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    Home » Italian Recipes

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake | Italian Dessert

    April 1, 2020 by angelakallison 51 Comments

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    This traditional Italian Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake is the perfect dessert or snacking cake to have on hand. Made with ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips, this simple cake is the best texture with so much flavor.

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake.

    If you are looking for a simple and delicious Italian cake recipe, then this is it. Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake has all of those flavors you love in an easy to make cake that's both fluffy and slightly dense.

    This is a great cake to have on hand for any occasion. Perfect for the holidays, brunch, or even with a cup of coffee for breakfast. Moreover, it's a simple dessert that's elegant with rustic look, perfect for your next dinner party.

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake.

    Italian Ricotta Desserts

    Ricotta cheese plays a prominent role in Italian desserts. This light and fluffy cheese, is subtly sweet in flavor and gives desserts a creamy and slightly dense finish.

    If you've never baked with ricotta, you should definitely try it. The key to successfully baking with ricotta is creaming it along with the butter and sugar before adding the remaining ingredients. This will add air to the baked good without making it too dense.

    I recommend beating the ricotta with a handheld mixer or stand up mixer for about five minutes. This will smooth the ricotta and make a more fluffy, rather than dense, cake.

    Here are some delicious ricotta-based Italian desserts:

    • Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake is a great way to introduce ricotta into your baking. Full of lemony flavor, this is the perfect cake for every occasion.
    Italian Lemon ricotta cake recipe
    Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
    • Limoncello Ricotta Cookies are like pillows of lemon cake with a crispy exterior and delicious limoncello glaze.
    • Almond Ricotta Cake is another delicious Italian cake that is super simple to make ahead. Great for brunch, after dinner, or a snacking cake to serve with coffee.
    Almond dessert with slice almonds and powdered sugar on top.
    Almond Ricotta Cake
    • Limoncello Ricotta Cake with cream cheese frosting is the perfect birthday cake or dessert for any special occasion.
    • Lemon Ricotta Bundt Cake is a Nonna specialty and tastes great even days after baking.

    So give baking with ricotta a shot and you'll be glad you did! You'll end up with a fluffy and light baked treat stay moist for days.

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake Recipe

    This simple dish comes together fast and only requires a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand.

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake with a slice missing from it.

    To start, you will need grease and dust the cake pan. I like to use a 9 inch springform pan for this cake because it allows for easy release. However, if you don't have a springform, you could use a regular cake pan with high sides.

    Next, cream together the room temperature butter, sugar, and ricotta using either a stand up mixer or handheld mixer. Cream for about four to five minutes, or until the mixture is creamy and light in texture. Add in the eggs and vanilla. Beat in the dry ingredients just until the mixture is combined; then fold in the mini chocolate chips.

    batter poured into springform pan.

    Spread the batter into the greased pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Let cool on a baking rack for 10 minutes before removing the collar of the pan.

    Chocolate chip ricotta cake on serving plate with no topping on yet.

    Note that when the cake comes out of the oven, it will be puffed and domed on top. After a few minutes, it will settle and flatten a bit. Let cool before adding the topping.

    Topping the Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

    Keep it simple by topping the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and mini chocolate chips. To make it extra special, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

    powdered sugar sprinkled on dessert.

    To create the uniform powdered sugar look on this cake, simply place about a tablespoon of powdered sugar in a fine mesh sieve. Gently shake the sieve overtop the cake leaving a uniform dusting of powdered sugar on top.

    Lastly, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. I like to do this while the cake is still a bit warm, so the chips melt slightly and adhere to the cake.

    You can store this cake on the countertop in a domed cake pedestal for up to three days. Alternately, cut into slices and refrigerate for up to a week. This cake also freezes well; just be sure to slice ahead of time and place in an airtight container.

    slice of chocolate chip ricotta cake on a white plate.

    I hope you love this recipe for Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake. Be sure to comment below if you try it. Enjoy!

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 30 votes

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

    Traditional Italian Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake is easy to make and so flavorful. For a fluffy, not dense cake, be sure to cream the ricotta with the butter and sugar before adding the other ingredients.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time50 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: chocolate chip ricotta cake, chocolate ricotta cake, italian cake, Italian Dessert
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 307kcal
    Author: Angela Allison
    Cost: 8-10

    Equipment

    • 9 inch springform pan

    Ingredients

    • 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (one stick)
    • 1 ¼ cups sugar
    • 1 15 ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • ¾ cup mini chocolate chips

    Topping

    • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
    • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

    Greasing Pan

    • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
    • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and position baking rack in the middle of the oven. Use one tablespoon of butter to grease a 9-inch standard springform pan. Add in one tablespoon of powdered sugar and move around the pan, shaking out excess when coated. Set aside.
    • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl with handheld mixer or stand up mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together the stick of softened butter, sugar, and ricotta cheese until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add in the eggs and vanilla and cream together for another minute. Pour in the flour mixture and mix until combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Bake on center rack for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for at least 10 minutes before releasing springform and cooling on wire baking rack completely.
    • For the topping, place one tablespoon of powdered sugar in a fine mesh sieve and shake on top of cake until cake is just covered. Sprinkle on two tablespoons of mini chocolate chips.

    Video

    Notes

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake is a great make-ahead cake that stays perfectly moist. Just refrigerate until ready to serve, up to a week in advance. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 307kcal
    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Erika

      April 01, 2020 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      This cake looks so moist. Once I get some ricotta cheese I'm going to try this!

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        April 01, 2020 at 8:08 am

        You're going to love it!

        Reply
        • Paula

          November 04, 2020 at 10:26 pm

          5 stars
          I poured the batter into a cupcake pan and they were absolutely amazing! Thx4sharing! 🙂

          Reply
          • angelakallison

            November 05, 2020 at 7:05 am

            What a great idea! So happy you loved them!

            Reply
      • V Clark

        January 26, 2023 at 3:42 pm

        Can you use double cream ricotta cheese in this recipe?

        Reply
        • angelakallison

          February 02, 2023 at 4:51 am

          yes!

          Reply
    2. Chris Collins

      April 01, 2020 at 8:29 am

      5 stars
      I've never made a ricotta cake before but I'm totally trying it after seeing this! Plus who can resist chocolate chips!?

      Reply
    3. Catherine

      April 01, 2020 at 8:32 am

      5 stars
      What an absolutely decadent and delicious cake! It looks so moist...I would LOVE a slice of this right now. Saving for later 🙂

      Reply
    4. Cyndy

      April 01, 2020 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum! I love lemon ricotta cake but I think my kids will like this one better. Can't wait to try it this weekend.

      Reply
      • Nancy

        January 16, 2023 at 11:05 am

        5 stars
        Easy and Delicious and loved by all. It’s my go to cake for many occasion’

        Reply
    5. Charla @ That Girl Cooks Healthy

      April 01, 2020 at 9:14 am

      5 stars
      I have never eaten Ricotta cake but you sold me with the chocolate chips.

      Reply
    6. Candice

      April 01, 2020 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      This cake...So ridiculously moist! That ricotta is a magical ingredient in here. Cannot wait to make this again!

      Reply
    7. Stephanie

      April 12, 2020 at 5:24 pm

      5 stars
      Mine came out amazing & looked exactly like this! Wasn’t hard at all!!

      Reply
    8. Vanessa

      May 28, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic! It has been a hit at several celebrations!

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        May 28, 2020 at 8:21 pm

        Wonderful! So happy you loved it!

        Reply
    9. Elena

      May 31, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and delicious, will definitely do this recipe again ! Loved it 🙂

      Reply
    10. Denise Darin

      July 06, 2020 at 10:43 am

      I really want to try this cake. I have half a container of ricotta do you think this will come out okay if I halved all the ingredients??

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        July 12, 2020 at 2:25 pm

        It should be ok, you'll just have to bake in a small container... perhaps a loaf pan?

        Reply
    11. Liz Dwyer

      July 19, 2020 at 2:58 pm

      I made this cake and found it to be a bit dense, I would have preferred a lighter cake.

      Reply
    12. Kimberlt

      December 05, 2020 at 10:26 pm

      Can I use a Bundt pan for this.

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        December 06, 2020 at 6:15 am

        yes, you will just have to adjust the cooking time. Be sure to test doneness with a toothpick.

        Reply
      • Jay

        November 10, 2022 at 6:47 pm

        Can you make this with homemade ricotta or does it have to be the smoother store bought kind? Thanks!

        Reply
        • angelakallison

          November 13, 2022 at 6:22 am

          You can use homemade ricotta just be sure to drain it really well. Enjoy!

          Reply
    13. Ursi

      January 24, 2021 at 11:29 pm

      5 stars
      This was absolutely wonderful! I am an avid baker with some professional baking experience, and honestly I rarely stumble across a blog recipe that works out well. But I was wanting to experiment with a few ricotta cakes and this one blew the others away! Best part was that it was comparatively easier— most others required separating the eggs and beating the whites. I made sure to mix the liquid ingredients the full 5 times stated in the recipe.
      It came out so moist and fluffy, yet the crumb held together nicely; a dusting of confectioner’s sugar is all this cake needs for presentation.

      I did this in a goldstone Bundt pan and it was done just past the 40 min mark. Also, I added a 1/2 tsp of almond extract (I would have added pistachio if I had it). I skimped on the sugar— used about 5/8 cup— for personal taste.
      Bravo! Excellent recipe!

      Reply
      • Bridget

        December 07, 2022 at 4:30 pm

        5 stars
        Wonderful cake! Everyone loved it!

        Reply
      • Amanda

        December 31, 2022 at 11:08 am

        Thank you for noting your use of almond extract. I was thinking that would be the perfect addition but wasn’t sure how much to add.

        Reply
    14. Lori

      April 24, 2021 at 4:35 am

      5 stars
      Outstanding!

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        April 26, 2021 at 9:05 am

        So happy you loved it!

        Reply
    15. Sam

      May 12, 2021 at 8:10 am

      This is totally embarrassing, but I accidentally used a 15oz tub of whipped cream cheese instead (I had taken out the ricotta, and then later reached into the fridge and grabbed the cream cheese without thinking).

      Amazingly it tuned out great. It was done on the early end, at 45 minutes. It had a great taste.

      I think next time I'll use half ricotta half cream cheese.

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        May 12, 2021 at 12:02 pm

        yay! I'm so happy to hear this worked out for you anyway. Let me know how the half ricotta/cream cheese works out for you.

        Reply
    16. Mindy Fewless

      May 18, 2021 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      This cake was so moist and everyone loved it!! Thank you!

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        May 18, 2021 at 10:08 am

        So happy you loved it!

        Reply
    17. veenaazmanov

      May 18, 2021 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      Looks delicious and chocolaty and perfect for the Tea Time Treat. I definitely have to try your yummy recipe.

      Reply
    18. Claudia Lamascolo

      May 18, 2021 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      I should have made two, this was eaten so fast I couldnt believe it everyone had a second piece! great recipe

      Reply
    19. Jessica Formicola

      May 18, 2021 at 11:22 am

      5 stars
      I love a good cake recipe and this chocolate chip ricotta cake is one of my favorites! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    20. Shalini

      May 18, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      This looks wow! How I wish I could get hold of some ricotta cheese now. Bookmarking until then!

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        June 23, 2021 at 6:18 am

        It's amazing. You're going to love it!!

        Reply
    21. Jackie

      August 31, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Can regular sized chocolate chips be substituted for the mini chocolate chips? I happen to have those on hand.

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        August 31, 2021 at 4:33 pm

        yes, that works. I hope you love the cake, it's one of my favorites! 🙂

        Reply
    22. Bridget

      September 05, 2021 at 1:20 pm

      5 stars
      This is soo good. I will make cupcakes next time. I love love love this recipe. I used a thermometer to be sure the middle was set.

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        September 16, 2021 at 2:38 pm

        So happy you loved it!

        Reply
    23. Nancy

      October 30, 2021 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      It always bothers me when people rate a recipe that they have changed. I am that person now. I realized half way through making this that I only had 7 ounces or ricotta I substituted the rest with cottage cheese and it turned out amazing. I can only imagine how good this would be with all of the original ingredients.

      Reply
    24. Charlene

      December 29, 2021 at 10:56 am

      This looks amazing. Can it be mad with part skim ricotta cheese?

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        December 29, 2021 at 5:39 pm

        yes it can!

        Reply
      • Charlene

        December 30, 2021 at 7:03 am

        @angelakallison, Thank you! I made a couple of large lasangas and I always use part skim. I bought a lot more than I needed and have to find a way to use it.
        Can"t wait to try it! Happy New year!

        Reply
    25. Maria warren

      October 11, 2022 at 7:30 am

      Can I use salted butter that’s all I have in the fridge

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        October 15, 2022 at 4:48 pm

        Yes! Just omit any additional salt in the recipe. Enjoy!

        Reply
    26. Victoria

      November 21, 2022 at 8:43 am

      This cake is delicious! My batter was a little thinner than in the video, but it didn’t seem to matter. Two questions: Is there a recommended brand of ricotta that’s on the dryer side? And can the cake be stored at room temperature?

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        November 23, 2022 at 6:34 pm

        I like to use frigo or galbani ricotta. Hope you loved it!

        Reply
    27. Carol

      January 26, 2023 at 3:15 pm

      Can I freeze this cake?

      Reply
      • angelakallison

        February 02, 2023 at 4:51 am

        yes! Just place in an airtight container.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Angela, the recipe creator of This Italian Kitchen. Cooking alongside her Italian family, she grew up creating authentic meals and desserts.

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