Indulge in the rich, moist, and beautifully swirled Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake—a perfect fusion of creamy ricotta, velvety chocolate, and soft vanilla cake. This delightful treat is not only visually stunning but also offers a balance of flavors that melt in your mouth. The ricotta keeps the cake incredibly moist, while the double dose of chocolate enhances its decadence. Whether served as a dessert, snack, or even a special breakfast treat, this cake is sure to impress.

Rich and Moist Chocolate Marble Cake
A classic marble cake gets an irresistible upgrade with the addition of ricotta and double chocolate. The combination of a buttery vanilla batter and a deep chocolate swirl creates a marbled masterpiece that is both light and rich.
- Ricotta Magic – The secret to the incredible texture of this cake is the ricotta cheese. It adds a luscious moisture that keeps every bite soft and fluffy.
- Double Chocolate Goodness – With both cocoa powder in the batter and a chocolate drizzle on top, this cake delivers an intense chocolate flavor without being overly sweet.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making this for a cozy afternoon tea, a family gathering, or as a homemade gift, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
From its delicate swirls to its decadent topping, this Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake is a must-try for any chocolate lover!
Ingredients for Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, you’ll need high-quality ingredients that enhance both the vanilla and chocolate layers of this cake.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the cake, ensuring a soft yet stable texture.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These leavening agents help the cake rise, creating a light and fluffy crumb.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Gives the chocolate swirl its deep, rich flavor and beautiful marbled effect.
- Ricotta Cheese – The star ingredient that adds incredible moisture, making the cake soft and tender.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the chocolate or vanilla flavors.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and enhances the cake’s buttery flavor.
- Eggs – Bind the ingredients together while adding structure and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the vanilla batter, adding warmth and aroma.
- Milk – Keeps the batter smooth and helps balance the consistency of both the vanilla and chocolate layers.
- Dark Chocolate Chips – A double dose of chocolate comes from melted dark chocolate, drizzled over the cake, and sprinkled chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

How to Make Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake
Creating this stunning marble cake is simpler than it looks! Just follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly swirled, rich, and moist cake.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf or bundt pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft texture by incorporating air into the batter.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the ricotta cheese and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until well combined.
Step 6: Divide the Batter
Separate the batter into two bowls. In one bowl, mix in the cocoa powder and a splash of milk to create the chocolate layer. The other half remains the vanilla layer.
Step 7: Create the Marble Effect
Spoon dollops of vanilla and chocolate batter alternately into the prepared pan. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the two batters together for a marbled look.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Add Toppings
Allow the cake to cool before drizzling with melted dark chocolate and sprinkling with chocolate chips for an extra decadent finish.
Enjoy this incredibly moist and flavorful Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake as a treat for any occasion!
How Long to Bake Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake
Baking time can vary depending on the type of pan and your oven’s heat distribution. To ensure your cake turns out perfectly baked, follow these guidelines:
- Loaf Pan (9×5 inch): Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Bundt Pan: Bake for 45-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Muffin Tin (for mini cakes): Bake for 18-22 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as the ricotta keeps the cake moist, and overbaking may dry it out.
How to Store Leftovers
This cake stays moist for days, making it a great make-ahead treat! Here’s how to store it properly:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.
Tips for the Perfect Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake
Achieve bakery-quality results with these helpful tips:
- Use Full-Fat Ricotta: It gives the cake a rich, tender texture.
- Sift Cocoa Powder: This prevents lumps and ensures smooth chocolate batter.
- Swirl Gently: Don’t overmix when swirling the batters together—this keeps the marbled effect distinct.
- Let It Cool Completely: Before slicing, let the cake cool to prevent crumbling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of full-fat?
A: Yes, but full-fat ricotta provides the best texture and moisture.
Q: Can I use another type of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Q: How do I make this cake even more chocolatey?
A: Add extra chocolate chips to the batter, or dust the cake with cocoa powder before serving!
With its rich chocolate swirls and velvety texture, this Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake is a dessert worth savoring!
Print
Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Double Chocolate Ricotta Marble Cake is a moist, rich, and beautifully swirled dessert that combines the creaminess of ricotta with deep chocolate flavor. The perfect balance of vanilla and chocolate makes this cake a delightful treat for any occasion. Topped with melted dark chocolate and chocolate chips, every bite is an indulgent experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (for topping)
- ½ cup melted dark chocolate (for drizzle)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf or bundt pan.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the ricotta cheese and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth.
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Create the Marble Effect: Divide the batter into two bowls. Add cocoa powder and an extra splash of milk to one half for the chocolate layer. Alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter into the pan, then use a knife to swirl gently.
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Bake the Cake: Bake for 50-55 minutes (for a loaf pan) or 45-50 minutes (for a bundt pan), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Add Toppings: Let the cake cool before drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top and sprinkling with chocolate chips.
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Serve and Enjoy! Slice and enjoy this rich, moist, and chocolatey masterpiece.