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
Scale
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.
