Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe is a moist, tender cake made with ricotta, cream cheese, coffee, and warm spices, topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel for rich flavor.
This creation tastes rich, satisfying, and truly memorable. I made this cake because a baking show featured a similar version prepared in a cozy studio kitchen, and that moment inspired me to recreate the concept at home.
I felt motivated to explore each stage, so I now present a clear step by step guide that highlights the full process behind this delightful treat.
About This Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe
This Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe is a soft, moist cake that combines the creaminess of ricotta and cream cheese with the warm, rich flavor of coffee and aromatic spices.
The cake is topped with a crumbly cinnamon streusel that adds a delightful texture contrast. The main speciality of this cake lies in its luxurious, creamy batter, which keeps the cake tender while providing a subtle tang from the ricotta.
The combination of coffee, nuts, and spices creates a unique flavor that stands out among traditional coffee cakes, making each bite flavourful and satisfying.
How To Prepare Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Breakfast Cake
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls (large + medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan or kettle (for dissolving coffee)
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp ground nutmeg
- 2 Tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 2 Tbsp boiling water, plus 1 extra tsp instant coffee
Cinnamon Streusel Topping
- 6 Tbsp melted unsalted butter, cooled
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine salt
How To Make Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe?
1. Get The Oven And Pan Ready
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment so the cake comes out easily.
2. Make The Streusel
Combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork until it forms soft, crumbly bits. Set it aside.
3. Blend The Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, ricotta, and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each one. Stir in the vanilla and the dissolved coffee (including the extra teaspoon of coffee).
4. Mix The Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add this to the wet mixture a little at a time, folding gently until everything is just combined. Don’t over mix. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
5. Put The Cake Together
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the entire surface.
6. Bake And Cool
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then move it to a rack to finish cooling completely before cutting.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Total Fat | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Sugars | 29 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Ways To Use It
1. Serve as a sweet breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea.
2. Slice and offer as a dessert at brunch gatherings.
3. Pack small portions for a delightful afternoon snack.
4. Pair with fresh berries or fruit compote for added flavor.
5. Share as a homemade gift for friends or family celebrations.
Hot Tips
➢ Use room temperature ricotta and cream cheese to achieve a smooth, creamy batter.
➢ Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.
➢ Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture to keep the cake tender.
➢ Sprinkle streusel evenly to ensure every slice has a sweet, crunchy topping.
➢ Let the cake cool slightly before slicing to maintain its shape and texture.
Incredible Essential Health Benefits
Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe offers notable health benefits, primarily through its ricotta and cream cheese content, which provide a rich source of calcium essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
The protein in these dairy ingredients supports muscle repair and growth, while the moderate use of eggs adds additional protein and important vitamins such as B12.
Incorporating nuts like walnuts contributes healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and digestion.
The combination of these ingredients delivers a treat that satisfies sweet cravings while offering nutritional value in every serving.
How To Make Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe Tastier?
Enhancing the flavor of Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe involves using high quality fresh ricotta and cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
Toasting the walnuts intensifies their nutty taste, while adding a touch of orange or lemon zest brightens the overall flavor.
Infusing the coffee mixture with a hint of cocoa or vanilla extract deepens the aroma. Sprinkling an extra layer of cinnamon sugar streusel on top creates a delightful crunch, and drizzling a light glaze after baking adds sweetness and visual appeal, elevating the cake.
What Makes This Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe Special?
This Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe stands out because of its creamy, rich texture from ricotta and cream cheese, which keeps every bite soft and moist.
The coffee infused batter adds a gentle depth of flavor, while the cinnamon streusel topping provides a sweet, crunchy contrast.
Chopped walnuts and warm spices enhance the taste, creating a balanced combination of creaminess, sweetness, and subtle warmth that makes this cake uniquely satisfying and memorable.
Storage & Make Ahead
This Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, keeping it soft and flavourful.
Refrigeration extends freshness for up to five days, and the cake can be lightly warmed before serving to restore its tender texture.
The batter can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator, allowing for baking later without compromising moisture or flavor, ensuring a convenient and delicious treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Low-Fat Ricotta For This Cake?
Low-fat ricotta can be used, but the cake may be slightly less creamy and rich.
Can I Substitute Cream Cheese With Mascarpone?
Mascarpone works well, giving a slightly sweeter, smoother texture.
Can I Omit The Coffee?
Yes, the cake will still be delicious, but coffee adds a subtle depth of flavor.
How Do I Prevent The Streusel From Sinking?
Sprinkle the topping evenly and gently press it on top without mixing it into the batter.
What Pan Works Best For This Recipe?
A 9-inch spring form or round cake pan ensures even baking and easy removal.
Conclusion
This Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe is an easy and enjoyable success! Its moist, tender texture, combined with rich coffee flavor and a cinnamon streusel topping, is absolutely delightful.
I hope this Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe inspires you to try it yourself it’s simple to prepare and incredibly rewarding.
Soon, you’ll savour every delicious bite, and I can’t wait for you to share how wonderfully tasty and satisfying your homemade cake turns out!
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Ricotta Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large & medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan or kettle (for dissolving coffee)
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 250 g cream cheese softened
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp ground nutmeg
- 2 Tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 2 Tbsp boiling water plus 1 extra tsp instant coffee
Cinnamon Streusel Topping
- 6 Tbsp melted unsalted butter cooled
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine salt
Instructions
Get The Oven And Pan Ready
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment so the cake comes out easily.
Make The Streusel
- Combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork until it forms soft, crumbly bits. Set it aside.
Blend The Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, ricotta, and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each one. Stir in the vanilla and the dissolved coffee (including the extra teaspoon of coffee).
Mix The Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add this to the wet mixture a little at a time, folding gently until everything is just combined. Don’t over mix. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
Put The Cake Together
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the entire surface.
Bake And Cool
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then move it to a rack to finish cooling completely before cutting.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 390 kcal | Total Fat: 19 g | Carbohydrates: 48 g | Protein: 7 g | Sugars: 29 g | Fiber: 2 gHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!