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Looking for a light and lemony summer recipe? This Lemon Ricotta Cake with blueberries is an easy version of a classic Italian dessert!

Y’all, Father’s Day is this weekend! I’m not sure what we will be doing; most likely spending time with extended family. We will probably fire up the grill and cook some burgers, because that seems like appropriate Father’s Day food.

And I’ll probably make something lemony like this Lemon Ricotta Cake, since in my opinion, summer desserts should be bright, light and fresh.

I’ve mentioned a few times before that I have friends and family who are Italian, and so over the years I learned how to make many classic Italian dishes. Many of these dishes, like homemade manicotti, cannoli, linguine and clams, I’ve learned by watching and helping at various get togethers, but other dishes, I’ve come to teach myself so that I can learn more about their traditions. And, if I’m being honest, work my way as the favorite.

This Lemon Ricotta Cake is one of those classic recipes I’ve learned to make. Traditionally this cake is left simple and made with only ricotta cheese, however, I’ve added lemon since it goes incredibly well with ricotta.

I’ve made this cake a few times for various gatherings, and my family absolutely loves it. They are not a fan of heavy desserts and love the light flavor and airy, velvety texture this cake provides. And to add an additional pop of texture and fresh flavors, I’ve added fresh seasonal blueberries.

Not only is this cake a nod to that Italian culture (that I’ve embraced with open arms!!), this easy Lemon Ricotta Cake recipe is the perfect thing to whip for Father’s Day or all summer long when you need a simple, yet elegant dinner party dessert.

Helpful Tips and Information:

Cooking Tip: To get the most juice out of your lemons, microwave lemons for 10 seconds and then use the palm of your hand to roll lemons on counter top or cutting board before cutting lemons in half to juice.

Money Saving Tip: This is a great recipe to make if you have leftover ricotta from making lasagna or other popular Italian dishes. This Lemon Ricotta Oatmeal with Blueberries and Almonds is also a great recipe to use leftover ricotta. 

Other lemon desserts you might enjoy:
The Best Lemon Bars
Lemon Truffle Pie 
Citrus Butter Cookies 
Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes
Lemon Soufflé Pudding Cakes

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Lemon Ricotta Cake with Blueberries

Yield: 8 -10

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Looking for a light and lemony summer recipe? This Lemon Ricotta Cake with blueberries is an easy version of a classic Italian dessert! 

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Ingredients

• For Lemon Ricotta Cake:
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large lemons, juiced and zested, divided*
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box butter flavored cake mix**
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 6 large eggs, divided
• 1 (15-ounce) carton ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• --
• For Blueberry Topping:
• 1 pint fresh blueberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• --
• Additional toppings:
• confectioners’ sugar,, for dusting
• fresh whipped cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Set aside.
2. Pour milk into a large liquid measuring cup. Add the juice and zest of one lemon. Stir to combine and set aside for 3-5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, stir together dry cake mix, oil, 3 eggs and lemon/milk mixture; stirring until well combined. Pour cake batter into the prepared baking dish and set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta, granulated sugar, juice and zest of one lemon and vanilla. Slowly whisk in remaining 3 eggs, adding eggs one at a time and whisking well after each addition. Pour ricotta mixture over cake batter in baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-60 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cake cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
6. To make blueberry topping, place washed blueberries in a bowl. Sprinkle sugar over blueberries and add lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine. Set aside for 15-20 minutes to allow blueberries to macerate.
7. To serve, sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over cake. Slice cake and serve topped with blueberries and whipped cream, if desired.
8. Leftover cake and blueberries should be stored covered in the refrigerator and will keep for about 3 days.

Notes

*In my opinion, this cake as great lemon flavor. However, if you prefer an even stronger lemon flavor use 3 large lemons in the cake batter.

**A yellow cake mix can be substituted for the butter flavored cake mix.

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