How to Make the Perfect Lemon Ricotta Cake
Italian-American · Easy · 55 min · 10 servings
This light and tangy Lemon Ricotta Cake is a wonderfully kid friendly dessert with a tender crumb and bright citrus flavor that even picky eaters enjoy. Made in a single bowl with just a handful of simple ingredients it is one of the easiest classic cakes you can bake.
Why this recipe works
This Lemon Ricotta Cake recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3 whole large eggs
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Batter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9-inch round springform pan. In a large bowl whisk together ricotta eggs melted butter lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in sugar until combined.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Fold in flour baking powder and salt into the ricotta mixture until a thick and smooth batter forms. Do not overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and spread evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake at 350 degrees F for 38 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will be lightly golden on top and slightly dense.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before releasing the springform. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk ricotta → full fat cottage cheese blended smooth for a similar texture
- fresh lemon juice → fresh orange juice and zest for a kid friendly orange version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using low fat ricotta which results in a watery batter and a gummy dense cake
- Overbaking the cake which dries out the delicate crumb and removes the signature moist texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 8g protein, 34g carbs, 14g fat, 1g fiber.
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