Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese (drained if watery)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures the cake releases perfectly after baking. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl to remove any lumps from the cocoa.
- Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and pale. Slowly pour in the melted butter while continuing to whisk. Ensure the butter is not hot, or it might scramble the eggs.
- Step 3: Combine and Fold Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ricotta mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined; do not overwork the batter, as this can make the cake tough. Once the flour streaks disappear, fold in the chocolate chips to add pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.
- Step 4: Baking Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep that fudgy texture.
- Step 5: Cooling and Plating Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before releasing the sides. Transfer the cake to a serving platter and let it cool completely. Just before serving, pile the fresh berries high in the center of the cake and dust generously with powdered sugar. Slice and serve with an optional dollop of whipped cream.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes