There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic coffee cake, and when we add ricotta cheese to the mix, it takes the texture and flavor to a whole new level. This Ricotta Cheese Coffee Cake recipe gives us a moist tender crumb with a subtle richness that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea.
Originating from Italian baking traditions ricotta adds a creamy lightness that keeps the cake soft while enhancing its taste. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or a special occasion this cake is sure to impress with its delicate balance of sweetness and tang.
We love how easy it is to whip up and how versatile it can be—with a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping or fresh fruit it becomes a delightful treat any time of day. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will soon become a favorite in our baking repertoire.
Ingredients
To create our Ricotta Cheese Coffee Cake with the perfect balance of moisture and flavor, let’s gather the essential ingredients. We categorize them into dry, wet, and topping components to streamline the preparation.
Dry Ingredients
We rely on carefully measured dry ingredients to achieve the cake’s tender crumb and subtle sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for subtle warmth)
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients, led by creamy ricotta cheese, bring richness and moisture, making this coffee cake uniquely luscious.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, whole milk preferred
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
Topping Ingredients
Our optional but highly recommended topping adds a delightful crunch and complements the cake’s softness perfectly.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Sweetness and caramelization |
| All-purpose flour | ⅓ cup | Texture base for streusel |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup, cold diced | Creates crumbly topping |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Adds warm aromatic spice |
| Chopped walnuts or pecans | ½ cup (optional) | Adds crunch and nuttiness |
“The cinnamon streusel topping elevates the flavor profile, making every bite a perfect match with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.”
With these ingredients in hand, we’re ready to bring our Ricotta Cheese Coffee Cake to life—rich, moist, and irresistibly tender.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Ricotta Cheese Coffee Cake, having the right equipment on hand is essential. Each tool ensures precision and ease during the preparation and baking process. Below we list the must-have equipment, highlighting why they matter for achieving that moist, tender crumb and delightful texture.
Essential Baking Tools
- Mixing Bowls: Use large and medium-sized bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients separately. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best for thorough mixing.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: This speeds up blending the ricotta cheese with eggs, sugar, and butter, ensuring a smooth batter without lumps.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key; use dry and liquid measuring tools to measure ingredients like flour, sugar, and milk accurately.
- Rubber or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for folding in delicate ingredients like ricotta without deflating the batter.
- Whisk: Useful for mixing dry ingredients evenly and incorporating air for a lighter cake.
- 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: The ideal size to bake the coffee cake evenly. Grease or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cooling Rack: Allow the cake to cool evenly and avoid sogginess at the base.
Optional But Helpful
- Food Processor or Pastry Cutter: For making a tender cinnamon streusel topping by cutting cold butter into the flour and sugar evenly.
- Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps to remove lumps from flour and enhances even baking.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check doneness by inserting into the center of the cake.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Separate dry and wet ingredient mixing |
| Electric Mixer | Smooth and thorough blending of ricotta and batter |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Precise ingredient measurements |
| Rubber or Silicone Spatula | Gentle folding of ingredients without deflating |
| Whisk | Even dry ingredient mixing and aeration |
| 9×13-Inch Baking Pan | Perfect shape and size for baking |
| Cooling Rack | Even cake cooling to prevent sogginess |
| Food Processor (Optional) | Making crumbly streusel topping |
| Sifter (Optional) | Sift flour and spices evenly |
| Toothpick or Cake Tester | Test cake doneness |
Having this equipment ready will streamline our process and help guarantee the success of our Ricotta Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe. Next, we’ll move to assembling our ingredients and putting everything together to bake this tender delight.
Prep Work
Before we start mixing our Ricotta Cheese Coffee Cake, let’s ensure everything is perfectly prepared to achieve the best texture and flavor. Proper preparation sets the foundation for a moist and tender cake every time.
Preparing the Pan
We recommend using a 9×13-inch baking pan for this recipe. To prevent sticking and promote even baking:
- Lightly grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- For extra assurance, dust the pan with a thin layer of flour, shaking out any excess.
- Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy cake removal.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature while we prepare the batter. A properly preheated oven helps bake the cake evenly with a golden crust.
Preparing the Ricotta Mixture
The ricotta mixture is the heart of our coffee cake’s moistness and tender crumb. Follow these steps carefully:
| Step | Action | Details and Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soften ricotta cheese | Use room temperature ricotta for easy mixing |
| 2 | Combine wet ingredients | Beat ricotta with eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth |
| 3 | Add milk or buttermilk | Incorporate to enhance moisture and subtle tang |
| 4 | Mix gently | Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture |
“Using creamy, room temperature ricotta ensures seamless blending and a luxurious cake crumb.”
Directions
Follow these precise steps to create our moist and tender Ricotta Cheese Coffee Cake that elevates your coffee time with every bite.
Making the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate bowl, blend the wet ingredients by beating room temperature ricotta cheese until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk or buttermilk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula to preserve the batter’s light texture.
- Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender cake crumb.
Preparing the Topping
- Combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Cut in cold diced butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in optional chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Keep the topping mixture chilled until ready to use to maintain its crumbly texture.
Assembling the Cake
- Grease the 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
- For extra ease, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- Pour half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle half of the topping mixture evenly over the batter.
- Layer the remaining batter on top and spread evenly.
- Finish by sprinkling the rest of the topping mixture over the top to create a delicious streusel layer.
Baking Instructions
| Step | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 350°F (175°C) | – | Ensure oven is fully heated |
| Bake the assembled cake | 350°F (175°C) | 40-45 minutes | Insert toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean |
- Place the pan on the center oven rack for even heat distribution.
- Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; moist crumbs are fine but no wet batter.
- If the topping browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes.
Cooling and Serving
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan on a cooling rack for 15 minutes.
- Use the parchment overhang to carefully lift the cake out of the pan onto the rack.
- Cool completely for best slicing results and texture.
- Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and moist texture of our Ricotta Cheese Coffee Cake. Follow these guidelines to keep your cake delicious for days:
- Cool Completely
Before storing, allow the coffee cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
- Short-Term Storage (1-2 Days)
Keep the cake at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps the texture tender while preserving flavor.
- Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days)
To extend freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container. Because ricotta cheese is a dairy product, refrigeration slows spoilage. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
- Freezing (Up to 3 Months)
Wrap the coffee cake securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slightly in the oven or microwave.
| Storage Method | Container Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight container | 1-2 days | Keeps cake tender and moist |
| Refrigeration | Airtight container | Up to 5 days | Slows spoilage; bring to room temp before serving |
| Freezing | Wrapped plastic & foil | Up to 3 months | Thaw slowly; reheat gently for best texture |
“The key to preserving that signature moistness of the ricotta cheese coffee cake is airtight storage and avoiding exposure to moisture or heat.“
By following these Storage Tips, we’ll enjoy our Ricotta Cheese Coffee Cake at its finest anytime.
Conclusion
This ricotta cheese coffee cake brings a fresh twist to a beloved classic, delivering a moist and tender treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for bakers of all levels, while the option to customize toppings lets us tailor it to our tastes.
With the right preparation and storage, we can enjoy this cake’s delightful texture and flavor long after it’s baked. Whether for a cozy morning or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in our baking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ricotta cheese coffee cake different from regular coffee cake?
Ricotta cheese coffee cake is moister and more tender than regular coffee cake due to the creamy ricotta, which adds richness and a subtle creaminess to the texture.
Can I use any type of ricotta cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole milk or part-skim ricotta cheese. Whole milk ricotta will make the cake richer, while part-skim is lighter but still moist.
What size baking pan should I use for this ricotta coffee cake?
A 9×13-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe to ensure even baking and the perfect thickness of the cake.
Can I make variations of the topping?
Absolutely! You can add cinnamon streusel, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit to customize the flavor and texture of the topping.
How should I store leftover ricotta coffee cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for 1-2 days, in the fridge up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk in this recipe?
Yes, buttermilk can be used to add a slight tang and help tenderize the cake, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Do I need any special equipment to bake this cake?
Basic kitchen tools such as mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a spatula, whisk, and a 9×13-inch pan are needed. Optional tools like a sifter or cake tester can help perfect the cake.
How do I know when the ricotta coffee cake is done baking?
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.