Name: Italian Chocolate Ricotta Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 ounces dark chocolate (52% cocoa), good quality; ½ cup + ½ tablespoon unsalted butter (softened) (120 grams total); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 large egg yolk (room temperature); ¾ cup + 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar (180 grams total); 1 cup pastry/cake flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt (if using unsalted butter, add ¼ teaspoon salt)

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Introduction

Indulge in the rich, velvety texture of this Italian Chocolate Ricotta Cake. Combining smooth ricotta cheese with dark chocolate, it’s a moist and tender dessert perfect for any occasion. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, this cake will quickly become a favorite.

A single slice of chocolate bundt cake is placed upright on a white plate, showing its dense, moist texture with a dark brown color. The cake slice is lightly dusted with powdered sugar, giving a soft white contrast on top and some crumbs around the base. Behind the slice, the rest of the bundt cake, also dusted with powdered sugar, stands on a white cake stand. To the side, there is a small metal sieve filled with powdered sugar resting on a white marbled surface. A small silver fork lies on the plate near the slice. The background has a soft, blurred neutral tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup ricotta cheese
6 ounces dark chocolate (good quality, about 52% cocoa)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
¾ cup + 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar (180 grams total)
½ cup + ½ tablespoon butter (softened) (120 grams total)
1 cup pastry or cake flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt (add ¼ teaspoon if using unsalted butter)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour an 8 or 9 inch (20-23 cm) round cake pan or a 7 inch (18 cm) bundt pan.
Step 2: Melt the butter and dark chocolate together using a bain-marie or microwave, then let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Pour the melted mixture into a mixing bowl, add the sugar, and beat well.
Step 4: Add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Step 5: Stir in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until combined.
Step 6: Sift in the flour and baking powder, then beat the batter until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Step 7: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
Let eggs and ricotta come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
For a subtle citrus twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.
If doubling the recipe, double all ingredients exactly and bake in a larger pan.
Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To enjoy, bring to room temperature before serving. You can reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.

How to Serve

A slice of chocolate bundt cake with a rich brown color and soft texture stands on a white round plate, dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. The slice reveals the cake's inner crumb, which is dense yet moist. Behind it, the remaining cake sits on a white pedestal cake stand, also dusted with powdered sugar, showing the same dark brown shade and smooth curved layers of the bundt shape. A small silver fork lies next to the slice, and a metal sieve with powdered sugar rests nearby on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of pastry flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the cake might be slightly denser. Pastry flour helps keep the texture light and tender.

Is it necessary to use ricotta cheese?

Ricotta gives this cake its unique moistness and creamy texture. While you can try cream cheese as a substitute, it will alter the flavor and texture somewhat.