Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe

Calling all chocoholics and ricotta lovers (or maybe you’re both, like me!) This recipe is about to become your new favourite. We all have those days when a regular cake just won’t cut it. It would be best if you had something special that combines rich, decadent flavours with a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Well, fret no more because this Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake is here to satisfy all your cake cravings.

What Is Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake?

Chocolate chip ricotta cake is a delicious dessert made with ricotta cheese, and chocolate chips, and typically flavoured with vanilla. It’s a moist and dense cake with a slightly tangy flavour from the ricotta cheese. The chocolate chips add sweetness and richness to the cake, making it a delightful treat for chocolate lovers. It can be served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an extra sweetness. Some recipes also include citrus zest or other flavourings to enhance the taste further.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled for accuracy, trust me!)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (because creaming softened butter is the foundation of a good cake!)
• 1 ¼ cups sugar (granulated sugar adds the perfect sweetness)
• 1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese (use the full-fat stuff for the best flavour and texture)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature eggs will mix better)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for an extra touch of deliciousness)

Chocolatey Bits:

• 1 ¼ cups mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or a mix)

Instructions

1. Preheat for Perfection: Start your oven by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly.
2. Prep the Pan: Grease and flour a springform pan. This will prevent any sticking disasters and make cake removal a breeze.
3. Whisk the Dry: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Just whisk until combined – no need for an arm workout!
4. Creaming Dream Team: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (or get ready for some whisking!), cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, making the cake rise beautifully.
5. Ricotta Love: Add the ricotta cheese to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
6. Egg-cellent Additions: One at a time, beat in the eggs, and scrape down the bowl after each addition. This ensures a smooth and even batter.
7. Vanilla Magic: Stir in the vanilla extract for that wonderful flavour boost.
8. Dry Meets Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing quickly until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are okay!
9. Chocolate Chip Fun: Fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula. Be gentle so you don’t deflate the batter, but make sure the chips are evenly distributed.
10. Baking Time! Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
11. Cooling Down: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here – resist the urge to dig in right away.

Tips For Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and ricotta cheese, ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Stop mixing once you’ve incorporated the dry ingredients! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
• Quality Chocolate Chips: Splurge on high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavour payoff.
• Warm Serving Suggestion: For an extra decadent treat, slightly warm a slice of cake in the microwave and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pure bliss!

What To Serve With

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A timeless duo! The creamy coolness of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the rich, moist texture of the cake. Try using brown butter or cinnamon ice cream for an extra flavour boost.
• Whipped Cream: A lighter option compared to ice cream, whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and a delightful airy texture. Consider flavoured whipped cream options like vanilla, chocolate, or even a hint of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Fresh Berries: A refreshing and healthy option, fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a pop of colour, tartness, and juicy sweetness to the cake. You can serve them on the side or fold them gently into the whipped cream for a delightful swirl.
• Fruit Compote: A homemade or store-bought fruit compote made with seasonal fruits like cherries, peaches, or plums adds a vibrant touch and a burst of flavour. Drizzle it over the cake slices for a beautiful presentation.
• Chocolate Sauce: Take the chocolate factor up by drizzling a warm chocolate sauce over the cake. You can make a simple sauce from melted chocolate and heavy cream or get creative with flavoured options like mint or raspberry chocolate sauce.
• Caramel Sauce: A decadent drizzle of caramel sauce adds a touch of richness and complexity to the cake. You can buy pre-made caramel sauce or make your own for a truly impressive dessert.
• Spiced Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds adds a delightful textural contrast and a nutty flavour dimension to the cake. Consider toasting the nuts with a hint of cinnamon or brown sugar for an extra flavour boost.
• Chocolate Ganache: For an extra decadent presentation, frost the cooled cake with a simple chocolate ganache made from melted chocolate and heavy cream. This will transform the cake into a showstopping centrepiece.

Health Benefits Of Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

• Compared to other dessert ingredients like butter or cream cheese, ricotta cheese offers a bit more protein and calcium. Ricotta is a whey cheese, which means it’s made from the leftover whey after cheese curds are separated from milk. This whey contains some protein, and ricotta cheese retains a small amount during processing.
• Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Pair it with Fruit: Serving your cake with fresh berries or a homemade fruit compote adds a dose of vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre to your dessert.
• Smaller Slices: Portion control is key. Opt for a smaller slice of cake and enjoy it mindfully rather than going for a second helping.

Final Thoughts 

So, there you have it! This chocolate chip ricotta cake is a delicious twist on a classic. It’s moist, tender, and packed with melty chocolate chips, making it perfect for afternoon tea, a special occasion, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. The ricotta cheese adds a lovely richness and keeps the cake incredibly moist.

[penci_recipe]