Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake.

This Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake that’s sure to impress your family and friends. It’s moist, rich, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the addition of creamy ricotta and zesty orange. Each slice is dotted with mini chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus brightness. Whether you’re serving it for dessert, brunch, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is bound to be a crowd favorite.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

This Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake stands out for several reasons. First, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The creamy ricotta adds moisture and richness, while the fresh orange zest provides a fragrant, citrusy lift. The mini chocolate chips bring a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the orange. Additionally, its dense yet tender texture is satisfying, making it a great choice for any occasion. It’s one of those recipes that everyone will be talking about long after the last slice is gone.

The Ingredient Lineup

To create this Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup freshly grated orange zest
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips, tossed in a pinch of flour
• Powdered sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Tools of the Trade

Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have the following tools handy:

• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
• Electric mixer – to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements.
• Rubber spatula – to fold in ingredients gently.
• Loaf pan – a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly.
• Cooling rack – to cool the cake evenly after baking.

The Method for Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale in color and creamy.

Step 4: Add Ricotta and Eggs

Add the whole milk ricotta cheese to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips that have been tossed in a pinch of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

Step 7: Transfer to Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Make It Your Way

Feel free to customize this Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake to suit your taste:

• Substitute lemon zest for orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
• Add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture.
• Try using dark chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• For a fun twist, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cake.

Notes on Ingredients

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting your ingredients:

• Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor; avoid bottled zest.
• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
• Choosing high-quality chocolate chips will enhance the overall taste of the cake.
• Ricotta cheese adds moisture; consider draining it slightly if it’s very wet.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

To keep your Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake fresh:

• Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you’d like to keep it longer, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To serve from frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

FAQ

Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese, but it may result in a slightly less rich cake. The texture might also be a bit different.

What can I substitute for the chocolate chips?

If you prefer a healthier option, you can omit the chocolate chips or replace them with dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Just store it properly as mentioned above.

Keep Cooking

If you enjoyed this Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake, you might also love these recipes:

• Lemon Blueberry Bread
• Classic Banana Bread
• Vegan Chocolate Cake

Make It Tonight

Now that you have all the details, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake this delicious Chocolate Chip Orange Ricotta Pound Cake. It’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion, and your loved ones will thank you for it! Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen as it bakes. Happy baking!