Description
This Chocolate Ricotta Layer Cake is supremely moist, deeply chocolaty, and layered with rich, creamy chocolate ricotta frosting. The secret? Whole milk ricotta cheese, which gives every bite a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want a dessert that feels a little extra special.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Ricotta Cake:
2 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (not packed!)
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot water
For the Chocolate Ricotta Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
3 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Instructions
To Make the Cake:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, mix eggs, egg yolk, ricotta, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
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Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until combined.
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Pour in the hot water and mix until smooth. (Batter will be thin!)
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Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
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Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To Make the Frosting:
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Cream butter until smooth, about 3 minutes.
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On low speed, gradually add sifted sugar and cocoa.
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Add vanilla, salt, and ricotta. Beat on medium speed for 3 more minutes.
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Adjust thickness with extra sugar or ricotta as needed.
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Frost cooled cakes as desired and serve!
Notes
Batter will be very thin—this is normal!
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
Cake layers can be baked ahead and frozen.
Mascarpone or Greek yogurt can be used in place of ricotta.
For a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes (1 hour (cooling & frosting))
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 48g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg