Immerse yourself in the delightful flavors of this Citrusy Orange Ricotta Cake, an exquisitely moist and tender cake infused with fresh orange zest and juice. Blended with creamy ricotta cheese, this cake offers a unique combination of rich texture and refreshing citrus notes, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This
The rich, creamy texture of ricotta provides a perfect contrast to the bright, zesty orange flavor that permeates this cake. Its subtle sweetness is elevated by a light dusting of powdered sugar, enhancing the natural citrusy sweetness without overpowering it. This cake is not just a treat for the palate but also for the senses, filling the kitchen with a delightful orange aroma as it bakes.
Perfect Occasion
This Orange Ricotta Cake is ideal for a range of celebrations, from casual brunches to more formal gatherings like dinner parties or festive occasions. Its elegant appearance and refreshing flavor profile make it a perfect spring or summer dessert, but it’s also comforting enough to brighten up a winter day.
Decoration Tips
For a beautiful and professional-looking finish, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar through a fine mesh sieve for an even coating. Garnish with additional orange zest or arrange thin orange slices in a circular pattern on top of the cake before serving. If you’re feeling extra creative, a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil can add a pop of color and a hint of complementary flavor.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (one and a half sticks)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from one large orange)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from one large orange)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (205 grams)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and dust it lightly with powdered sugar, setting it aside.
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the drained ricotta and continue to mix on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light and airy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla, orange zest, orange juice, baking soda, and salt, mixing well after each addition.
- Gently mix in the flour until just combined, taking care to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing the collar and base. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
- Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative touch.
Enjoy this Citrusy Orange Ricotta Cake as a perfect dessert that marries the richness of ricotta with the bright, fresh flavors of orange, sure to delight your guests and satisfy your dessert cravings!
