Decadent Ina Garten Fig Ricotta Cake Recipe

Luxurious fig ricotta cake transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Imagine silky ricotta melding with ripe, sun-kissed figs in a divine dessert.

Mediterranean traditions inspire every tender crumb of this elegant treat.

Soft cheese and sweet fruits create a harmonious flavor profile that dances across your palate.

Seasonal ingredients elevate this cake from simple to spectacular, promising pure deliciousness in every slice.

Delicate yet decadent, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers to craft something truly magical.

Fall in love with a dessert that celebrates summer’s most beautiful flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 367 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Ina Garten Fig Ricotta Cake

• Butter: Choose high-quality, unsalted butter at room temperature for smooth blending.
• Granulated Sugar: Look for fine, pure sugar without lumps for even mixing.
• Eggs: Select fresh, large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for creamy, smooth ricotta with minimal excess liquid.
• Sour Cream: Pick full-fat sour cream for richer texture and deeper flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for authentic, robust taste.
• Lemon Zest: Select bright, firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin for maximum citrus essence.

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for better texture and natural taste.
• Baking Powder: Ensure fresh, unexpired baking powder for proper cake rising.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced and subtle seasoning.

• Fresh Figs: Pick ripe, soft figs with deep color and smooth skin for optimal sweetness.
• Coarse Sugar: Select large-crystal sugar for delightful crunch and beautiful sparkle.
• Crème Fraîche: Choose rich, tangy crème fraîche for luxurious finishing touch.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Ina Garten Fig Ricotta Cake

• Electric Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious vessel for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Separate Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients separately.
• 9-inch Round Cake Pan: Essential for baking the cake with even heat distribution.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently and smooth batter surface.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients without lumps.
• Toothpick: Crucial for checking cake doneness.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Grater: Useful for zesting lemon.
• Serving Plate: Stylish base for presenting the finished cake.

How to Make Ina Garten Fig Ricotta Cake at Home

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375°F and give your cake pan a quick butter massage followed by a light flour dusting.

• Create Creamy Base

Whip softened butter and sugar together until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks like pure happiness. Beat with an electric mixer, watching the ingredients dance and blend.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Gently fold in ricotta, sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest. Don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly chunky – that’s part of its rustic charm. Crack eggs one by one, stirring thoroughly between each addition.

• Combine Dry Elements

In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly introduce these dry ingredients to your creamy base, stirring just enough to create a smooth, velvety batter.

• Craft Fruit Masterpiece

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Artfully arrange fresh fig slices across the top, creating a beautiful design that looks as delicious as it will taste. Sprinkle a handful of coarse sugar for a delightful crunch.

• Bake and Celebrate

Slide the pan into the oven and let magic happen for 35-45 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should emerge clean and triumphant. Once baked, let the cake rest for a short while, then transfer to a gorgeous serving plate.

Enjoy your creation warm, perhaps with a luxurious dollop of crème fraîche for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips to Elevate Ina Garten Fig Ricotta Cake

Explore delightful twists on this classic fig cake by trying different flavor combinations and baking techniques.

Replace fresh figs with seasonal alternatives like ripe pears, juicy peaches, or tart raspberries to create unique variations throughout the year.

Experiment with additional spices like ground cinnamon, cardamom, or a splash of almond extract to elevate the cake’s depth and complexity.

Prepare the cake batter in advance and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking for maximum convenience and equally delicious results.

Serving Ina Garten Fig Ricotta Cake with Flair

• Pair with Refreshing Beverages: Serve alongside a chilled glass of prosecco or a light herbal tea to complement the cake's rich, creamy texture and delicate fig flavor.
• Create Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with a few fresh fig slices and a sprig of mint for a stunning presentation that elevates the visual appeal.
• Enhance with Complementary Toppings: Add a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla bean gelato to bring out the cake's subtle sweetness and provide a luxurious finishing touch.
• Enjoy as Versatile Treat: Savor this cake as a delightful breakfast pastry, afternoon tea accompaniment, or sophisticated dessert that transitions beautifully between different occasions.

Ina Garten Fig Ricotta Cake: Storing and Prepping Guide

• Optimize Refrigeration: Store leftover cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months, allowing quick access to a delightful treat whenever cravings strike.
• Counter Storage Strategy: Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place under a cake dome or cover loosely with foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain soft crumb.
• Revive Chilled Slices: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and enhance flavor nuances.

Rustic Fig Ricotta Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s fig ricotta cake blends Mediterranean flavors with rustic Italian charm. Delicate ricotta creates a silky texture while fresh figs add sweet complexity for passionate bakers who seek seasonal elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 (large or 12 medium) figs, fresh, stems removed, quartered through stem
• 3 eggs, extra-large, room temperature
• 1 cup ricotta, whole milk, fresh, room temperature
• 10 tbsps (1¼ sticks / 141 g) butter, unsalted, room temperature
• 1¼ cups flour, all-purpose
• 1 cup sugar, granulated
• 2 tbsps sour cream
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp sugar, turbinado (such as Sugar in the Raw)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract, pure
• 1 tsp salt, kosher
• ½ tsp lemon zest, grated
• crème fraîche, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan, ensuring even coating and removing excess flour.
2. Creaming: Using an electric mixer, whip butter and granulated sugar until light and airy, continuing for 3-4 minutes to develop a fluffy texture.
3. Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
4. Moisture Blend: Incorporate ricotta cheese, sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Note that the mixture may appear slightly curdled due to ricotta’s natural texture.
5. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, minimizing stirring to preserve the cake’s delicate structure.
6. Batter Arrangement: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even distribution.
7. Topping and Finishing: Arrange fig pieces across the batter, spacing them deliberately. Generously sprinkle coarse sugar over the top to create a caramelized crust.
8. Baking Process: Place in preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Confirm doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean without wet batter.
9. Cooling and Serving: Rest cake in pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a serving plate. For an elegant touch, serve with a dollop of crème fraîche.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients minimally to maintain the cake’s light, tender crumb and avoid a dense, tough texture.
• Fig Placement Matters: Distribute fig pieces evenly and slightly spaced to ensure consistent baking and an attractive appearance.
• Moisture Magic: Slight curdling of the ricotta is normal and contributes to the cake’s rich, creamy texture.
• Sugar Sprinkle Technique: Generously coat the top with coarse sugar to create a delightful caramelized golden crust that adds crunch and sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 118 mg