Lemon Ricotta Cake with Almond Flour

Prep: 15 minCook: 45 min1 cake (8 slices)medium
Lemon Ricotta Cake with Almond Flour

A moist, tender cake featuring creamy ricotta cheese brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice. The addition of almond flour creates a delicate, slightly nutty texture that complements the citrus beautifully. This easy sheet cake bakes in one pan and serves a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks, brunch gatherings, or whenever you need a simple yet impressive dessert. The ricotta keeps the crumb incredibly soft while the bright lemon flavor makes each bite refreshing and light.

Ingredients

Yield: 1 cake (8 slices)
  • 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup almond flour
    all purpose flour1:1gluten-free

    use for nut-free version

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 ¾ cups ricotta
    cottage cheese1:1dairy

    blend smooth before using

    Full guide →
  • 3 fat lemons, zest and juice
    limes1:1citrus

    for different flavor profile

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar, for dusting(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and line baking pan with parchment paper, then spray with non-stick spray

  2. 2

    Whisk sugar and butter until light and fluffy using handheld electric whisk

  3. 3

    Add eggs and continue whisking until frothy and smooth

  4. 4

    Mix lemon zest, juice, vanilla and ricotta together in separate bowl

  5. 5

    Add ricotta mixture and all dry ingredients to butter mixture, whisking just until incorporated

  6. 6

    Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until fully cooked through

  7. 7

    Cool completely before cutting into pieces and dusting with powdered sugar

Tips

Tip 1

Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better texture integration.

Tip 2

Don't overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.

Tip 3

Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in center - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and store at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Bake up to 2 days ahead and store covered at room temperature

Serve With

Serve at room temperature, dust with powdered sugar just before serving

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough texture

Watch

Use room temperature ingredients to prevent lumpy batter

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

ricotta
cottage cheese1:1dairy

blend smooth before using

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

almond flour
all purpose flour1:1gluten-free

use for nut-free version

Full guide →

General Alternatives

lemons
limes1:1citrus

for different flavor profile

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this in a different pan size?

Yes, use a 9-inch round pan for thicker cake or adjust baking time accordingly. Check doneness with toothpick.

What if I don't have almond flour?

Replace with equal amount all-purpose flour. The texture will be slightly less tender but still delicious.

How long will this cake keep fresh?

Store covered at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week for best quality.