Italian Chocolate and Ricotta Cake Recipe
This Italian Chocolate and Ricotta Cake is a moist and rich dessert that combines the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the deep flavor of dark chocolate. Perfect for a sophisticated treat, this cake is easy to prepare and bakes to a tender crumb with a slightly fudgy center. It is elegantly finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, making it ideal for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Cake Batter:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (52% cocoa)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- ¾ cup + 2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar (180 g total)
- ½ cup + ½ tbsp butter (softened, 120 g total)
- 1 cup cake/pastry flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt (add ¼ tsp if using unsalted butter)
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan or a 7-inch bundt pan. For easy removal, line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt the butter and dark chocolate together using a microwave or a bain-marie (double boiler). After melting, let the mixture cool slightly before transferring it to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar to the chocolate and butter mixture, beating until smooth. Incorporate the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift the cake/pastry flour and baking powder directly into the wet batter. Mix gently until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, about 2 minutes.
- Bake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased and floured pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy this rich Italian treat.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and a smoother batter.
- If using unsalted butter, increase the salt to ¼ teaspoon for balanced flavor.
- Line your pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal and prevent sticking.
- The cake has a fudgy center; a few moist crumbs on a toothpick test are normal and desirable for texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Italian chocolate cake, ricotta cake, chocolate dessert, baked chocolate cake, ricotta cheese cake, easy Italian dessert