Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavors of lemon and blueberries with the creamy texture of ricotta cheese. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cake, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 1/3 cups fresh blueberries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Beat the Eggs and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Butter, Ricotta, and Sour Cream:
- Add the melted and cooled butter, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
- Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Add Lemon Zest and Blueberries
- Add Lemon Zest:
- Fold in the lemon zest until evenly distributed.
- Add Blueberries:
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter into Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it from the springform pan.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Serve the Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cake at room temperature, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Ricotta Cheese: Use full-fat ricotta cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best, but you can use frozen blueberries if fresh are not available. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
Variations:
- Gluten-Free Version:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Lemon Glaze:
- For added lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake.
- Mixed Berry Cake:
- Substitute half of the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
4. What can I serve with Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cake?
This cake pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
5. Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?
Yes, you can substitute the blueberries with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries.
Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, tangy lemon zest, and bursts of fresh blueberries, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just because, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give this Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Cake a try and enjoy a delightful and satisfying treat. Happy baking!