There’s something magical about the way a warm, freshly baked cake fills a home with comfort and joy. It reminds me of afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was thick with the scent of buttery sweetness and the tantalizing richness of chocolate. Those memories hold a special place in my heart, and today, I want to share one that embodies that nostalgia—a delightful Chocolate Chip Ricotta Crumb Cake. It’s not just a cake; it’s a slice of warmth, a hug from the inside out, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 20 minutes
- Active Cooking: 45 minutes
- Total Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Portion Size: 12 servings
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 290
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fats: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Sodium: 240mg
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Ricotta Crumb Cake
This cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy ricotta adds a moistness that transforms every bite into a cloud-like experience, while the pockets of rich chocolate create a delightful surprise. The crumbly oatmeal topping, flavored with cinnamon and brown sugar, provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. Whether served at brunch or as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to charm anyone who takes a bite.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Imagine this: you’re in your kitchen, lightly humming your favorite tune while measuring out ingredients—the flour, the sugar, and the velvety ricotta. You can almost hear the anticipation of your loved ones gathering around, eagerly awaiting a slice of your warm creation. With every step of mixing and baking, the excitement builds until you finally pull the golden brown beauty from the oven, the aroma swirling and making it impossible to wait!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your cake slides out easily and doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Cream the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and softened butter until creamy. This will create a luscious base for your cake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and finally stir in the vanilla extract for that touching sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will help your cake rise beautifully. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, mixing until just combined—overmixing here could result in a dense cake.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re distributed throughout the batter. This step is like adding little nuggets of joy that will melt lovingly as the cake bakes.
Step 5: Pour and Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. This is where the anticipation builds—just looking at that fluffy cake batter is a treat!
Step 6: Create the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this delightful mixture over the batter, creating a delicious crust that will add just the right amount of texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your home will be intoxicating, tempting you to peek through the oven window for those golden edges.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool before serving. This cooling time will give you the perfect opportunity to gather your loved ones and set the scene for a beautiful dessert.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This cake is splendid on its own, but for an extra touch, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of fresh berries can elevate its presentation. Pair it with coffee for a delightful afternoon break or with a cup of tea to wind down your day.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
To store your Chocolate Chip Ricotta Crumb Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it up for freezing.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- Feel free to substitute part of the ricotta with cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- If you want more texture, add chopped nuts to the crumb topping.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; all ovens vary, so start checking a few minutes early.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
- Add a swirl of raspberry or cherry preserves into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or white chocolate.
- Try adding zest from an orange or lemon for a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Reader Questions & Solutions
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Q: Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
- A: Yes! Low-fat ricotta will work well, although it may slightly alter the texture and moisture.
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Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
- A: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
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Q: Can this cake be made ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! This cake keeps well, making it great for preparing the day before your event.
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Q: What can I do if I don’t have chocolate chips?
- A: You can chop up chocolate bars or use cocoa nibs for a different texture and flavor.
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Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
- A: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Wrapping Up
Baking this Chocolate Chip Ricotta Crumb Cake isn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth—it’s about creating memories and experiences that last a lifetime. I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen and your table. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious memories together! Enjoy every crumb and the smiles they bring!
Print
Chocolate Chip Ricotta Crumb Cake
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and moist cake featuring creamy ricotta and rich chocolate, topped with a crunchy oatmeal crumb.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and softened butter until creamy, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
