Sweet, moist and with a refreshing citrus flavor, this Orange Ricotta Coconut Cake is the perfect dessert choice for any occasion.
I don't usually buy a lot of ricotta cheese. When I do, I buy the small container usually because I have planned to make lasagna or baked Ziti. These are the only two recipes I had ever added ricotta to. Until, I made this cake that is.
Last week, my local grocery store had the big container of ricotta cheese on sale. I went to buy the small container and realized that the big one was actually cheaper because of the sale, so I bought it not really knowing what I would do with it. If I didn't think of something fast, this big tub of ricotta cheese would be going to waste and I just couldn't have that happened.
Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so why couldn't I just start baking early. I was sure I could make a cake with cheese. It's not something I'm used to doing, but why not?
In fact, ricotta makes for a more moist cake and it's delicious. The combination of orange and coconut give a wonderful tropical taste and feel. After making this cake, it did not last very long. That is always a good sign since I live in a house full of picky eaters.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon juice of an orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup coconut flakes
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powder sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons coconut flakes for topping (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a bundt cake pan and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set to the side.
- Using a stand mixer, beat the butter, sugar and orange zest until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in ricotta cheese and mix until well combined. Beat in the egg, orange juice and vanilla. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until blended.
- Pour the mixture and spread evenly on the cake pan. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the top is slightly golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While the cake is baking make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powder sugar, orange zest and orange juice.
- Drizzle glaze over the cake and sprinkle with coconut flakes. Let sit until the glaze hardens. Cake can be reserved in a covered container for up to 2 to 3 days.
NOTES
Nutrition
share your plate
Kelly
For Valentine's Day my husband and I always start by doing fondue. It is a wonderful food that allows us to focus on the art of the cooking, versus just eating a plateful of food. Then we will be having Molton Chocolate cake for dessert. It will be lovely 🙂
Vanessa
That sounds really lovely Kelly. Can you believe I've never had fondue? It's on my list of things to do though. 🙂
Randi S
Red Velvet Cake...mmmmm!
jodi
For Valentine's Day I always make a special dinner and dessert. I usually will grill fillets with a garlic butter sauce, twice baked potatoes and green beans lighthly sauteed in butter. Dinner is always the same but I do different desserts every year. Last year I made chocolate mousse in mini chocolate bowls. I haven't decided on dessert yet for this year.
Vanessa
Jodi, that entire meal sounds delicious! I might try to do a special meal this Valentine's Day. Thanks for reading!
shirley
I make a Strawberry Shortcake for the family, we really enjoy it.
Wendi
Wow - your photos are EXCELLENT and this looks amazing. I'm going to print it and make it myself this weekend! I hope the glaze is as easy as it sounds. Love glaze! 🙂
Vanessa
Thank you Wendi. The glaze is super easy and trust me you will love this cake. Thank you for reading!
Kelly D
I like to eat milk chocolate.
michelle k.
My favorite thing to eat is heart shaped meatloaf
Vanessa
Wao! I've never heard of heart shaped meatloaf. It sounds delicious and super cute.
Dorothy Whelchel
My favorite thing to eat on valentines day is chocolate of course. I like to get something special from the bakery or Whole Foods.
Dandi D
I really like to eat chocolate of course.
Lisa
I always love chocolate on valentine's day!
Shannon F
I love chocolate covered strawberries! 🙂
Vanessa
Chocolate and strawberries is the best combination in the world. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Michelle
Chocolate! Especially really good ones with filling in them. The cake looks delicious!
Vanessa
I love chocolate too! It is one of my weaknesses. 🙂
Julie Raye-Rod
cupcakes are my favorite thing to eat on valentines day
Vanessa
Cupcakes are awesome! with lots of frosting!!
Stephanie Payamps
I love chocolates!
Vanessa
Me Too!!!!
Alicia
This sounds delish! Please bring a nice treat for girls night! I love chocolate on Valentine's oh and a nice pasta dinner lol!
Vanessa
Pasta, ummmmmm!! I will definitely bring something yummy! 😉