Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

A classic Italian lemon ricotta cake with an ultra-moist, tender crumb, bright citrus aroma, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.

Basil Rouxby Basil Roux
0.0 · 0 ratings
65 min (20m prep, 45m cook)
4 servings
ItalianMain CourseVegetarianPescatarianNut-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • •1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
  • •0.8 cup granulated sugar
  • •0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • •3 large eggs, room temperature
  • •2 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
  • •2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • •1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • •1 cup all-purpose flour
  • •1 teaspoon baking powder
  • •0.3 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • •1 tablespoon powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7-inch or 8-inch round springform cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt; set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy.

  4. 4

    Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated.

  5. 5

    Beat in the drained whole milk ricotta cheese, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

  6. 6

    Reduce mixer speed to low and gently fold in the dry flour mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

  7. 7

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula.

  8. 8

    Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.

  9. 9

    Transfer the pan to a wire cooling rack and allow the cake to cool for 20 minutes before releasing the springform ring. Let cool completely to room temperature.

  10. 10

    Dust generously with powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sieve, slice into wedges, and serve.

Chef's Tips

  • 💡Strain the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for at least 30 minutes before baking to eliminate excess moisture.
  • 💡Ensure eggs, butter, and ricotta are at room temperature to prevent the batter from curdling when mixed.
  • 💡Zest the lemons before juicing them to make the extraction much easier.
  • 💡This cake tastes even better the next day as the lemon oils and creamy ricotta flavors meld together overnight.

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