A rustic ricotta strawberry cake recipe with a cornmeal-flecked crumb, a creamy ricotta topping, and fresh strawberries. Jump to recipe.
Tomorrow is the last day to vote in the Saveur Blog Awards. It’s been an incredible month, but I’m starting to feel like Cinderella at 11:55, afraid it’s all about to disappear in a poof. In two days, I may find myself alone with a pumpkin and some mice, so I’m having one last celebration. Being a finalist (for Most Delicious Food, no less) is a dream come true. Seriously. It’s been a long road – learning to take a decent picture, to write like “myself,” and to come up with recipes I think you’ll love week in and week out. Each time I hit publish and your thoughtful comments, likes, and shares start rolling in, I feel so lucky to have you here, reading and appreciating my work.
To say thank you, I made a cake – an easy cake, even. Cornmeal, olive oil, and ricotta make for a rustic, crazy flavorful crumb. It’s got a nice golden brown crust and is saturated with a simple orange glaze. On top, a big dollop of sweet and savory ricotta, plus fresh strawberries and a few wild violets too. Simple and rustic and celebratory, because it’s spring and I’m so glad you’re here.
Before we get to the recipe, I have one last request for you to head over to Saveur and cast a vote for us. This year’s list includes so many stunning blogs and the competition is stiff. Brian and I would be so very grateful if you could take a moment to vote. You’ll need to register with a name and email address, and then scroll all the way down to find our category, Most Delicious Food. Once you’re done, crank the oven and get ready to make some cake.
A rustic ricotta strawberry cake recipe with a cornmeal-flecked crumb, a creamy ricotta topping, and fresh strawberries.
- 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/4 cup finely ground cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- tiny pinch sea salt
- 6 strawberries , hulled and thickly sliced
- edible flowers , mint leaves, and whole strawberries for garnish
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally butter a 6 x 2-inch round cake pan.*
-
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and sugar. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg, and then stir in the ricotta, orange zest, and vanilla. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry. Finally, fold in the olive oil.
-
Spoon batter into the prepared cake pan. Slide into the oven, and bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is a rich golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached.
-
Cool cake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip out onto a plate.
-
Meanwhile, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, stir to combine 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1/3 cup orange juice, and 1/2 cup sugar over medium-low heat. Spoon 2 - 3 tablespoons over the cake.
-
For the ricotta topping, stir to combine the ricotta, 1 tablespoon orange glaze, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and a tiny pinch of sea salt.
-
Toss sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of orange glaze.
-
Spoon ricotta onto the cake, top with strawberries, and garnish with whole strawberries, violets, and fresh mint.
-
To make ahead, cook cake, cool, flip, drizzle with glaze, and loosely cover. Just be serving, add ricotta and fresh berries.
*Note: this recipe was tested with a 6-inch diameter x 2-inch deep cake pan. For an 8- or 9-inch round cake, double the recipe or refer to this guide to cake pan conversions.
No matter what happens, you’re a winner. I know, I know… everyone says that. But it’s true. You have created a remarkable space that makes people so happy. Your recipes, pictures and writing are marvelous. So, just know that even if you don’t win, you still deserve some bubbly and another slice of this gorgeous cake. Because you rock!
This looks wonderful Elizabeth – so beautiful! I also just want to take this moment for saying thank YOU for always making such delicious, wonderful and easy to follow recipes! All the best of luck! x
I love how impressive this looks, and yet it’s so simple to make! Absolutely gorgeous!
Beautiful cake. It looks like a fairy tale, but it’s real! I’m really interested in baking with ricotta, so I can’t wait to try this out. Best wishes and good luck!
Gorgeous!! Sending you luck and best wishes!
This cake is beautiful! I’ve been a silent reader for some time now, and it’s been really wonderful following along your journey, first in NY, now in Virginia! Good luck in the awards; hopefully we’ll get to meet each other in NYC!
This cake looks amazing (I adore ricotta cakes) and I wish you the best of luck in the comp!
Same goes for you, Sarah! You’ve built up such a great thing on The Sugar Hit, and I cannot wait to see all the good things in store for you!
It’s so pretty and the flavor are perfect!! Best of luck to you!! 🙂
Thank you, Tieghan! So glad you dropped by!
Good luck, Elizabeth! I really hope this happens for you and Brian! I know you put so much time and effort into Brooklyn Supper and this award is well deserved! I also can’t say enough about your pictures, including this cake! Stunning!
Thank you Jan! I really appreciate all the support and encouragement over the years.
Such a beautiful cake! And thank you for all that you do in this space – I’m clearly not alone in always feeling inspired whenever I visit here.
Kathryne, Thank you! I feel the exact same way about London Bakes.
This is positively GORGEOUS.
Aww, thank you Jessie! That means a lot coming from such a master stylist. Cheers!
Wishing you all the best. I cannot believe how quickly time flies…will be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Such a beautiful cake to celebrate with. xo, Catherine
Thank you so much, Catherine. And YES, fingers crossed for sure.
I can’t wait to bake this cake, Elizabeth! It’s gorgeous.
And I adore your blog. Good luck with Saveur! xx
This cake literally made me drop my jaw. SO. STUNNING. You deserve that award! Your work is so inspiring 🙂