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ingredients for lemon ricotta cake including lemons, ricotta, and olive oil in a mixing bowl

Lemon Ricotta Cake Recipe

Author: Yumna Jawad
419kcal
This Lemon Ricotta Cake uses ricotta, olive oil, fresh lemon zest, and simple pantry ingredients to make a soft, tender cake finished with powdered sugar.
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray (as needed)
  • 3 small lemons (zest and juice divided)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta
  • 3 eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar (for serving.)

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line an 8-inch round baking pan with parchment paper, then spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Add the lemon zest and sugar to a large bowl. Use your fingers to massage the zest into the sugar until it's fragrant and moist. Whisk in the lemon juice, olive oil, ricotta, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. To the same bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Let cool for about 20 minutes, then invert to remove from the pan and cool completely. Serve dusted with powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Calories 419kcal

Nutrition info is automatically calculated as an estimate — actual values may vary. Always check your ingredient labels for the most accurate results!

Notes

My Top Tip: Zest the lemon before you juice it. You’ll get the most fragrant oils from the zest if you do it before cutting the lemon.
Storage: Wrap the lemon ricotta cake tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll keep fresh at room temperature for 2–3 days. To extend its shelf life, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Store the lemon ricotta cake in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

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