Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe For Moist, Fluffy Perfection

If you’re searching for a coffee cake recipe that feels both indulgent and wonderfully moist, then this Ricotta Coffee Cake recipe is exactly what you need. Unlike traditional coffee cakes that lean heavily on butter or sour cream, ricotta cheese adds a subtle creaminess and a tender crumb that makes each bite melt in your mouth.

The slight tanginess of ricotta perfectly balances the sweet cinnamon-sugar streusel topping, creating an irresistible combination that pairs beautifully with your morning brew or afternoon tea.

This coffee cake doesn’t just taste amazing; it’s also surprisingly easy to make, perfect for weekend brunches, casual gatherings, or even a comforting treat for yourself. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a bakery-quality cake ready in no time.

Plus, it keeps well for leftovers, so you can enjoy it for days. Let’s dive into why this ricotta coffee cake might just become your new favorite baking project!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ricotta Coffee Cake stands out because it combines the best of both worlds: a light, fluffy texture with rich, creamy undertones. Ricotta cheese adds moisture without weighing the cake down, resulting in a tender crumb that’s perfect with a hot cup of coffee.

The cinnamon-sugar streusel topping provides a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. It’s a comforting flavor profile that feels classic yet fresh, making it an ideal choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are pantry staples for most home bakers, and the method is straightforward without complicated techniques.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this coffee cake is a joy to make and even more satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta is best for creaminess)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for a fresh citrus note)
• For the streusel topping:
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Equipment

• 9-inch round or square baking pan
• Mixing bowls (at least two)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Food processor or pastry cutter (for streusel, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside in the refrigerator to keep cool.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
4. Combine the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the ricotta, granulated sugar, and eggs with a mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing just until combined.
5. Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently, folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
6. Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
7. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter layer.
8. Pour the remaining batter over the streusel and smooth the top gently.
9. Top with the remaining streusel, distributing it evenly for a crunchy top layer.
10. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
11. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake set and makes cutting easier.

Tips & Variations

For the best ricotta, choose a high-quality whole milk version — it makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor!

If you prefer, you can add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor.

For a fruity twist, swirl in some fresh berries or chopped apples into the batter before adding the streusel. Blueberries or diced apples complement the ricotta beautifully.

Want to make this cake dairy-free? Substitute the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta alternative and use vegan butter.

Though the texture will differ slightly, the cake remains delicious.

Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for an enhanced coffee flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon streusel.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This ricotta coffee cake is perfect served warm or at room temperature. Pair it with your favorite morning coffee or a latte for a cozy breakfast.

For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait. It also makes a delightful afternoon snack paired with herbal tea or a mocha.

Leftovers can be toasted lightly and topped with a smear of butter or honey for an easy treat. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for a more decadent dessert option.

Conclusion

This Ricotta Coffee Cake recipe is a wonderful addition to any baker’s repertoire. Its tender crumb and rich, creamy flavor make it a comforting yet elegant choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning alone or sharing with friends and family, this cake never fails to impress.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The versatile recipe also invites creativity with add-ins like nuts, fruit, or espresso, so you can make it your own.

For more delicious and easy recipes to try, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Happy baking!

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