Italian Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake | Soft & Moist Dessert Recipe
Warm, comforting desserts have a way of bringing people together, and Italian Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake is one of those timeless treats that instantly makes any gathering feel special. The combination of creamy ricotta, fragrant vanilla, and melty chocolate chips creates a cake that tastes luxurious yet incredibly simple. Every slice delivers a soft, moist crumb—thanks to the ricotta—that feels almost cheesecake-like but still maintains the lightness of a classic Italian breakfast cake.
Many Italian families serve this cake as an afternoon snack with coffee, while others enjoy it as a make-ahead dessert for holidays and celebrations. Its charm comes from pure ingredients and a texture that only improves as the cake rests. The ricotta adds richness without making the cake heavy, and the chocolate chips create delightful pockets of sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free dessert or a cozy treat to enjoy with espresso, Italian Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk ricotta cheese | 1 ½ cups | 480 kcal |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | 660 kcal |
| Sugar | 1 cup | 774 kcal |
| Eggs | 3 large | 210 kcal |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ½ cup | 810 kcal |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | 5 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Mini chocolate chips | 1 cup | 800 kcal |
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the ricotta until smooth.
Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and creamy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the ricotta mixture until a smooth batter forms.
4. Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
Reserve a small handful for sprinkling on top.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips over the surface.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing the springform ring.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled—each version tastes delicious in its own way.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Use citrus zest: Add lemon or orange zest for brightness.
- Try different chocolate: Swap mini chips for dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate.
- Make it gluten-free: Replace flour with a 1:1 GF baking blend.
- Add liqueur: A splash of amaretto or Marsala adds authentic Italian depth.
- Lighten it up: Use part-skim ricotta for fewer calories without losing creaminess.
- Add texture: Mix in chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~312 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look.
- Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or hot tea for an authentic Italian experience.
- Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato.
- Top with fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra-decadent dessert.
Italian Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake
Course: Recipes12 slices
servings10
minutes50
minutes312
kcalIngredients
IngredienttAmount
Whole milk ricotta cheeset1 ½ cups
All-purpose flourt1 ½ cups
Sugart1 cup
Eggst3 large
Unsalted butter, meltedt½ cup
Baking powdert2 tsp
Vanilla extractt1 tsp
Saltt¼ tsp
Mini chocolate chipst1 cup
Directions
- Prep the Oven & Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the ricotta until smooth.
- Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk until creamy and well-blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the ricotta mixture until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips, reserving a small handful for topping.
- Fill the Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips over the surface.
- Bake:
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before removing the springform ring.
- Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Drain excess liquid: If your ricotta is very wet, drain it in a fine strainer for 15–20 minutes. This helps create a smoother batter and prevents the cake from becoming overly moist.
Use mini chocolate chips for even distribution: Mini chips spread more consistently throughout the cake and prevent sinking, but regular chips or chunks work too.
FAQs
1. Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
Yes! Part-skim ricotta works well and slightly reduces calories. The cake may be a bit less rich, but still moist and delicious.
2. Why is my ricotta cake dense?
Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Gently fold ingredients together to maintain a light and tender texture.
3. Can I substitute chocolate chips with another ingredient?
Absolutely—try chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts like hazelnuts or pistachios.
4. Do I need to drain the ricotta before using it?
If your ricotta is very wet, draining it helps achieve a smoother batter and prevents excess moisture in the cake.
5. How long does Italian Ricotta Cake stay fresh?
The cake stays moist for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Italian Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake delivers everything you want in a homemade dessert: simplicity, sweetness, and incredible texture. The ricotta keeps the crumb tender and moist, while the chocolate chips give each slice irresistible flavor. This cake is perfect for brunch, holidays, family gatherings, or a quiet afternoon treat. Whether you’re baking it for the first time or adding it to your regular recipe rotation, this comforting Italian classic is guaranteed to satisfy both chocolate lovers and ricotta fans alike.
