Name: Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced thinly; 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup (250g) fresh, full-fat ricotta; ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil; ¾ cup (150g) sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 Tablespoon lemon zest, freshly grated (optional); 2 large eggs; 1 ½ cup (180g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 Tablespoon (15g) butter, diced; 2 Tablespoons sugar, for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 85 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a comforting dessert that perfectly balances freshness and richness, I have just the thing for you! This Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe brings together tender, juicy apples and creamy ricotta in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Each bite surprises you with moist crumb, fruity brightness, and a subtle citrusy zing from lemon zest. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family gathering or a casual afternoon treat, this cake never fails to bring smiles and warm hugs around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round apple cake with one slice being lifted by a silver spatula on the right side. The cake has a golden-brown crust and a top layer of thinly sliced pale yellow apple pieces arranged in a spiral pattern. The cake sits on a white plate with a beige rim on a white marbled surface. There are two light red and yellow apples near the cake on the surface, and a few small white flowers placed on the cake’s center. A slice of the cake is on a white plate with a beige rim at the bottom right, showing a moist, light yellow inside with apple slices on top. A woman's hand is not visible but the spatula is carefully holding the slice. The setting includes a small wooden spoon with sugar and other cutlery scattered around, all on the white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe plays its unique role in creating a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning cake. The combination is simple but essential, ensuring the cake’s tender crumb, fruity aroma, and light sweetness.

3 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced thinly: These give the cake natural sweetness and juicy texture, plus freshness in every bite.
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter enriches the apple slices, adding a subtle silkiness and enhancing the flavor.
1 cup fresh, full-fat ricotta: This creamy cheese is the star that makes the cake moist and tender without heaviness.
⅓ cup olive oil: Olive oil adds moistness while lending a delicate fruity note to the cake.
¾ cup sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten while allowing the apples and ricotta to shine.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A fragrant touch that harmonizes all other flavors beautifully.
1 Tablespoon lemon zest (optional): Adds a fresh citrus zing that brightens the richness.
2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and help the cake rise to a perfect crumb.
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour: The base structure for this cake’s light texture.
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle lift.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Enhances the rise and tenderness.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and accentuates flavors.
1 Tablespoon butter, diced: Placed on top for a touch of richness and golden color during baking.
2 Tablespoons sugar (for dusting): Creates a sweet, slightly crunchy crust on the finished cake.

How to Make Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), which ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly. This pan is great for cakes like this because it helps with even baking and easy removal, so your beautiful Apple Ricotta Cake comes out without a fuss.

Step 2: Toss Apples with Butter

Place all the thinly sliced apples into a large bowl and toss them with the melted butter. This step is crucial because it coats the apples, locking in moisture and encouraging caramelization while baking. Set this aside while you mix up the batter.

Step 3: Mix Ricotta, Oil, Sugar, and Eggs

In another large bowl, whisk together ricotta, olive oil, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth and combined. Then add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition so the batter becomes smooth, creamy, and perfectly aerated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt over your wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want a tender crumb. Then fold in two thirds of your apples, saving the rest for a beautiful apple rose topping.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly. Arrange the remaining apple slices on top in an elegant rose pattern—it will look stunning once baked! Dot with the diced butter and dust the surface with sugar; these little touches create a delicious golden finish and a slight crunch.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, checking with a toothpick towards the end to ensure it comes out clean. A perfectly baked Apple Ricotta Cake has a delicate golden crust and a moist center. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully releasing the springform and transferring to a plate to cool completely.

How to Serve Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe

The image shows a thick slice of light yellow soft apple cake on a speckled white plate with a silver fork holding a small bite. The cake slice has a rough brown crust and is topped with thin, slightly browned apple slices arranged in a layered pattern. A small white flower sits on top of the cake slice as decoration. Behind, the rest of the cake sits on a similar speckled white plate, showing the same apple slice topping and a soft interior. The background is a white marbled texture with blurred green apples and silver spoons. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the serving experience, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream beside each slice. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted almonds also make wonderful garnishes that add color and texture.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence. For a lighter touch, a bowl of fresh berries or a citrus salad complements the apple’s sweetness magnificently.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake on a rustic wooden board for a casual yet inviting look or place individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a fresh apple slice garnish. For brunch, pair slices with a hot cup of chai or coffee to turn it into a real crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days. This will keep the cake moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and taste.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. Just be sure not to overheat so the ricotta stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness. Feel free to experiment with your favorite variety.

Is full-fat ricotta necessary for the cake?

Full-fat ricotta provides the richest flavor and best texture, but you can use lower fat versions if needed. Just know the cake might be a bit less moist and creamy.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

A regular 9-inch cake pan will work too. Just remember to grease and line it well with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients adds a lovely warmth that complements the apples perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe quickly became one of my all-time favorites because it balances simplicity with sophistication in every bite. The blend of fresh apples and creamy ricotta creates a cake that feels both homey and special. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s perfect for any occasion, cozy afternoon, or simply when you want a delicious dessert to share with the people you love.