Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake Recipe

Indulge in a slice of this Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake—a perfect blend of creamy ricotta cheese and rich chocolate. The marble effect not only looks stunning but also creates a delightful balance of flavors in every bite. With its tender crumb and irresistible swirls, this cake is the ideal dessert for any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake combines the richness of chocolate with the smoothness of ricotta cheese to create a moist, decadent cake. The chocolate swirl adds an extra layer of flavor and elegance, while the ricotta keeps the cake soft and tender. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or as an afternoon treat, this cake promises to deliver on both flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat for best texture)

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • Pinch of salt

  • ¼ cup milk (optional, for extra moisture)

• For the Chocolate Swirl:

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but recommended)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ricotta cheese and eggs, and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.

4. Mix the Batters: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined. If the batter seems too thick, add a splash of milk for a smoother consistency.

5. Make the Chocolate Batter: Divide the batter into two halves. In one half, fold in the chocolate chips and an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to create the chocolate batter.

6. Create the Marble Effect: Spoon alternating dollops of the vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together, creating a marbled effect.

7. Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

• Servings: 8-10

Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

• Chocolate Adjustments: If you prefer a lighter cake, skip the chocolate chips. For a more intense chocolate flavor, add extra cocoa powder to the chocolate batter.

• Less Sweet: To reduce the sweetness, decrease the amount of sugar or omit the chocolate chips altogether.

• Different Chocolate: You can also use chopped dark chocolate in place of chocolate chips for a more sophisticated flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, you can refrigerate the cake, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to maintain its moist texture.

FAQs

Can I use ricotta cheese that is not full-fat?

Full-fat ricotta provides the best texture and richness for this cake, but if you prefer, you can use part-skim ricotta. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly less creamy.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container, and let it come to room temperature before serving.

How can I make this cake even more decadent?

For extra indulgence, top the cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.

Can I use a different type of flour?

If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the chocolate batter from sinking?

To prevent the chocolate batter from sinking, be sure to alternate spooning the vanilla and chocolate batters into the pan and swirl gently. Don’t overmix the layers.

Can I bake this cake in a different pan size?

You can bake this cake in other pan sizes, but be sure to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will make the cake thinner, so check for doneness earlier.

Conclusion

This Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake is a perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy ricotta, with an elegant marble effect that’s both beautiful and delicious. Its soft, tender crumb and decadent flavor make it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether served plain or with a drizzle of chocolate or powdered sugar, this cake is sure to be a hit!

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