Lemon Olive Oil Ricotta Cake with Honey Glaze
A moist lemon cake enriched with ricotta cheese and fruity olive oil, finished with a sweet honey glaze for a delicate balance of flavors. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp water (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup granulated sugar and 3 large eggs with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula, mixing gently until no flour streaks remain.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden on top.
- Step 7: While the cake bakes, combine 1/4 cup honey with 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thinned.
- Step 8: Remove cake from oven and immediately brush the warm honey glaze evenly over the top. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Olive Oil Ricotta Cake with Honey Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Lemon Olive Oil Ricotta Cake with Honey Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Olive Oil Ricotta Cake with Honey Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon Olive Oil Ricotta Cake with Honey Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon Olive Oil Ricotta Cake with Honey Glaze?
Mediterranean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
