Description
Sunny Italian coastlines inspire this Limoncello Ricotta Cake, blending zesty citrus with creamy richness. Sweet and tangy flavors dance across each luxurious slice, inviting you to savor a delightful Mediterranean dessert experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup limoncello liqueur
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries for serving
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and dusting with flour, then preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
- Whisk ricotta cheese, limoncello, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly blend all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt using a whisk.
- Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the ricotta blend, stirring until ingredients are just incorporated without aggressive mixing.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to create an even surface.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Before serving, delicately dust the cake with powdered sugar and optionally garnish with fresh berries for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Choose full-fat ricotta for a richer, creamier texture that enhances the cake’s smoothness and prevents dryness.
- Gently fold ingredients to maintain air pockets, creating a lighter, more delicate cake structure that melts in your mouth.
- For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and delightful flavor.
- Reduce limoncello for intense lemon flavor without excess liquid, balancing moisture and preventing a soggy cake bottom.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 292 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 158 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 103 mg