Limoncello Ricotta Cake – Step into the world of desserts. Indulge, in our exquisite creation the Limoncello Ricotta Cake. This delightful treat combines the tanginess of limoncello with the creaminess of ricotta cheese resulting in a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply craving something sweet yet sophisticated this cake is sure to impress.
The first time I baked this Limoncello Ricotta Cake was during a family weekend. Seeing my husband’s eyes light up with delight after taking the bite and my child eagerly asking for another slice confirmed that this cake was truly special. It has now become our go-to dessert for celebrations. Whenever we desire a treat.
What makes this Limoncello Ricotta Cake truly special?
What sets apart this Limoncello Ricotta Cake is its fusion of flavors and textures. The zesty kick from top-quality limoncello beautifully complements the smoothness and richness of ricotta resulting in a taste that’s unparalleled and unforgettable. With every bite you’ll experience a moist and fluffy texture that makes it suitable for both family gatherings or elegant social events. Its versatility matches its combination of flavors making it a favorite, among lovers of both contemporary desserts.
What You Need To Make This Limoncello Ricotta Cake Recipe?
Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: This is the ingredient, in our cake providing a richness and velvety texture. It’s like having a friend’s comforting embrace bringing warmth and depth to every slice.
Limoncello: This isn’t any ingredient; it takes you on a whimsical journey to the sunny Amalfi Coast with each delightful drop. Choose a limoncello that bursts with citrusy notes as it gracefully dances through your cake leaving behind a trail of sweet flavors.
Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: These are like rays of sunshine in our recipe. Always opt for lemons to grate the zest and squeeze out their juice. They act as bursts of joy brightening the cake with their tangy essence.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Think of this, as the ingredient that enhances the cake to heights. A high-quality olive oil adds a fruity note elevating the texture to create a moist result.
Vanilla Extract: It plays a symphony in the background by harmonizing all the flavors with its sweet and aromatic embrace.
Steps To Make Limoncello Ricotta Cake:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Generously coat a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray that has flour, in it. This step prepares the pan for our cake.
Step 2: In a bowl combine the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Allow this mixture to rest. In another bowl whip together the eggs and sugar until they become light and fluffy which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Then gently incorporate the ricotta cheese, olive oil, limoncello, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until you have a delightful mixture.
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Step 3: Gradually fold in half of the flour mixture into the batter until it is fully incorporated. Repeat this process with the remaining flour while being careful not to overmix. This folding technique will ensure that our cake remains tender. Pour this batter into your pan and place it on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake, for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool
Step 5: To make the icing whisk together sugar, limoncello liqueur, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
Step 6: Drizzle this glaze, onto your cake once it has cooled. The icing serves as the finishing touch providing a sweet addition, to your culinary masterpiece.
Tip:
If you want to bring your Limoncello Ricotta Cake to the next level it’s paramount to give attention to the limoncello itself. If you have some time you might consider making your homemade limoncello for a more personalized and rich flavor experience. Crafting your limoncello using picked lemons and permitting it to mature will result in a deeper and more subtle citrus profile compared to what you can find in stores. Not only will this heighten the presence of limoncello in your cake. It will also add a unique hint that mirrors your personal touch. Remember, the secret, behind a limoncello cake lies in the quality and character of the limoncello you desire to use.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this cake without limoncello?
Sure you can replace the limoncello with lemon juice or a syrup that has a lemon flavor.
Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
Technically you can use ricotta cheese but the cake gets its indulgent and creamy texture, from full-fat ricotta.
How do I store this cake?
To keep it fresh you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for, up to 2 days. Refrigerate it for an extended shelf life.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Limoncello Ricotta Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- Flour cooking spray
- 1½ c cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 c white sugar
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese at room temperature
- ½ c olive oil
- ¼ c limoncello
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Icing:
- 1 c powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp limoncello
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ tsp fresh lemon zest or to taste
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Apply a flour-based baking spray on a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl sift 1½ cups of cake flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- In a bowl beat 3 eggs and 1 cup of sugar until they become light and fluffy ( for about 5 to 7 minutes).
- Add in 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, ½ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of limoncello liqueur along, with 2 tablespoons each of lemon zest and lemon juice. Also mix in one teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in half of the flour mixture first. Then add the remaining half until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan.
- Bake for around 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for approximately 30 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool
For icing:
- Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons limoncello liqueur.
- Add 1 tablespoon heavy cream, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Half a teaspoon each of lemon zest and salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Take the cooled cake. Pour the icing, over it.
- Now you can savor your delicious Limoncello Ricotta Cake.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
12 Responses
I am looking forward to trying it, just came out of the oven. Are you sure about the cooking time? Mine, at 350, was done in 35 minutes. Glad I was watching it.
I hope she answers as I would like to know too before I bake it.
Hi Susan, thanks for your patience. Paula was right; the baking time should be around 35 minutes at 350°F. I’ll update the recipe to reflect this. Thank you for your attention and happy baking! 😊🍰
Thanks so much!
You’re right, Paula. I made a mistake. I’ll update the recipe to reflect the correct cooking time. Thank you for your attention! 😊🍋🍰
Can the cake be made ahead and frozen?
Yes, the Limoncello Ricotta Cake can be made ahead and frozen! Here are some tips to ensure the best results:
Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely after baking. This prevents condensation from forming and helps maintain its texture.
Wrapping: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, to protect it from freezer burn and preserve its flavor.
Freezing: Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag to ensure it stays fresh. Label it with the date for easy reference.
Thawing: To thaw, move the cake to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. This helps maintain its moist texture.
Icing: If you’re planning to freeze the cake, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving. Prepare the glaze fresh and drizzle it over the cake once it has thawed completely.
Freezing the cake won’t compromise its delicious flavor and creamy texture, making it a convenient option for preparing ahead of time. Enjoy your delightful dessert whenever you’re ready to indulge!
I just made this cake per your instructions. I just wondering if a lumpy batter is usual? It said to fold just u til combined, which I did, but, am concerned about the lumpy batter
Hi Cynthia! A slightly lumpy batter can be normal with this recipe due to the ricotta cheese, which tends to create some texture. As long as the lumps are from the ricotta and not unmixed flour, you should be fine. Folding the batter until just combined helps keep the cake light and fluffy. Your cake should still turn out delicious! Let me know how it comes out!
I gave this a 5 star rating because the ingredients sound wonderful. I will definitely make this. I am wondering about the glaze though. The photo has a white glazed top and a lemony color glaze/sauce dripping down the cake. Are those two different glazes? I did not see it referenced in the recipe.
Is it possible to make this in a bread pan?
Hi Amanda! 😊
Yes, you can definitely make this Limoncello Ricotta Cake in a bread pan! A standard 9×5-inch bread pan should work well. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a bit longer than the 35 minutes listed for the springform pan. I’d start checking around the 40-minute mark, using a toothpick to see if it comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Hope it turns out amazing! Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear how it works in a bread pan! 🍋