One-Bowl Extra Soft and Moist Lemon Ricotta Cake

One-Bowl Lemon Ricotta Cake is a light and soft cake with a slightly moist center. It is prepared with a ricotta-based dough with the addition of very little flour and without baking powder or butter.

A creamy and fragrant cake, perfect to enjoy as a snack with a tea or herbal tea, simply dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar. Garnished with a dark chocolate topping or a red fruit coulis, it can be served as a dessert at a festive lunch or dinner with guests.

Very simple to make, you just need to work the eggs with the sugar using an electric whisk; then add the ricotta, seed oil, lemon juice and grated zest and the flour, then pour the smooth mixture obtained into a mold, lined with baking paper, and proceed with cooking in the oven at 350°F/170°C for about 45 minutes.

What is One Bowl Lemon Ricotta Cake?

Lemon ricotta cake is a classic Italian dessert that showcases the delicate balance of creamy ricotta cheese and zesty lemon. This cake's origins can be traced back to Italy's southern regions, where citrus fruits like lemons and fresh dairy are integral to the local cuisine. The use of ricotta in desserts is a nod to Italy's rich cheese-making tradition, and lemon adds a refreshing note, perfect for warm weather. The cake is loved for its light, moist texture and simple ingredients, often prepared without butter or baking powder.

A popular variation is the "one-bowl" method, where all ingredients are combined in a single bowl, streamlining preparation without compromising flavor or texture. This approach makes the cake even more accessible, ideal for busy bakers or anyone looking for a quick, delicious treat.

Pro Tips for The Best Lemon Ricotta Cake

• Make sure the eggs and ricotta are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly, resulting in a better texture and even consistency.
• To get the most flavor from the lemon, zest it carefully using a fine grater. Avoid grating too deep into the skin, as the white pith can add bitterness. A generous amount of zest will provide a bright, aromatic citrus flavor.
• To prevent the cake from sticking, generously grease your cake pan and lightly flour it. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for an easy release.

What's The Best Ricotta for Lemon Ricotta Cake?

Opt for fresh, high-quality ricotta cheese for the creamiest texture. If possible, use ricotta from a local dairy or an artisanal shop, as it will yield a lighter, fluffier cake.

Can I Add Anything Else to The Batter?

If you like, you can flavor the cake with the seeds of a vanilla pod (or a teaspoon of extract) and enrich the mixture with chocolate chips, or blueberries and strawberries, for a delicious fruit version.

How Do I Keep This Cake Soft?

One way to do this – apart from storing it correctly – is to cover it with either plastic wrap or foil: this helps prevent the cake from drying out. Alternatively, you can wrap it in a damp cloth before storing it.

Why Did My Lemon Ricotta Cake Come Out All Rubbery and Not Soft?

It might be because you overmixed the batter! Overmixing causes the cake to turn out dense and rubbery; combine just until mixed, and don't worry about the lumps you see, they'll usually go away during baking time!

Why Did My Cake Sink?

Two culprits here! The oven temperature was too low, or you underbaked the cake!

Sometimes, however, that's just a matter of being too eager to eat it: let it cool completely to room temperature before removing it from the pan!

What Can I Use as a Topping for This Cake?

You can pick whatever suits your palate: powdered sugar, fresh berries for a little tart, whipped cream… If you want to enhance the sweetness even more, try to drizzle the top with honey or a delicious lemon glaze. If you're after a bit of crunch, almonds, pistachios or even coconut are what you need!

Can This Cake Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, and I'll tell you more: it tastes better after a day or two, because the flavors had the time to meld together!

Does Lemon Ricotta Cake Freeze Well?

It does! Freeze for up to 3 months in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature.

How to Store Lemon Ricotta Cake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Cake

Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk them together with the sugar using electric whisks.

Work them until they are light and frothy.

Add the ricotta, always continuing to mount.

Pour in the seed oil.

Then, combine the lemon juice and the grated zest.

Finally, incorporate the sifted flour and mix again until you get a smooth mixture.

Pour the mixture into a 18-20 cm diameter mold, lined with parchment paper.

Level the cake and bake it at 350°F/170°C for about 45 minutes.

Once the baking time is up, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely before removing it from the mold. Then, sprinkle the surface with plenty of powdered sugar.

Enjoy!