Lemon Ricotta Cake

This Lemon Ricotta Cake is a delightful treat that brings a burst of fresh lemon flavor to any gathering. Its moist texture and tender crumb make it a standout dessert, perfect for brunches, celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence after dinner. The simple lemon glaze adds a touch of brightness, ensuring this cake will be a favorite for years to come.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of ricotta cheese and fresh lemons creates a rich yet refreshing taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this cake prepared in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for various occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant events.
• Moist Texture: The ricotta ensures the cake remains tender and moist, leaving guests wanting more.
• Beautiful Presentation: A simple glaze and optional almond topping make it visually appealing for any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your lemon ricotta cake, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pan

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Ensures the batter is smooth by properly incorporating air for a fluffy texture.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls and making sure every bit of batter makes it into the pan.
• 9-inch round cake pan: The ideal size for even baking and creating a beautiful round cake.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful lemon ricotta cake:

For the Cake

• 1 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour (see note))
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• zest of 2 medium lemons (about 1 tablespoon)
• 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta preferred)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

For the Glaze

• ¾ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional, for topping)

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
2. Baking powder
3. Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

This should take about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Ricotta

Add in:
1. Eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients:
1. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan:
1. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking:
1. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Once baked:
1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
2. Drizzle with glaze once cooled completely; top with sliced almonds if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Ricotta Cake!

How to Serve Lemon Ricotta Cake

Lemon ricotta cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or serving it as a sweet treat after dinner, there are plenty of creative serving suggestions to enhance its flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of lemon ricotta cake with a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a pop of color and freshness.

Drizzled with Lemon Glaze

• Add extra sweetness by drizzling the lemon glaze over each slice just before serving, highlighting the cake’s citrus flavor.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the moistness of the cake beautifully.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include lemon ricotta cake alongside other brunch items like quiches or fruit salads for a well-rounded meal that guests will love.

Topped with Sliced Almonds

• Garnish each slice with sliced almonds for an added crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cake.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for warm days.

How to Perfect Lemon Ricotta Cake

To ensure your lemon ricotta cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and ricotta cheese are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. This prevents the cake from becoming dense or dry.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix only until combined when adding dry ingredients to prevent gluten development, which can make the cake tough.
• Zest Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for both zest and juice to achieve the brightest flavor in your cake.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the lemon glaze so it doesn’t melt into the cake.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Ricotta Cake

While lemon ricotta cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cake.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with honey and granola for a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with citrus flavors.
3. Herbed Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad mixed with fresh herbs offers a savory option that enhances your brunch spread.
4. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light cucumber sandwiches provide a refreshing bite that complements the richness of lemon ricotta cake.
5. Chilled Soup: Serve a chilled cucumber or tomato soup as an appetizer before enjoying your dessert for added sophistication.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds variety and richness, creating an appealing contrast to the lightness of the lemon ricotta cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Lemon Ricotta Cake can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a successful bake.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and ricotta cheese. This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a lighter cake.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can change the texture. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurements.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for optimal fluffiness.
• Skipping the glaze: The lemon glaze adds a delightful finish. Don’t skip it; it enhances flavor and presentation.
• Not letting it cool properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Lemon Ricotta Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Suitable for freezing up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Ricotta Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lemon Ricotta Cake moist?

The ricotta cheese contributes moisture and richness, which keeps the cake tender and flavorful.

Can I customize my Lemon Ricotta Cake?

Absolutely! Add poppy seeds or replace some lemon juice with orange juice for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my Lemon Ricotta Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, mascarpone cheese can also work well, giving a slightly different texture while maintaining moisture.

Conclusion

This Lemon Ricotta Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with different citrus fruits or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy your delightful dessert!

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