1. Lemon Ricotta Cake
This light and fluffy cake is bursting with bright, zesty flavor. The ricotta gives it a moist, tender crumb, while the lemon adds vibrant acidity. And with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and more lemon juice, it’s as pretty as it is .
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat in the lemon zest and juice.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the ricotta, and mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
2. Ricotta Cheesecake Bars
If you love traditional cheesecake but want something a bit easier to serve, these bars are the perfect solution. They have all the rich creaminess of cheesecake but in a more portable form. And with a graham cracker crust and a layer of raspberry jam on top, they’re a sweet and tangy delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
4. In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry jam over the filling and swirl gently with a knife.
8. Bake until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly, about 35-40 minutes.
9. Let cool completely in the pan, then chill for at least an hour before cutting into bars.
3. Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip variety. The ricotta adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, making them rich and creamy. And with a sprinkle of sea salt on top, they’re both sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the ricotta, and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Sprinkle each cookie lightly with sea salt.
9. Bake until the edges are golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion:
Ricotta desserts are a simple and delicious way to add a little extra flavor to your favorite treats. Whether you prefer bright and zesty lemon cake, creamy and fruity cheesecake bars, or rich and indulgent chocolate chip cookies, there’s a recipe out there that’s sure to please. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, consider reaching for a tub of ricotta cheese and whipping up something new and delicious.