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This lemon blueberry ricotta cake combines the bright zest of lemon with juicy blueberries and creamy ricotta cheese, all topped with a sweet streusel and tangy glaze. The cake has a moist, tender crumb that makes it perfect for any occasion, from morning coffee to elegant dessert.
I first made this cake for a summer garden party, and guests were fighting over the last slice. Now it appears at nearly every family gathering because everyone from my picky niece to my foodie brother-in-law requests it.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure while keeping the cake tender
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness without overpowering the fruit flavors
- Fresh lemon zest and juice: Offer bright citrus notes that wake up your taste buds
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: Adds incredible moisture and richness to the batter
- Eggs: Bind everything together while creating a fluffy texture
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors without competing with them
- Blueberries: Burst with juicy goodness when baked; look for plump berries with a silvery bloom
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that perfect golden crust
- Confectioners sugar: Makes a smooth glaze that sets beautifully on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Streusel:
- Combine flour and sugar in a medium bowl, then pour in melted butter. Work the mixture with a fork or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger chunks. The texture should be like wet sand that clumps when squeezed. Set this aside while you prepare the cake batter.
- Create the Lemon Sugar Base:
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar with fresh lemon zest. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until it becomes fragrant and slightly yellow. This releases the essential oils in the zest, infusing the entire cake with lemon flavor. Whisk in flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, room temperature eggs, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Gradually pour in the melted butter while whisking continuously to prevent the warm butter from cooking the eggs. The mixture should be silky and uniform with no lumps of ricotta remaining.
- Combine and Add Berries:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula using broad strokes. Stop when just combined with a few streaks of flour remaining. Gently fold in the blueberries with minimal stirring to avoid breaking them and turning the batter purple. The batter will be thick and substantial.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Scrape the batter into a thoroughly greased springform pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously across the surface. Bake in a preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Add the Finishing Touch:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing the sides of the springform. While cooling, whisk together confectioners sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle the glaze artfully over the cake once it has cooled completely, allowing it to drip down the sides.
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My absolute favorite thing about this cake is how the blueberries burst during baking, creating pockets of jammy sweetness throughout the cake. It reminds me of picking blueberries with my grandmother who would always save the biggest ones for baking rather than snacking.
Make-Ahead Options
This cake actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can bake it up to a day in advance and store at room temperature, loosely covered. For best results, wait to add the glaze until a few hours before serving to maintain that fresh appearance and prevent sogginess. The cake layers will stay moist thanks to the ricotta, making this an ideal dessert for busy hosts.
Seasonal Variations
While fresh blueberries provide the best flavor and texture during summer months, this versatile recipe works beautifully with other seasonal fruits. Try substituting raspberries or blackberries in summer, or diced apples tossed with cinnamon in fall. During winter months when fresh berries are expensive, frozen blueberries work perfectly—just fold them in while still frozen to prevent color bleeding into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
For breakfast or brunch, serve slices with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt. When presenting as a dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm slices and garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves. This cake also makes a lovely centerpiece for afternoon tea, especially when served on a cake stand with fresh flowers surrounding the base.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen blueberries for this cake?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen, do not thaw them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- → How do I prevent the batter from turning purple?
Gently fold in the blueberries to prevent overmixing, which can cause the batter to take on a purple hue.
- → Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and drizzle the glaze just before serving.
- → What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta, you can use mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt as a substitute. However, the texture might slightly differ.
- → How do I store the leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.