Discover the cozy charm of autumn wrapped up in a sweet, moist treat with this Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender ricotta, tart apples, and the rich warmth of pure maple syrup, coming together in a cake that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or a holiday dessert table, this cake’s delicate crumb and naturally sweet flavor will quickly become a revered favorite. Trust me, once you try this Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe, it will hold a special place in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making this cake shine. Each component plays an essential role, creating a harmonious balance of flavor, moisture, and texture that turns a humble cake into something unforgettable.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the cake’s tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a light, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to give extra lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the cake from tasting flat.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, autumnal spice notes that perfectly complement the apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides subtle depth and an inviting fragrance.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and moisture, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: The star sweetener, bringing natural sweetness and a beautifully complex maple flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of extra sweetness and helps with browning.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the cake.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The secret ingredient that makes the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, floral notes.
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect balance of tartness and texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples fresh and helps maintain their bright flavor and color.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A pretty finishing touch that adds a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into bite-sized pieces, then toss them gently in the lemon juice. This simple step keeps your apples from browning and adds a subtle zing that brightens the overall cake flavor.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. These ingredients give your cake the perfect rise and that warm cozy spice profile.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Maple Syrup, and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter, pure maple syrup, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended. This step is essential to create a tender and moist crumb for your cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Ricotta, and Vanilla
One at a time, add the eggs to the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Then mix in the ricotta cheese and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and silky, giving your cake that lovely creamy texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be gentle here to keep the cake light and fluffy. Then, carefully fold in the lemon-tossed apples for bursts of tart sweetness throughout the cake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased and parchment-lined 9-inch springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
How to Serve Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake begs for a light dusting of powdered sugar, which adds a snowy sweetness and makes your presentation shine. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm maple syrup to complement the cake’s natural flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe with a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee to create the perfect cozy snack or dessert moment. Lightly spiced apple cider or a glass of chilled milk also make wonderful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a layered indulgence. For a festive twist, top each serving with caramelized apples or a sprinkling of toasted pecans to add a crunchy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Maple Apple Ricotta Cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend its freshness, storing it in the refrigerator for up to five days works well without drying out the cake.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead treat. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen slices can be stored for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the cake’s tender crumb and delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta cheese is key to this cake’s moist, tender crumb and mild flavor. Substituting it with cream cheese or mascarpone will change the texture and taste, but if you must, mascarpone is the closest alternative for richness, while cream cheese will add a tangier flavor.
What apples work best for this cake?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal since they hold their shape during baking and offer a lovely balance to the sweetness from the maple syrup, providing the perfect texture contrast.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture and rise might vary slightly.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the ricotta and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond ricotta or vegan butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be somewhat different, but it still results in a delicious treat.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly, your Maple Apple Ricotta Cake will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days in the refrigerator and up to two days at room temperature. Always keep it covered to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe is more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of simple, comforting flavors that feel like home in every bite. I encourage you to try it soon—whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s bound to become one of those treasured recipes you turn to time and again.
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Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Maple Apple Ricotta Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert combining the sweetness of pure maple syrup with the fresh tartness of diced apples. Enhanced with ricotta cheese for a creamy texture and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is perfect for fall or any cozy gathering. It bakes to a golden brown and can be served warm or chilled, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for a charming finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Toss Apples: In a small bowl, mix the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sweeteners: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, pure maple syrup, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated for a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them and build structure.
- Incorporate Ricotta and Vanilla: Mix in the ricotta cheese and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and creamy, adding moisture and richness.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Add Apples: Fold in the lemon-tossed apples gently, distributing them evenly in the batter.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signifying the cake is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. This cake can be enjoyed warm or chilled and pairs beautifully with whipped cream or an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
- Serve the cake warm or chilled for different textures and flavors.
- Pairs excellently with whipped cream or extra maple syrup drizzled on top.
- Use firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to ensure the best texture and balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
