Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake

There’s something incredibly comforting about a slice of Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake fresh from the oven. The moment I take it out, the sweet citrus aroma fills my kitchen, instantly transporting me to warm, sunny days. I can still remember the first time I decided to experiment with this combination of flavors. Inspired by the creamy texture of ricotta and the bright notes of orange zest, I had a hunch that mixing these elements with chocolate chips would create a delightful dessert. The result was nothing short of magic! This cake became a family favorite, making appearances at celebrations, cozy family dinners, and even spontaneous weekday treats.

As I slice into the cake, the rich, moist texture beckons me to take that first bite. Each mouthful is a delightful blend of sweet chocolate, creamy ricotta, and zesty orange, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. It’s not just a cake; it’s a nostalgic journey back to those moments spent baking in the kitchen, surrounded by laughter and love. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed alone with a cup of coffee, Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to experience this wonderful recipe that holds a special place in my heart!

Ingredients to Make Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake

When it comes to baking, the choice of ingredients is crucial. Each component plays a significant role in building the cake’s flavor and texture. In this delicious Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake, we use fresh orange zest to brighten up the mix, ricotta cheese for creaminess, and chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. All these ingredients come together to create a rich and inviting loaf that’s simply irresistible.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our cake, providing structure and stability.
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder: This ensures our cake rises perfectly, achieving that lovely texture we desire.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature: The butter adds richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb.
• 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese: The star ingredient that gives our cake a unique texture and flavor.
• 1 ½ cups sugar: Sweetness is essential, making the cake indulgently delicious.
• 3 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture, helping to bind the ingredients together.
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm and comforting flavor.
• ¼ cup freshly grated orange zest: This brightens the cake with a fresh, zesty note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips, tossed in a pinch of flour: These little morsels add bursts of sweetness throughout the cake.
• Powdered sugar, for sprinkling: A light dusting of powdered sugar makes for a beautiful presentation.

Putting Together Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake

Making this cake is a delightful process, and I’m excited to guide you through each step. The beauty of baking is that it invites us to be creative and enjoy the experience. Follow these steps carefully for a truly rewarding result. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is essential to ensure even baking. While the oven is heating, take a moment to prepare your loaf pan. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray, preferably the kind that includes flour.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensure your cake rises perfectly.
3. Now, in the bowl of your electric mixer, combine ¾ cup unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese, and 1 ½ cups sugar. Beat these ingredients together until they are well combined, scraping the bottom of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is mixed properly. This is where the magic begins, so let it mix for about 5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
4. Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This allows each egg to fully incorporate into the batter, giving it a rich consistency. After the eggs, mix in the 3 teaspoons vanilla extract and the ¼ cup freshly grated orange zest, combining them until well blended.
5. Next, gradually add the dry ingredients you whisked earlier to the wet mixture. Beat them together until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
6. With a spatula, gently fold in the ¾ cup mini chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is the fun part, as you’ll start to see those sweet little chips make their way into the mix!
7. Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula to create an even surface. The batter should fill the pan about halfway, allowing room for rising.
8. Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You know it’s ready when a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
9. Once baked, cool the cake in the pan for about 30 minutes. After that, gently invert the pan and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is essential to allow the cake to set properly.
10. For presentation, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Slice it up and serve your delicious creation to friends and family, or simply indulge yourself!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips!

• Storage: Keep your cake in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of the cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• Pairing: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a wonderful afternoon treat.
• Variations: Try adding nuts or swapping the chocolate chips for dried fruit. You can create your unique version!
• Serving suggestion: This cake is fantastic served with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

What to Pair With Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake

Pairing food can elevate your dining experience, and Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake is no exception. Here are some excellent options to consider:

• Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries complements the cake’s sweetness, adding a refreshing touch.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy it alongside your favorite coffee or herbal tea for a delightful afternoon break.
• Yogurt: A spoonful of tangy yogurt can add a creamy contrast to the rich flavor of the cake.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream served on the side brings a delightful creaminess.
• Seasonal Fruits: Consider pairing it with fruits that are in season for a fresh twist.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake is truly a delightful recipe that combines rich flavors and a tender crumb that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is a fantastic choice. I encourage you to try making it yourself—it’s easier than you think and so rewarding! Enjoy every slice of this comforting dessert!

Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake combines rich flavors of creamy ricotta and zesty orange, all with sweet chocolate chips. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to satisfy your cravings. Bake it tonight for a delightful treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 1 loaf

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup freshly grated orange zest
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips tossed in a pinch of flour
• powdered sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is essential to ensure even baking. While the oven is heating, take a moment to prepare your loaf pan. Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray, preferably the kind that includes flour.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensure your cake rises perfectly.
• Now, in the bowl of your electric mixer, combine ¾ cup unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese, and 1 ½ cups sugar. Beat these ingredients together until they are well combined, scraping the bottom of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is mixed properly. This is where the magic begins, so let it mix for about 5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
• Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This allows each egg to fully incorporate into the batter, giving it a rich consistency. After the eggs, mix in the 3 teaspoons vanilla extract and the ¼ cup freshly grated orange zest, combining them until well blended.
• Next, gradually add the dry ingredients you whisked earlier to the wet mixture. Beat them together until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
• With a spatula, gently fold in the ¾ cup mini chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is the fun part, as you’ll start to see those sweet little chips make their way into the mix!
• Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula to create an even surface. The batter should fill the pan about halfway, allowing room for rising.
• Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You know it’s ready when a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
• Once baked, cool the cake in the pan for about 30 minutes. After that, gently invert the pan and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is essential to allow the cake to set properly.
• For presentation, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Slice it up and serve your delicious creation to friends and family, or simply indulge yourself!

Notes

• Tip 1: Keep your cake in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze slices of the cake for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Tip 3: Enjoy it alongside your favorite coffee or herbal tea for a delightful afternoon break.
• Tip 4: Try adding nuts or swapping the chocolate chips for dried fruit for a different twist!
• Tip 5: This cake is fantastic served with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Keyword Baking with Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cake, Dessert Recipes, Orange Ricotta Cake