Description
Italian Love Cake is a delightful homemade treat featuring a moist and tender crumb thanks to ricotta cheese and simple pantry staples. This easy-to-make cake combines the richness of ricotta with vanilla-scented batter and is finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for an afternoon tea or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preparation is key: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your chosen baking pan, whether rectangular or round, with butter or cooking spray to ensure the cake easily releases after baking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until they are fully combined and evenly distributed.
- Wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes frothy. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese, mixing until the batter is smooth without overmixing.
- Combine and create: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently and just until the mixture is combined to ensure a tender cake texture.
- Bake to perfection: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove or leave in the pan, dust the top generously with powdered sugar, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with almond milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- The cake is best enjoyed within 2 days but can be stored covered at room temperature.
- For a richer flavor, try adding lemon zest or a splash of almond extract.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness to avoid over baking.
