Blueberry Ricotta Cake is the kind of dessert that feels both elegant and effortless—a tender, moist cake filled with juicy berries and enriched with creamy ricotta. It’s the perfect balance of light sweetness, soft texture, and a bright citrus finish. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a casual afternoon treat, or a dessert that feels special without being fussy, this cake always delivers. The ricotta gives it a velvety crumb while the blueberries add fresh bursts of flavor in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and tender texture thanks to ricotta and melted butter.
- Simple ingredients, easy technique—no mixer needed.
- Bursting with blueberries that stay juicy and bright.
- Perfect for any occasion: brunch, dessert, holidays, or Mother’s Day gatherings.
- Light lemon flavor gives a fresh, bakery-style finish.
- Foolproof recipe that works even for beginning bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
For the Blueberry Ricotta Cake
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (not hot)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
- 8 oz blueberries (1 1/2 cups), rinsed and dried
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Let’s Get Started
-
Prepare your pan and oven.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper. -
Mix the wet ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and lightly frothy. Add the melted butter, ricotta, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk again until fully combined and creamy. -
Combine dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and lemon zest. -
Bring the batter together.
Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture and gently fold until just combined—do not overmix. -
Add the blueberries.
Toss blueberries with 1 teaspoon flour (optional—helps prevent sinking) and fold gently into the batter. -
Bake.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool.
Allow the cake to cool for at least 20 minutes before removing from the pan. -
Make the glaze.
Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake. -
Serve.
Slice, enjoy warm or at room temperature, and savor the moist, ricotta-rich texture.
Servings and Pairing
Servings: Makes 8–10 slices
This cake pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Hot tea or iced coffee
- A scoop of vanilla or lemon gelato
For brunch, serve alongside yogurt and fruit. For dessert, drizzle with extra glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
Variations
- Mixed Berry Ricotta Cake: Substitute half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries.
- Almond Twist: Add 1/2 tsp almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in 1/2 cup mini white chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
- Orange Ricotta Cake: Replace lemon zest with orange zest and use orange juice in the glaze.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered for 1–2 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days—chill for best freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Glaze Note: If freezing, add glaze fresh before serving for best texture.
FAQs
How do I keep the blueberries from sinking?
Toss them with a teaspoon of flour—it helps suspend them evenly throughout the batter.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but do not thaw them. Fold in while frozen and bake immediately.
Can I make this cake ahead?
Absolutely. This cake tastes even better the next day as the ricotta keeps it moist.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup without affecting texture.
Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
Yes—use a 9×5 loaf pan and bake for 60–70 minutes. Tent with foil if it browns too quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Ricotta Cake is a beautiful blend of simplicity and elegance. It’s moist, lightly sweet, and bursting with bright lemon and berry flavor—perfect for any time you want a dessert that feels homemade yet special. With its tender crumb and bakery-style finish, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation for brunches, celebrations, or cozy weekend baking.
Print
Blueberry Ricotta Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, moist blueberry ricotta cake filled with fresh berries, lemon zest, and creamy ricotta, finished with a light lemon glaze. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (not hot)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 8 oz blueberries (1 1/2 cups), rinsed and dried
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line with parchment.
- Whisk eggs and sugar until smooth, then add melted butter, ricotta, sour cream, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and lemon zest.
- Fold dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in blueberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 20 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze; drizzle over cooled cake.
Notes
- Toss blueberries with 1 tsp flour to help keep them from sinking.
- Use whole-milk ricotta for best texture.
- Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes

