Name: Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489893H18M14S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (Optional to enhance chocolate flavor.); 1 cup unsalted butter (Must be at room temperature.); 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs (Use room temperature for best results.); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese (Avoid low-fat versions.); 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (Substitute with dark or milk chocolate if desired.); 1 cup powdered sugar (For dusting.); 1 cup whipped cream (Great for serving.); 1/2 cup caramel sauce (For drizzling.)

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If you love moist, tender cakes bursting with rich flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe. This cake perfectly balances the creamy tang of ricotta with the sweet surprise of melty chocolate chips in every bite. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, it’s one of those recipes that feels both comforting and a little special, the kind you’ll want to share with friends or savor over a cozy afternoon coffee. Get ready to discover how easy it is to bake a cake with a delightfully soft crumb and a hint of Italian charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, including a white bowl filled with light yellow ricotta cheese placed at the top center, a white bowl with dark chocolate chips on the left, a white bowl with granulated white sugar in the center, and a white bowl of all-purpose flour with a small heap in the middle at the bottom left. To the right, there is a white bowl holding three brown eggs near the center right, and a small bowl with white powdered sugar and a small white egg on top to its lower right. A small wooden bowl with salt sits near the bottom left, next to a small dish of vanilla extract, while a white plate with three cubes of yellow butter is placed at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For a cake this delicious, you don’t need a complicated list. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, rich flavor, and beautiful color that makes this Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe so irresistible.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, ensuring structure and softness; replace with gluten-free flour blend if needed.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise light and fluffy without any heaviness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create a tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 cup unsalted butter: At room temperature, it creamily binds ingredients and adds richness.
1.5 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering.
3 large eggs: Room temperature eggs emulsify the batter, adding moisture and binding everything beautifully.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, inviting flavor that complements the ricotta and chocolate.
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese: The star ingredient, giving the cake its incredible moistness and subtle tang.
1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter silky smooth and easy to mix.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into little pockets of joy throughout the cake; swap in your favorite chocolate type if you wish.
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional): Adds a subtle depth to enhance the chocolate flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar: For a beautiful dusting just before serving.
1 cup whipped cream: Perfect for serving alongside for a light, creamy contrast.
1/2 cup caramel sauce: For drizzling to add a luscious, sweet finish.

How to Make Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or springform pan thoroughly so your cake bakes evenly and releases easily after baking. This small step ensures a beautiful cake shape with no sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process creates tiny air pockets in the batter, essential for a delicate cake crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. After all eggs are added, mix in the vanilla extract. Using room temperature eggs helps everything blend smoothly for a uniform batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and if you like, the instant espresso powder. This even distribution creates a balanced rise and enhances the cake’s flavor complexity.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture. Then, carefully fold in the ricotta and milk until just blended. This step is crucial: overmixing can make the cake tough, so fold carefully to maintain that soft texture.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. These chips will melt a bit during baking to add delightful chocolate bursts with every slice.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with a comforting, chocolaty aroma that’s hard to resist.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Let the cake cool briefly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Just before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar. This sweet touch adds a delicate finish that makes the cake look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe

A slice of creamy cheesecake with an even layer of crumbly brown crust at the bottom, a thick white cheese layer mixed with small dark chocolate chips and orange bits in the middle, and a smooth white top dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The top is decorated with larger dark chocolate chips scattered around and a fresh, bright orange slice placed near the back edge of the slice. The cheesecake sits on a white plate with a subtle pattern, with a vintage golden fork resting beside it on a white marbled surface. In the background, the remaining cheesecake can be seen slightly blurred on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can get playful. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce elevates the presentation and adds extra layers of flavor that complement the cake’s richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with seasonal fresh berries or a lightly brewed cup of coffee or tea. The berries cut through the richness with their natural tartness, creating a balanced experience that feels indulgent but fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving slices on rustic wooden boards with small ramekins of extra chocolate chips, caramel, or whipped cream adds a charming touch. For a party, serve mini slices with a scoop of gelato on top — every bite turns into a decadent Italian-inspired treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cake retains its moist texture beautifully when wrapped tightly or covered, making it perfect for enjoying the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delightful cake longer, freeze it in slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture recovery before serving.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or briefly in a low-temperature oven. This brings back the softness and makes the chocolate chips ooze just a little again, recapturing that freshly baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese in this cake?

For the best moist texture and flavor, whole-milk ricotta is recommended. Low-fat versions can make the cake less rich and slightly drier.

What can I substitute for the instant espresso powder?

If you don’t have espresso powder, you can leave it out or replace it with a small amount of strong brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate notes subtly.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Can this Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe be made dairy-free?

With some adaptations like using dairy-free ricotta substitutes and non-dairy milk, you can make a version of this cake suitable for dairy-free diets, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe is a wonderful discovery for anyone who loves a cake that’s both simple to make and a delight to eat. The creamy ricotta with chocolate chips tucked inside makes it uniquely delicious and perfect for sharing or indulging just for yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you do, it might just become your new favorite go-to dessert.