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Limoncello Ricotta Cake

Limoncello Ricotta Cake

Emily
A light and moist Italian cake featuring creamy ricotta cheese and bright limoncello liqueur. Perfect for summer gatherings or elegant dinner parties.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 slices
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Microplane zester
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup limoncello liqueur
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest about 2 large lemons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
  • 3 tablespoons limoncello liqueur for glaze
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream for glaze
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice for glaze
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest for glaze
  • 1 pinch salt for glaze

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with flour-based baking spray and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 5-7 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale yellow in color.
  • Add ricotta cheese, olive oil, limoncello, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
  • Gently fold in half of the flour mixture using a spatula. Add the remaining flour and fold until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
  • Pour batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  • Allow cake to cool in pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, limoncello, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with more limoncello if too thick.
  • Pour glaze over cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients are essential for proper emulsification and a light, fluffy texture.
  • Don't overmix once flour is added to prevent a dense, tough cake.
  • Cake can be made 1 day ahead; flavors improve as they meld.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Keyword Limoncello Ricotta Cake