Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake Recipe
If you’re ready to fall in love with a cake that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat, then this Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the creamy richness of ricotta with the deep, luscious flavors of double chocolate in a moist, tender loaf that swirls chocolate and vanilla batters into a stunning marbled masterpiece. Whether it’s an afternoon treat with coffee or a show-stopping dessert, once you try this cake, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Let me walk you through every step of making this delightful, crowd-pleasing gem!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each contribute something special to the cake’s impeccable texture and flavor. From the tangy creaminess of ricotta to the rich chocolate chips that melt into pockets of gooey delight, every element plays a key role.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Essential leavening agents to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, plus a lovely buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping with the tender texture.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help emulsify the batter for smoothness.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle warmth that amplifies all the other flavors.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: Makes the cake wonderfully moist with a delicate, creamy tang.
- Sour cream: Adds extra tang and tenderness to the crumb.
- Whole milk: Helps balance the batter’s consistency for perfect baking.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings bold chocolate flavor to the darker batter portion.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melt to create pockets of dreamy chocolate goodness throughout.
How to Make Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whether you use a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, get your pan ready so your cake won’t stick and can come out easily after baking. This foundational step is key for a perfect, intact loaf every time.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed so your cake rises beautifully with no bitter pockets of baking powder or soda.
Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, giving your cake a lighter texture and a tender crumb you’ll adore.
Step 4: Adding Eggs and Flavorings
One at a time, beat in the eggs ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the creamy ricotta and sour cream. This combination makes the batter luxuriously moist and adds a delicate tang that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a tougher cake, so a gentle hand is best.
Step 6: Preparing the Chocolate Batter
In a small bowl, whisk together the whole milk and unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth. Divide your batter evenly in two bowls and fold the cocoa mixture along with the semisweet chocolate chips into one half for that rich chocolate punch.
Step 7: Creating the Marble Effect
Alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared loaf pan. Then, gently swirl the two with a knife to create those gorgeous marble patterns—the signature look of this Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake Recipe.
Step 8: Baking
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This slow bake ensures the cake cooks evenly while developing a beautiful, slightly cracked top that is full of character.
Step 9: Cooling
Let your cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes after baking to set before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps your cake maintain its shape and develop the perfect texture once cooled.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is a classic choice that adds a delicate sweetness and stunning contrast to the dark chocolate swirls. For a decadent twist, try a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of rich chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This marble cake pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy cappuccino, balancing the chocolate’s richness. Alternatively, fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can provide a bright, refreshing complement to the dense, moist cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice this cake thickly for dessert plates, or cut into smaller squares for desserts at parties or tea time. You can also serve slices with a smear of ricotta and a drizzle of honey for an Italian-inspired twist that highlights the cake’s creamy essence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh so you can enjoy it later without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this cake longer, freezing is your best friend. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for perfect results.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, gently warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F wrapped loosely in foil. This revives the softness and melts any chocolate chips back to gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
While whole milk ricotta gives the best richness and texture, low-fat ricotta can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind the cake may be slightly less moist and tender, but still delicious.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
You can try substituting dairy-free alternatives like almond ricotta or coconut-based sour cream and butter substitutes. The texture might differ slightly, but the cake will still be enjoyable with these tweaks.
Why do I need both baking soda and baking powder?
Using both helps balance the acidity from ricotta and cocoa powder while ensuring proper rise for your marble cake—for a lighter, fluffier result.
Can I add espresso powder for a more intense chocolate flavor?
Absolutely! Adding 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate batter enhances the chocolate notes without overpowering the cake and gives a wonderful depth of flavor.
How long does the cake keep fresh after baking?
Stored properly at room temperature, this cake stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within this time frame, but freezing extends its shelf life nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake Recipe truly is a celebration of flavors and textures – creamy, chocolatey, tender, and wonderfully swirled. Every bite feels like a special occasion, but the ease and simplicity of the recipe make it perfect for everyday indulgence too. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly this humble loaf becomes a treasured favorite in your home.
Print
Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake is a moist and tender dessert combining creamy ricotta cheese with rich chocolate swirls for a delightful marble effect. Perfectly balanced with a soft crumb and intense chocolate flavor, it makes an elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Chocolate Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring proper aeration for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Mix in the vanilla extract, ricotta cheese, and sour cream until well combined and smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently and only until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Prepare chocolate batter: In a small bowl, whisk together the whole milk and unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth. Divide the batter into two halves. Stir the cocoa mixture and semisweet chocolate chips into one half of the batter to create the chocolate portion.
- Create marble effect: Alternate spoonfuls of the plain and chocolate batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together, forming a marbled pattern without overblending.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate batter.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a light dusting of powdered sugar for added elegance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
