Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and fluffy texture – The ricotta cheese makes the cake incredibly moist and soft.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
- Tropical coconut flavor – The combination of shredded coconut and coconut extract gives this cake a delightful tropical touch.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as a dessert, tea-time treat, or even a special occasion cake.
- Naturally sweet – The sweetness of ricotta and coconut balances perfectly, making it satisfying without being overly rich.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Coconut extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
For the frosting:
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Shredded coconut (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded coconut, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for decoration.
- Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Twist – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a coconut-chocolate flavor combination.
- Nutty Delight – Mix in ½ cup of chopped toasted almonds or pecans for added crunch.
- Citrus Touch – Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free Version – Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free ricotta alternative and use coconut whipped cream for the frosting.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: While this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
Yes, but whole milk ricotta will give the cake a richer texture and flavor.
2. Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded coconut?
Yes, but fresh coconut has more moisture, so slightly reduce the ricotta to balance the texture.
3. What can I use instead of coconut extract?
You can substitute it with almond extract or just increase the vanilla extract for a subtle flavor change.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving.
5. Is this cake very sweet?
No, it’s lightly sweetened. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, increase the sugar slightly or use sweetened coconut.
6. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or a coconut buttercream would also work well.
7. Can I make this cake in a loaf pan instead of a round cake pan?
Yes, but baking time may be longer—check for doneness with a toothpick.
8. What pairs well with this cake?
It goes well with fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
9. Can I use coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Coconut flour is highly absorbent, so it’s not a 1:1 substitution. If using coconut flour, adjust liquid ingredients accordingly.
10. How can I make this cake more decadent?
Add a layer of coconut custard between the cake and frosting, or drizzle with white chocolate.
Conclusion
Coconut Ricotta Cloud Cake is a delightful treat with a soft, moist crumb and a luscious whipped cream topping. It’s easy to make, packed with tropical flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a simple dessert or dress it up for a celebration, this cake is sure to be a hit. Try it today and savor every bite!
PrintCoconut Ricotta Cloud Cake recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Coconut Ricotta Cloud Cake is a light, airy dessert bursting with tropical coconut flavor and the creamy richness of ricotta. This easy-to-make cake has a soft, moist crumb and is topped with a luscious whipped cream frosting and shredded coconut. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful treat is naturally sweet, satisfying, and irresistibly fluffy.
Ingredients
-
For the Cake:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shredded coconut, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble & Serve:
- Spread the whipped cream frosting over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
- Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder.
- For extra texture: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.
- For a citrus twist: Add orange zest to the batter.
- Storage: Keeps for 2 days at room temperature, 5 days in the fridge, or up to 2 months frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American