Description
A zesty, creamy dessert that combines tangy lemon, velvety ricotta, and a light, airy cake base. Perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or a quiet night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 cup water (for cake mix, per package instructions)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for cake mix, per package instructions)
- 3 large eggs (for cake mix, per package instructions)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the lemon cake batter according to the package instructions and pour it evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 eggs, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the cake batter. Do not mix; the layers will separate during baking.
- Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the whipped topping.
- In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with lemon zest for garnish.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
For best results, use whole milk ricotta and fresh lemons. Let the cake chill for at least an hour before slicing. If your ricotta is watery, drain it in a mesh strainer for 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Lemon Ricotta Cake, Italian Dessert, Easy Cake Recipe, Lemon Cake, Ricotta Love Cake