Irresistibly Moist Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake – 9 Powerful Reasons This Italian-Inspired Dessert Is Pure Sunshine

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By Gianna Poulef

Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake

Oh friends… thank you for being here. Truly. This cake right here? It’s sunshine baked into a Bundt pan.

This Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake is one of those desserts I love making on weekends — especially after a cozy dinner when everyone’s lingering at the table, sipping espresso and not quite ready for the night to end. It’s bright, soft, delicately sweet, and absolutely a crowd-pleaser.

The ricotta makes it unbelievably tender. The limoncello adds a fragrant citrus warmth. And that lemon glaze cascading over every curve of the Bundt? Magic.

If you love elegant-but-easy desserts like this, make sure you subscribe to my email list. I share recipes from my kitchen with all the little tips I’ve learned along the way.

Now let’s bake something beautiful.

Overview of Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake

This cake blends classic Italian flavors with simple baking techniques. Ricotta cheese creates a soft, moist crumb, while limoncello and fresh lemon zest give it that bright citrus aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

  • Incredibly moist texture
  • Bright lemon flavor
  • Light yet rich
  • Perfect for dinner parties
  • Stays fresh for days
  • Elegant presentation with minimal effort

What It Tastes Like

It’s soft, tender, and lightly sweet with a refreshing lemon finish. The limoncello enhances the citrus without overpowering the cake.

It’s the kind of slice you go back for.

Full Ingredients (Complete & Detailed)

This Now, Make It Later!

Cake Batter

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup limoncello liqueur
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon limoncello
  • Lemon zest for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • 10–12 cup Bundt pan
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Grease and flour your Bundt pan thoroughly — those beautiful ridges deserve a clean release.

How to Make Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a Bundt pan generously.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Ricotta

Beat in ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 6: Add Flavorings

Mix in:

  • Limoncello
  • Lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Vanilla extract

Step 7: Combine

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Step 8: Bake

Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan.

Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 10–15 minutes before inverting onto rack.

Step 9: Glaze

Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.

Drizzle over cooled cake and garnish with lemon zest.

Let set before slicing.

What to Serve with Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with:

  • Espresso
  • Cappuccino
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

For a full dessert table, add:

Sweet and savory balance always makes gatherings special.

Tips for Perfect Bundt Cake

  • Use whole milk ricotta for best texture.
  • Zest lemons before juicing.
  • Bring eggs to room temperature.
  • Do not overbake.
  • Let cool before glazing.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: 3–4 days airtight.
Refrigerator: 6 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.

General Information

Ricotta cakes are popular throughout Italy for their tender crumb and subtle richness. Limoncello, traditionally served chilled after meals, adds depth and brightness to baked goods.

This cake is elegant but easy — my favorite combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this alcohol-free?

Yes. Replace limoncello with extra lemon juice and zest.

Can I use low-fat ricotta?

Yes, but texture may be slightly less rich.

Why did my cake stick?

Bundt pan likely wasn’t greased thoroughly.

Can I add blueberries?

Yes — ½ cup folded in gently works beautifully.

Can I make cupcakes?

Yes. Bake 18–22 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 12 servings)

NutrientAmount
Calories360 kcal
Carbohydrates42g
Sugar28g
Protein7g
Fat18g
Saturated Fat10g
Fiber1g
Sodium220mg

Interactive Element

If you bake this Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake, I would LOVE to see it!

Save and share on Pinterest here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tag your photos and leave a review below — your creations truly inspire this kitchen community.

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Irresistibly Moist Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake – 9 Powerful Reasons This Italian-Inspired Dessert Is Pure Sunshine


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: PT70M
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake is moist, tender, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. Made with creamy ricotta and topped with a citrus glaze, it’s an elegant yet easy dessert perfect for weekends and gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

3 large eggs

¼ cup limoncello liqueur

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

23 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon limoncello

Lemon zest for garnish


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease Bundt pan.

2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

4. Mix in ricotta until smooth.

5. Add eggs one at a time.

6. Mix in limoncello, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.

7. Gradually add dry ingredients until combined.

8. Pour into Bundt pan.

9. Bake 45-55 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

10. Cool 10-15 minutes before inverting.

11. Whisk glaze and drizzle over cooled cake.

Notes

Use whole milk ricotta for best texture.

Do not overmix batter.

Grease Bundt pan thoroughly.

Cake stores well up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: PT20M
  • Cook Time: PT50M
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
Irresistibly Moist Limoncello Ricotta Bundt Cake – 9 Powerful Reasons This Italian-Inspired Dessert Is Pure Sunshine
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

Let’s be friends!

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