g (9 oz) light ricotta
- 200 g (7 oz) flour
- 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) seed oil
- 75 g (2.5 oz) powdered sweetener + 3 tsp (or 150 g / 5.5 oz sugar + 3 tbsp)
- 70 ml (2.4 fl oz) milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 knob of butter (for greasing the mold)
For Finishing:
- Icing sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Ricotta Cream Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Start by preparing the base of your cake batter. This step ensures the cake will be light, fluffy, and full of flavor.
- Whisk together 3 eggs in a large mixing bowl along with a pinch of salt and your sweetener or sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake its signature light texture.
- Once the eggs are properly whipped, gradually add the seed oil and milk to the mixture. Continue to whisk until all the ingredients are fully combined, creating a smooth, liquid batter.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
To achieve the right balance of fluffiness and structure, we now add the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously to avoid any clumps. Mix just until the batter is smooth—be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense.
- The batter should be well-blended but not overly thick, allowing it to spread easily in the pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Cream
Now we’ll make the creamy ricotta filling, which gives this cake its unique flavor and texture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the light ricotta with 1 egg, sweetener or sugar, and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps stabilize the ricotta, creating a creamy yet slightly firm filling that won’t sink into the cake as it bakes.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy consistency. If your ricotta is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cake for Baking
- Grease a square springform pan with a knob of butter to ensure that the cake doesn’t stick and will release easily after baking.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Transfer the ricotta cream into a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the ricotta mixture onto the batter in a checkerboard pattern, which not only creates a beautiful visual effect but also ensures that every bite has a balanced ratio of cake and ricotta.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, release the sides of the springform pan and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once your cake has cooled:
- Dust the top of the cake with icing sugar for a final touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Slice and serve. This cake can be enjoyed on its own, or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for added indulgence.
The Magic Behind the Ricotta Cream Cake
What makes this Ricotta Cream Cake so special is the inclusion of the ricotta filling, which provides a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor. The light, fluffy cake paired with the rich, creamy ricotta creates a perfect balance of sweetness and subtlety. The ricotta not only enhances the overall moisture of the cake but also adds a slightly tangy undertone that elevates the flavor profile.
This cake is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can result in a truly remarkable dessert. It’s a sophisticated take on traditional cakes, and it’s sure to impress at any gathering or occasion.
Baking Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, milk, and ricotta are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend more smoothly and ensures even baking.
- Precise piping: If you want clean, even lines of ricotta on top of your cake, use a piping bag for accuracy. This will create a professional-looking checkerboard pattern that will impress both visually and in flavor.
- Avoid overmixing: When adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix only until everything is just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, which may lead to a denser cake.
- Test for doneness: Every oven bakes differently, so keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, it’s done.
- Allow the cake to cool completely: Cooling the cake fully before slicing will result in cleaner, sharper edges, and it will also allow the flavors to develop further.
Nutrition Information
This Ricotta Cream Cake recipe serves approximately 8 people. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
The Irresistible Ricotta Cream Cake is a delightful treat that’s both rich and light, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a sweet treat, this cake will not disappoint!