Lemon Ricotta Cake
Ingredients
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- 1 tsp unsalted butter – softened (for greasing pan)
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon zest – finely grated
- 1/2 cups unsalted butter – softened
- 15 ounces whole-milk ricotta
- 3 large eggs – room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice – freshly squeezed
- 1 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- confectioners' sugar – for dusting (for serving)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with the 1 tsp softened butter and line the base with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together with your fingertips until the sugar is fragrant and slightly damp, 30–60 seconds.
3. Add the 0.5 cup softened butter to the lemon sugar and beat with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) on medium speed until pale and creamy, 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the ricotta and beat until very smooth and fluffy, 1–2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time on medium speed, letting each incorporate before adding the next, about 30 seconds each.
6. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice just until combined.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and fold with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain; do not overmix.
8. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan once on the counter to release large air bubbles.
9. Bake until the top is golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet), 45–55 minutes. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 35 minutes.
10. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then run a thin knife around the edge and release the springform ring. Cool until barely warm or room temperature, 30–45 minutes more.
11. Dust the top with confectioners' sugar, slice, and serve.
Lemon Ricotta Cake is a tender, moist cake with a delicate lemon fragrance and a fine, velvety crumb. Ricotta lends a creamy richness without heaviness, while lemon zest and a touch of juice brighten every bite. Lightly sweet and streamlined, it’s lovely on its own, with a snowy dusting of confectioners’ sugar, or paired with fresh berries and coffee.
Rooted in Italian home baking, this cake draws from torta di ricotta traditions found throughout Italy, especially in regions with abundant citrus like Campania and Sicily. Historically, ricotta—often sheep’s milk in the south—was used to enrich sweets, creating tender textures in cheesecakes, crostate, and simple cakes. Over time, the lemon-scented ricotta cake became a staple both in Italy and abroad, evolving into a versatile dessert that bridges rustic charm and patisserie finesse.