Instant Pot Lemon Ricotta Cake
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For more Instant Pot cake recipes, visit 5 Instant Pot Cakes That’ll Wow Mom (Without the Stress).
Bright, fluffy, and full of lemony goodness, this ricotta cake is spring in a ramekin—without dirtying a mountain of dishes. It’s soft like a sponge cake, creamy like a cheesecake, and yes… it’s all done in the Instant Pot.
Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ One bowl, no mixer needed
✔️ Soft, moist texture that doesn’t dry out
✔️ Perfect for brunch, dessert, or gifting
✔️ Feels fancy, but it’s beginner-friendly
💬 “This one’s for when you want to impress without the stress. You’ll feel like a kitchen pro—even if you’re still figuring out your Instant Pot.”
🍰 Recipe: Instant Pot Lemon Ricotta Cake
Yield: 4–6 small slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (plus cool time)
Total Time: About 1 hour
📝 Ingredients
- ¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon (or 1 tsp lemon extract)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or spray for greasing pan
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Grease a 6-inch springform pan or cake pan that fits in your Instant Pot. Line the bottom with parchment for extra safety.
2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta, sugar, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
3️⃣ Sprinkle in flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
4️⃣ Pour batter into prepared pan. Cover tightly with foil.
5️⃣ Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place pan on a trivet inside.
6️⃣ Pressure cook on High for 35 minutes. Let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
7️⃣ Let cake cool for 15–20 minutes before removing from pan. Chill in the fridge for a firmer texture, or enjoy slightly warm.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No ricotta? Cottage cheese (blended smooth) works in a pinch.
- Want it sweeter? Dust with powdered sugar or add a spoonful of jam on top.
- No fresh lemons? Use 1 tsp lemon extract and bottled juice.
💡 Pro Tips & Lazy Hacks
- Line your pan so the cake pops out without sticking.
- One-bowl magic: Mix everything right in the bowl you melt the butter in—less cleanup!
- Serve it with: whipped cream, berries, or even lemon yogurt for an easy topping.
🧼 Clean-Up & Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheats great in the microwave (15 seconds) or just serve chilled.
- Use foil sling in the Instant Pot to lift the cake out without spills.
📌 Save This for Later!
💬 Made this? Tell me below—was it brunch, dessert, or a gift?
📌 Pin it now and stash it for your next low-effort, high-reward baking moment.
