Chocolate Ricotta Cake
Chocolate Ricotta Cake is a rich, moist dessert combining the deep flavor of high-quality cocoa with the tender creaminess and subtle tang of ricotta cheese. This unique cake offers a perfectly balanced sweetness and a light texture that makes every bite irresistible. Ideal for any occasion, it is easily adaptable for gluten-free and vegan diets and can be customized with nuts, citrus zest, or spices for added flair.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup high-quality cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend), baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and smooth texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the ricotta cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or whisk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add Optional Chocolate Chunks: Stir in chopped dark chocolate pieces, if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and uniform batter.
- Do not overmix to keep the cake light and airy.
- Choose high-quality cocoa powder and ricotta cheese for best flavor.
- Check cake doneness starting at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Allow the cake to cool properly to set and make slicing easier.
- Wrap leftover cake tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days; freezing possible for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices briefly in microwave or low oven to restore softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Chocolate ricotta cake, moist chocolate cake, gluten-free chocolate cake, ricotta dessert, easy chocolate cake, tender chocolate cake