Discovering the Recipe
Zesty Ricotta Delight one of my favorite go-to and As a child I spent many happy hours in my grandmother’s kitchen. The warm smell of baked goods always filled the air. One day, she surprised me with a cake called Zesty Ricotta Delight. I was curious because I had never heard of a cake made with ricotta cheese before. When I took my first bite, I was amazed by its light and fluffy texture, and the burst of lemon flavor made my taste buds dance. It was a moment I would never forget, and I knew I wanted to recreate that cake one day.
Experimenting in the Kitchen
Years later, I decided to make my own version of Zesty Ricotta Delight. I gathered all the ingredients: creamy ricotta, fresh lemons, and good olive oil. I was excited but a bit nervous. I remembered my grandmother’s advice: “Always have fun when you cook.” I put on my apron, turned on some music, and got to work. The kitchen filled with the sounds of mixing and whisking, and I could already smell the deliciousness in the air. I couldn’t wait to taste my creation.
The Moment of Truth
When the cake was finally baked, it looked beautiful with a golden crust and a dusting of powdered sugar. I let it cool, my heart racing with anticipation. As I cut a slice, I felt like a little girl again, waiting for my grandmother to say, “Try this!” I took a bite, and I was transported back to her kitchen. The combination of ricotta and lemon was just as delightful as I remembered. I couldn’t help but smile. It felt like I was sharing a piece of my childhood with everyone who tasted it.
Sharing with Loved Ones
I decided to share my Zesty Ricotta Delight with friends at a dinner party. When they took their first bites, their faces lit up with joy. “This is amazing!” they said. I felt proud and happy to bring a little piece of my past into their lives. The cake was not just a dessert; it was a bridge connecting my memories with new experiences. With every slice, I shared stories of my grandmother and the love she poured into her cooking. I knew then that this recipe would be a cherished part of my life, just like her sweet spirit.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Zesty Ricotta Delight
- Ensure all wet ingredients (eggs, ricotta, butter) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and results in a lighter, fluffier cake.
- When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing and results in the right amount of flour for your cake.
- When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a denser cake. Just mix until the flour is no longer visible.
- Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and prevents sticking.
- For added indulgence, serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add a light drizzle of lemon glaze for an extra citrus kick.
- Experiment with the flavor by adding poppy seeds or fresh blueberries to the batter. You can also use
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment!
Zesty Ricotta Delight
8
slices20
minutes55
minutes420
kcal1
hour20
minutes2
hours35
minutesDive into the world of Italian-inspired desserts with this Zesty Ricotta Delight! This cake is a symphony of light, fluffy textures and rich, vibrant flavors. The combination of olive oil and butter ensures a moist crumb, while the lemon zest adds a refreshing zing. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to impress your guests with a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- Dry Mix
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp leavening powder
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp coarse salt
- Wet Mix
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
1/4 cup premium olive oil
1 1/2 cups white sugar
Zest and juice from two lemons (about 1/4 cup juice)
3 large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 cups creamy ricotta cheese
1 tsp pure vanilla essence
- For Serving
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Directions
- Mixing Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, leavening powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt until well combined.
- Incorporating Eggs and Ricotta – Add eggs one by one to the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Follow with ricotta cheese and mix until smooth.
- Cooling and Serving – Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing it from the springform. Cool completely on a wire rack for about an hour before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Equipment
- stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- silicone spatula set
- Baking sheet
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and fluffy cake texture. Serve this delightful cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. You can also add poppy seeds or blueberries to the batter for an exciting twist!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 420kcal
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Potassium: 88mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Zesty Ricotta Delight
Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese. However, keep in mind that it may affect the creaminess and moisture of the cake.
Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for better structure.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and dust it with powdered sugar right before serving.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute olive oil with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. However, the olive oil adds a unique richness to the cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Additionally, the edges should start to pull away slightly from the pan.
