Raspberry-Ricotta Cake

 

I'm not sure what is going on, but I can't stop baking with berries. Maybe because we are in the middle of berry season here in Florida, and they are so lovely and irresistible. Sort of like this raspberry-ricotta cake: I'd describe it basically as lovely and irresistible.

And there are so many ways to describe a rich and moist spring fruit cake. And there are so many ways to bake with raspberries. I happened upon this raspberry ricotta cake in a recent Bon Appetit issue. I oftentimes get a new magazine and mentally mark in my head all the new and fabulous recipes I want to try.

 

Inspired and ambitious, I sometimes even start a list of what to do next, whether it's an inspiration from a magazine or especially Pinterest. I even sometimes find inspiration on Instagram!! What is it with me and social media. The more I try to stay away from it, the more I get drawn in by beautiful and tempting photos.

 

So how to describe this luscious raspberry ricotta cake? Luscious and creamy like a custard. My husband said it's almost like a cheesecake. It's almost the same recipe as the lemon ricotta cake I make often (and I don't know why I haven't shared yet).

 

Can I use fresh or frozen raspberries for this cake?

I do prefer frozen raspberries for this cake. Raspberries are very delicate and they sort of fall apart when using fresh ones in baked goods. Frozen berries do tend to keep their shape. If you do only have fresh raspberries, that's no problem. The cake will still turn out fantastic! The cake is even better when it's served just slightly warm with a dusting of confectioner's sugar on top.

 

 

When I make my lemon ricotta cake, I like to add a little whole wheat flour and ground flaxseed to the recipe (which I did with this cake). I also like to add 1/2 extra virgin olive oil and 1/2 butter. I didn't show the recipe here to reflect the olive oil. It does have a stronger olive oil flavor when you add it, and not everyone here loves the olive oil flavor. It is definitely loved more by the adults, than by the kids!!!

 

If you're planning on sharing this cake with your sweetheart and some friends, use the portions of 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and 1/2 cup butter. I also used fresh raspberries as opposed to the frozen ones, because as I mentioned, there are so many gorgeous berries around these parts these days!! Say hello to spring with this addictive and luscious ricotta cake!!