Name: Raspberry Almond Ricotta Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp salt; 1.5 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 3 eggs (large, at room temperature); 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract; 0.75 tsp almond extract; 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 1.5 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen); 2 tbsp turbinado sugar; 0.5 cup sliced almonds; confectioner's sugar (for dusting, optional)

This raspberry almond ricotta cake is tender, moist, and easy to make with no mixer. Perfect for brunch or dessert. Get the recipe today!

Why This Raspberry Almond Ricotta Cake Is So Good

This raspberry almond ricotta cake is one of my favorite cakes because it’s simple to make and tastes like a bakery treat. You don’t even need a mixer, just a whisk and a spatula. The ricotta gives it an incredibly tender, moist crumb that pairs beautifully with juicy raspberries and a hint of almond. It’s elegant enough for dessert but easy enough for a weekend brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Cake Recipe

No mixer required, just a bowl and a whisk keep cleanup quick.
Ricotta makes it extra moist, the cake stays tender for days.
Raspberry and almond are a perfect pair, the flavors complement each other without being overpowering.

Key Ingredients for This Ricotta Cake

Whole milk ricotta cheese: For the moistest, most tender crumb, use whole milk ricotta. Part-skim works but will be less rich. Let it come to room temperature for easier mixing.
Almond extract: This gives the cake its distinctive almond flavor. Don’t skip it, but if you’re not a fan, substitute with vanilla extract.
Fresh raspberries: Fresh is best, but frozen and unthawed raspberries work too. Toss them in flour to prevent sinking.

Kitchen Tools for This Almond Ricotta Cake

9-inch springform pan, makes removing the cake easy without sticking.
Large mixing bowls, one for dry ingredients, one for wet.
Whisk, for combining the wet ingredients smoothly.
Spatula, for folding the batter and raspberries gently.
Measuring cups and spoons, for accuracy.

Tips for Making the Best Raspberry Almond Ricotta Cake

To get that light, tender texture, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Stir just until the flour disappears, a few lumps are fine. When folding in the raspberries, use a gentle hand; overmixing turns the batter pink, though a few streaks are okay. Make sure your ricotta is at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the eggs and butter. Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 to 50 minutes.

Raspberry Almond Ricotta Cake Variations to Try

If raspberries aren’t in season, try blueberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries, each works well. For a lemon twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the wet ingredients. If you’re not a fan of almond extract, use vanilla instead. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a good 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. You can also top the cake with sliced almonds as the recipe calls for, or leave them off for a nut-free cake.

How to Serve This Raspberry Almond Ricotta Cake

This cake is versatile: serve it for breakfast with coffee, for brunch with a fruit salad, or for dessert with a dollop of whipped cream. A light dusting of confectioner’s sugar right before serving makes it look pretty. It also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

How to Store Leftover Ricotta Cake

Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The ricotta keeps it moist, so it won’t dry out quickly. If you refrigerate, let slices come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Can You Freeze Raspberry Almond Ricotta Cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also rewarm slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes if you like it slightly warm.

Best Way to Reheat Slices of Ricotta Cake

This cake is delicious at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, place individual slices on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also microwave a slice for about 15 seconds, just be careful not to overheat, as the cake can become soggy.

Raspberry Almond Ricotta Cake FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Do not thaw them first; toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter to prevent excess moisture and sinking.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta?

You can, but the texture will be slightly different. Drain the cottage cheese well and blend it smooth before using. The cake may be a bit denser, but still tasty.

Do I have to use a springform pan?

A springform pan makes it easy to remove the cake, but you can use a regular 9-inch round cake pan lined with parchment paper. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 45 minutes.