This cake is simply delicious, light and moist, unassuming and satisfying. It’s good for breakfast, it’s good for a light dessert, and it’s good for an afternoon tea or snack. It’s good for company, it’s good for a family treat, and it’s good for just honoring the fact that you are alive, it’s Summer, and having something completely homemade with fresh fruit is the right thing to do.
The original recipe is from Epicurious, which called for using frozen berries. I’ve only ever made this with fresh raspberries, so that is reflected in the recipe below. Others have made this cake with blackberries, blueberries, pitted and halved cherries, diced mango, and *gasp* chocolate chips.
Not being a ricotta lover, I wouldn’t have made this cake if weren’t made for me at a Cookbook Club retreat a few years ago. I loved it, the ricotta wasn’t overwhelming and is important to the character of this cake. The ricotta keeps the cake moist and light, and allows it to stay moist for two days or more.
If there are any leftover slices, wrap and freeze for an on-demand treat later on.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (188 grams)
1 cup sugar (198 grams)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
15 oz carton ricotta
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup raspberries (6 oz carton) divided use (can substitute blueberries, cherries, blackberries, small chunks of mango, or even, *gasp*, chocolate chips) Ok to add a few extra berries on top of batter.
Zest of 1 small lemon (OK to sub lime or orange zest)
Approx. 1 teaspoon white sugar, vanilla sugar, coarse sugar, or raw sugar, optional
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Line a 9″-diameter cake pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
- With an electric mixer, whisk eggs, ricotta, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Stir in dry ingredients, whisk just until blended.
- Stir in butter just until combined.
- By hand, fold 3/4 cup raspberries (or other fruit), taking care not to crush berries.
- Fold in zest.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and scatter remaining 1/4 cup raspberries (or other fruit) over top (OK to add more berries to make a pleasing design on top.)
- Sprinkle a small amount of sugar, vanilla sugar, or raw sugar on top of cake.
- Bake cake until golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 50–60 minutes. Let cool at least 20 minutes before unmolding.
- If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Do ahead: Cake can be made 2 days ahead. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.
Easy and tasty!