If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn afternoon, the Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake brilliantly combines the natural sweetness of maple syrup with the tart freshness of apples, all elevated by the creamy, delicate texture of ricotta cheese. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a moist crumb with just the right hint of spice, making it a truly unforgettable fall treat that you’ll be eager to share with everyone around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple yet essential, each playing an important role in creating the cake’s tender texture, rich flavor, and beautiful presentation. From the aromatic spices to the smooth ricotta, every item works together to make this cake shine.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect foundation for a soft but sturdy cake crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake its light and airy lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps balance acidity and tenderize the cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the apples beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings subtle depth and a hint of earthiness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates richness and moisture throughout the cake.
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup: The star sweetener that infuses the cake with distinctive maple goodness.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and helps with texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor profile with a classic sweet aroma.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Keeps the cake moist yet creamy, creating that signature ricotta texture.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: Fresh apple slices add natural tartness and a beautiful presentation.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents apples from browning and brightens their flavor.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup for topping: Gives the cake a glossy, sweet finish.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a delicate, pretty touch just before serving.
How to Make Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you a gorgeous golden crust that complements the soft interior.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining these spices and leavening agents upfront lets their flavors meld perfectly into every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sweeteners
Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter, pure maple syrup, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the cake’s structure and imparts the signature maple flavor that makes this recipe so special.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs, Vanilla, and Ricotta
Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain an even texture. Then stir in the vanilla extract and ricotta cheese until smooth. The ricotta adds an irresistible moistness that sets this cake apart from your usual apple dessert.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop as soon as the batter is uniform and silky.
Step 6: Prepare the Apples
Toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent browning. This step also adds a subtle zing that balances the sweet elements in the cake.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared cake pan. Arrange the lemon-brushed apple slices on top in overlapping circles for a visually stunning effect. Drizzle the apples with the remaining maple syrup to create a glossy, flavorful topping. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra pretty presentation, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
How to Serve Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the moist cake perfectly. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans adds a welcome crunch and nutty depth, making every bite even more luxurious.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs delightfully with a cup of hot herbal tea or robust coffee, enhancing the warm maple and apple notes. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into petite squares and serve on decorative plates with a drizzle of extra maple syrup and a sprig of fresh mint. Layer slices between two pieces of soft brioche for an inventive autumn dessert sandwich that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This cake holds its moisture wonderfully, so it stays fresh and tender without refrigeration for a short period.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or reheat the whole cake in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This revives the cake’s moist texture and enhances the maple aroma, making it taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta’s creamy texture and mild flavor are key to the cake’s moistness and tenderness. While cream cheese can work, it will yield a denser texture and tangier taste. For best results, stick with whole milk ricotta.
What variety of apples is best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal. They hold their shape during baking and their acidity balances the sweetness of the maple syrup, creating the perfect flavor harmony.
Can I substitute maple syrup with regular syrup or honey?
Pure maple syrup is essential for the distinct flavor in this cake. Using other syrups or honey will change the taste significantly. If maple syrup isn’t available, consider using maple sugar as an alternative sweetener to keep that authentic maple essence.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This cake uses no meat products and features classic vegetarian ingredients. It’s a comforting and delicious dessert everyone can enjoy.
How do I prevent the apples from browning before baking?
Tossing the sliced apples with lemon juice immediately after peeling and slicing is the best way to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration. This little trick adds brightness to the apple flavor as well.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe that makes it a perennial favorite in my kitchen. Its blend of warmth, sweetness, and fresh fruit flavors brings comfort and joy with every slice. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a quiet afternoon treat, this cake is guaranteed to become a beloved classic worth returning to again and again.
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Maple Apple Ricotta Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Maple Apple Ricotta Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for fall, featuring tender apples, creamy ricotta cheese, and a rich maple syrup sweetness. The cake combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with fresh apple slices drizzled in maple syrup, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Fruit & Topping
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for topping)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sweeteners: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the pure maple syrup and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the cake batter.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure full incorporation, then stir in the vanilla extract and the whole milk ricotta cheese until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and keeping the cake tender.
- Prepare Apples: Toss the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle citrus brightness.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan, then arrange the apple slices on top in overlapping circular patterns for an elegant presentation.
- Top with Maple Syrup: Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of maple syrup over the arranged apples to enhance sweetness and create a glossy finish.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- For extra maple flavor, substitute maple sugar for the brown sugar in the batter.
- This cake remains moist for several days when stored tightly covered at room temperature.
