Chances are you like ricotta. And chances are you mainly enjoy it with pasta.
But have you tried it in cake?
Yes? Then you know the treat you’re in for.
No? Get ready…
This lemon cake, which starts with a box mix (you read that right) and ends with a layer of creamy sweetened lemon scented ricotta, will answer all your prayers for a quick dessert that tastes like you spent. some. time.
This recipe was a gift I received a long time ago from an Italian cooking class I took as a very young lady. Like early 30’s young lady…Oh my.
It’s a recipe that the chef prepared for a lot of people – for many years – which means it has stood the test of time.
She fed a lot of happy full noisy people who clamored for something a little sweet at the end of their big dinner. A meal that likely included antipasti, a cup of minestrone, a couple glasses of wine, a bowl of gnocchi and a side of beef braciole.
This lovely lemon ricotta cake in all its light tender splendor was a typical offering.
And along with its pleasing flavor it’s a dessert that can be prepared in the time it takes to set the table, pour the wine, fluff your hair and apply your lipstick. Lip gloss. Lip stain..whatever we’re calling it these days.
The point is… It’s delectable. It’s quick. And it’s easy.
I enjoyed my piece with a nice cup of strong black coffee. Mmmm. But it would be just as lovely with a steaming cup of tea or a spot of Sambuca.
Buon Appetito!
Print
Lemon Ricotta Cake
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 lemon cake mix
- 1 lb. ricotta
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. lemon extract
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Confectioners’ sugar to sprinkle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Grease and flour a glass 9 x 13 pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare lemon cake as directed on box.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, using a hand mixer, combine the ricotta, sugar, eggs, and both extracts.
- Pour the cake batter into the pan then pour the ricotta mixture over top.
- Bake for 45 – 55 minutes (depending on your oven). Check that it’s finished using a toothpick.
- Allow cake to cool.
- Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
- Serve.
Ciao!
Hi Annie, So can I mix the ricotta in with the batter or would it be better to have that layer?
Thanks, making it today for Easter.
Want to make this to drop off at my cousin’s for their Thanksgiving. Can I make it the night before and leave at room temp? Or do I refrigerate? Not sure I have time to make it that same morning.
Hi Linda, I’m sorry I am just seeing this… I hope you did make it the night before – and it was fine – because that would be fine. Thanks for your question. 🙂
what would happen if i mixed the ricotta mixture in w/cake mix ingredients
This is music to my ears! Thanks, Lisa!!
Hi! I had this cake at my Aunt’s recently and it was delicious! I’m making it for some friends and was wondering if you could convert the ricotta 1 lb to cups for me. I was searching on the internet but came up with different answers. Thank you!!
Paula
That’s wonderful! So happy you guys enjoyed it! The exact measure would be 1.85 cups, so, a little less than two cups. If you use 2 cups minus a couple tablespoons, you should be fine. Good luck! Have fun! 🙂
This looks so easy and super delicious! I always think chocolate and heavy desserts this time of the year but if I’m serving a heavy dinner this will be the perfect go-to light and satisfying one. Pinned. 🙂
I agree…we definitely lean more toward heavier desserts this time of year, so this cake, being a nice light alternative, is always a hit. Thanks for stopping by Tina!
I love lemon bars but I have never tried a lemon cake!!! this looks so delicious, I need to try this 😉
Thank you Michele!!
I love a lemon cake and ricotta must make a wonderful addition – light and fluffy. Easy cakes are the best – definitely trying this one soon! Thanks, Annie.
Thank you Geraldine! Enjoy!!
oh my gawd! I’ve seriously always wanted to try to make a ricotta cake!!! and your lemon ricotta cake looks SO fabulous!!! and it’s quick and easy?!!! I’m in! love this!
Yes, yes! Quick and easy and sooo moist! I think you’ll love it! Thanks Alice!
What size tub of ricotta am I buying
1 lb. of ricotta. Enjoy!