Easy Ina Garten Fig Ricotta Cake Recipe – Sweet Summer Magic

Fig ricotta cake whispers sweet promises of comfort and indulgence.

Soft, creamy textures merge with bright fruity notes in this delightful dessert.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavor and elegance.

Each slice promises a delicate balance between rich dairy and subtle sweetness.

Seasonal figs transform an ordinary cake into a luxurious experience that feels both rustic and refined.

Rustic charm meets culinary sophistication in this simple yet stunning recipe.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft this impressive dessert with confidence: prepare to wow your guests.

How to Store Your Fig Ricotta Cake Correctly

• Airtight Sealing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a sealed container. This method prevents moisture loss and protects the delicate ricotta texture from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Temperature Control: Position the cake on the middle shelf of the refrigerator, away from temperature fluctuations near the door. Consistent cool temperatures help maintain the cake's creamy consistency and prevent potential bacterial growth.
• Moisture Management: Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture, which can make the cake soggy. This simple trick keeps the cake's surface fresh and prevents unwanted condensation that could compromise the delicate ricotta's smooth texture.

Delicious Variations to Try With This Recipe

• Blueberry Ricotta Bliss: Swap figs with fresh blueberries, creating a vibrant summer cake with bursts of fruity flavor. Scatter blueberries across the top before baking for a beautiful, colorful presentation.
• Almond Honey Harmony: Replace lemon zest with almond extract and drizzle honey over the cake after baking. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added crunch and nutty richness.
• Lavender Lemon Dream: Infuse the batter with dried lavender and increase lemon zest. Top with a light lavender-infused powdered sugar glaze for an elegant, aromatic dessert that screams sophistication.
• Chocolate Orange Indulgence: Mix dark chocolate chips into the batter and add orange zest instead of lemon. Dust the finished cake with cocoa powder for a decadent, rich variation that chocolate lovers will adore.

Our Closing Thoughts on Ina Garten’s Cake

Culinary artistry reaches new heights with Ina Garten’s fig ricotta cake, a masterpiece of simplicity and sophistication.

Mediterranean influences shine through its delicate texture and balanced flavors.

Creamy ricotta provides a luxurious canvas for sweet, jammy figs nestled atop golden-brown perfection.

Summer’s bounty embraces each slice with Mediterranean charm and rustic elegance.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cake whispers gourmet comfort without pretension.

Baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers: savor each moment, share this recipe, spread deliciousness through comments, likes, and passionate culinary connections.

Why Ina Garten’s Fig Ricotta Cake Stands Out

• Burst with Seasonal Freshness: This fig ricotta cake celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh figs, bringing a vibrant burst of late summer flavor to your dessert table.
• Master an Elegant Yet Simple Technique: The recipe offers a foolproof method that transforms basic ingredients into a stunning cake, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to impress without complicated steps.
• Enjoy a Luxurious Texture Combination: Creamy ricotta and soft cake base create a delightfully moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth, while the fresh figs add a delicate, juicy contrast to each bite.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With just 2 hours of total time and straightforward ingredients, this cake delivers a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, making it ideal for casual gatherings or elegant dinner parties.

What to Buy for Ina’s Fig Ricotta Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key structural ingredient that provides the cake's foundation and texture.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Eggs: Primary binding agent that adds richness and structure to the cake.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ingredient that contributes moisture and a subtle tangy flavor, best when fresh and smooth.
• Sour Cream: Adds tenderness and a slight tang to the cake's texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring that provides depth and warmth to the overall taste.
• Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy ingredient that adds a fresh and aromatic note.

• Fresh Figs: Seasonal fruit that adds natural sweetness and beautiful visual appeal to the cake.
• Coarse Sugar: Provides a crunchy, sparkling texture on top of the cake and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Crème Fraîche: Optional garnish that offers a rich, creamy complement to the cake.

Simple Guide to Ina Garten’s Fig Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and dust lightly with flour, tapping out any excess.

Step 2: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully blended before adding the next.

Step 4: Mix Creamy Ingredients

• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest

Note: The mixture might look slightly grainy due to the ricotta – this is perfectly normal.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• 1 all-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just blended.

Step 6: Prepare Cake Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Arrange Fresh Figs

Carefully place of sliced fresh figs on top of the batter, arranging them in a decorative pattern without overcrowding.

Step 8: Add Final Touch

Sprinkle of coarse sugar over the top of the cake for a delightful crunch.

Step 9: Bake The Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 10: Cool And Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve warm, optionally topped with a dollop of crème fraîche for extra indulgence.

Ina’s Tips for a Rich, Creamy Fig Dessert

• Capture Cake Freshness: Refrigerate leftover slices in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor for up to three days.
• Elevate Serving Style: Warm cake gently before presenting to unlock rich, intense flavors and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Maximize Zest Impact: Grate lemon rind carefully, avoiding bitter white pith for the most vibrant citrus notes.
• Protect Fig Placement: Dust fig pieces with flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking during baking.
• Perfect Ricotta Selection: Select creamy, room-temperature ricotta and drain excess liquid for a smoother, more consistent cake texture.

Ina Garten Fig Ricotta Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s fig ricotta cake delivers Mediterranean elegance with fresh figs nestled in a creamy, delicate base. Rich Italian flavors and simple ingredients create a sophisticated dessert perfect for summer gatherings or intimate afternoon treats you’ll savor slowly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 8 large (or 12 medium) fresh figs, stems removed, quartered through the stem
• 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup fresh whole milk ricotta, at room temperature
• 10 tablespoons (1¼ sticks / 141 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Dry Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar, such as Sugar in the Raw

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
• Crème fraîche, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Thoroughly coat a 9-inch (23-centimeter) round baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust evenly with flour, carefully tapping out any excess.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to ensure a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese, sour cream, pure vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest. The mixture might appear slightly curdled due to the ricotta’s texture, which is perfectly normal.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
7. Carefully distribute fresh fig pieces across the top of the batter, positioning them with slight spacing to ensure even baking and attractive presentation.
8. Sprinkle coarse sugar generously over the cake’s surface to create a delightful caramelized crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center; it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then delicately transfer to a serving plate. Optionally, serve warm with a dollop of crème fraîche for added richness.

Notes

• Savor the delicate dance of fresh figs nestled in a creamy ricotta cake that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
• Select ripe, soft figs with deep purple or vibrant green skin to unlock the most intense flavor profile.
• Crème fraîche offers an optional luxurious touch that elevates the cake’s richness and sophistication.
• Coarse sugar creates a tantalizing crunch and golden sparkle that catches the eye and delights the palate.
• Room temperature ingredients guarantee a silky-smooth batter that bakes into a perfectly tender cake.
• Refrigerate or keep at room temperature for 1-2 days, ensuring the cake remains fresh and irresistible.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 469 kcal
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 209 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 139 mg