If you’re searching for a dessert that sings with the cozy warmth of fall and offers a delightful creamy twist, this Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, moist cake infused with the sweet, earthy richness of pure maple syrup, the gentle spice of cinnamon and nutmeg, and crisp, juicy apples folded into a luscious ricotta-rich batter. Every bite brings together comforting flavors and a texture that’s both light and satisfyingly dense, perfect for elevating any dessert table or afternoon tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the thoughtful harmony of each ingredient. From the flour that forms the cake’s fluffy base to the ricotta that lends it creamy moisture, every component plays its own vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups provide the structure without overpowering softness.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, to help the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon, works with the acidic ricotta for tenderness.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhances all the sweet and spicy notes.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and a classic apple pie feel.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon, subtle spice deepening the cake’s autumn vibe.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup softened, for richness and moist crumb.
- Pure maple syrup: 1/2 cup, the star sweetener infusing every bite with that signature fall flavor.
- Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup balances the maple’s natural sweetness and helps with texture.
- Large eggs: 3, providing lift, structure, and binding the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, amplifies the overall flavor complexity.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: 1 cup, the creamy component that makes this cake wonderfully moist and tender.
- Chopped apples: 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped—Honeycrisp or Gala shine brightest.
- Powdered sugar (optional): for a delicate snowy dusting before serving.
How to Make Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch springform pan or a round cake pan well—this little step ensures the cake won’t stick and comes out perfectly smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of spices and leaveners is essential for developing the fragrant aroma and light crumb of the cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Maple Syrup, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the maple syrup and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This stage builds the foundation for the cake’s tender texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they fully blend into the mixture. Then stir in the vanilla extract to elevate all the sweet notes in the cake.
Step 5: Add the Ricotta Cheese
Mix the ricotta cheese thoroughly into the wet ingredients. This ingredient makes the cake uniquely moist and adds a luscious tang that pairs perfectly with the apples and maple syrup.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so a gentle hand here keeps it tender and light.
Step 7: Fold in Apples and Bake
Finally, gently fold the finely chopped apples into the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Dusting
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For a pretty finishing touch, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.
How to Serve Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this cake with a light dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup takes it to the next level of indulgence. A sprinkle of toasted nuts on top adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s softness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Maple Apple Ricotta Cake with a hot cup of spiced chai or a creamy latte for an irresistible cozy combo. It also goes wonderfully alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced Greek yogurt for a cool, creamy counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into petite squares and serving on pretty dessert plates with a cinnamon stick as a garnish for a charming presentation. You could also assemble a rustic dessert platter with apple slices, nuts, and maple butter to invite your guests to mix and match flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better than fresh!
Freezing
If you want to save some cake for later, slice it into portions and freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
To refresh your cake slice, warm it gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil. This brings back its soft, tender crumb and revives the maple aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
While whole milk ricotta yields the richest flavor and moist texture, you can use low-fat ricotta if needed, but the cake might be slightly less creamy.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Gala are best because they hold their shape during baking and provide a sweet tartness that complements the maple perfectly.
How can I make this cake nut-free?
This recipe is naturally nut-free, but just be sure any optional garnishes like toasted nuts are omitted or substituted if you want to keep it safe for nut allergies.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best texture.
Can this cake be made vegan?
This cake relies on eggs, butter, and ricotta, so it’s not vegan-friendly as is. However, using plant-based substitutes and vegan ricotta alternatives could be experimented with for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe is a true celebration of autumn’s best flavors wrapped up in cake form. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough to impress at any gathering. If you love the cozy taste of cinnamon-spiced apples sweetened with pure maple syrup, do yourself a favor and dive into this recipe soon—you won’t regret it!
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Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Maple Apple Ricotta Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall. Featuring tender chopped apples and creamy ricotta cheese sweetened with pure maple syrup, this cake offers a delightful combination of spice and sweetness. It’s easy to make and ideal for serving with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for an indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Produce
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform or round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- 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. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sweeteners: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with pure maple syrup and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Ricotta Cheese: Mix in the whole milk ricotta cheese until the batter is smooth and creamy with no lumps of ricotta.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the peeled and finely chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Serve: Optionally, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. For extra indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle with additional maple syrup.
Notes
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Serving the cake with whipped cream or extra maple syrup enhances the flavor and adds moisture.
- Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture and sweetness balance.
