Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (well-drained, fresh)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (toasted optionally)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan. Measure and gather all ingredients to streamline the baking process.
- Whip the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is pale, thick, and forms soft peaks. This incorporates air essential for the cake’s fluffy texture.
- Fold in Ricotta and Extracts: Gently fold the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and coconut extract (if using) into the egg mixture. This preserves the airy texture while mixing in the flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to avoid lumps. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing to maintain the light batter.
- Add Shredded Coconut: Fold in the shredded coconut evenly throughout the batter, adding texture and tropical flavor.
- Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing to keep it moist.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better texture and rise.
- Fold gently to avoid deflating the air bubbles necessary for fluffiness.
- Opt for fresh, well-drained ricotta to prevent excess moisture.
- Completely cool the cake before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Optionally, toast shredded coconut before folding in to deepen flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour alternative)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of cake)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: coconut, ricotta, cloud cake, light cake, gluten-free dessert, tropical cake, easy cake recipe