Description
Italian Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake is a soft, moist, and elegant dessert that feels special without being difficult to make. This easy recipe combines creamy ricotta, mini chocolate chips, and a tender cake crumb for one of those perfect dessert ideas that also fits brunch, holiday baking, and sweet snack moments. Whether you need an easy recipe for family gatherings, a make-ahead treat, or simply more homemade food ideas, this Italian cake brings classic flavor with a rich, bakery-style texture.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup mini chocolate chips, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting
1 cup whipped cream, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
6. Add the ricotta cheese and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
8. Fold in 1 cup mini chocolate chips.
9. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips over the top.
10. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and a tester comes out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Drain the ricotta for a few minutes if it seems very wet so the cake keeps its tender but structured crumb.
Do not overmix once the flour is added or the cake may turn dense instead of soft.
Let the cake cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar so the finish stays neat and pretty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Italian chocolate chip ricotta cake, ricotta cake, chocolate chip cake, easy dessert, dessert ideas, easy recipe, homemade cake, brunch cake, holiday dessert, food ideas