A soft and flavorful Olive Oil and Ricotta Lime Loaf Cake with a lime glaze. This simple and delicious loaf cake is the perfect way to enjoy limes as the weather starts to warm up. The easy lime glaze adds a touch more sweetness to the loaf cake and pop of zesty lime. You can enjoy this olive oil and ricotta lime loaf cake as dessert, snack or sweet breakfast.
This soft and lightly sweetened ricotta loaf cake is the lime version of my olive oil and ricotta orange cake. And the lime twist is just a GOOD as the original orange cake. The lime flavor is not overpowering, and the cake is not too sweet. It the perfect bite when you are craving something sweet and citrusy.
Loaf Cake vs Pound Cake
Loaf cake and pound cake are terms used frequently for this style of dessert: a cake baked in a bread loaf pan. However, a key difference between a pound cake and loaf cake is the ratio of ingredients used to make a pound cake typically is made with equal parts flour, butter, eggs and sugar. The texture is denser compared to a loaf cake.
A loaf cake, like this olive oil and ricotta recipe, is basically any cake baked in a bread loaf pan. This recipe is light, airy, and very similar to a traditional cake.
Why you will fall in love with this olive oil and ricotta lime loaf cake
EASY: You only need a handful of ingredients to make this simple cake recipe. The majority of time making this cake is it baking in the oven! Easy and delicious!
FULL OF CITRUS FLAVORS: The zesty lime comes through in the cake itself and the lime glaze. It is just the right amount of lime without being overpowering.
SOFT: The combination of olive and ricotta give this lime cake a soft and fluffy texture. The cake keeps its moisture for days after baking!
What you will need to make this olive oil lime cake
Ricotta: You will need ricotta to make this cake soft and most. Full fat or reduced fat ricotta cheese will work. If needed, you can substitute with Greek yogurt.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds to the moisture and texture of this loaf cake recipe.
Lime juice and lime zest: To achieve the full zesty lime flavors, you will need about 3-5 limes, depending on size.
Eggs: Adds to the structure of the cake.
Milk: Provides moisture to this olive oil cake recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives this cake the perfect amount of sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds to the flavor of the cake.
All-Purpose Flour: No fancy flour is required to make this loaf cake! This cake recipe only uses all-purpose flour.
Salt: Enhances the flavors in the lime cake.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The leavening agents.
Lime Glaze: The simple glaze is made up of powdered sugar, lime zest and lime juice.
Tips and tricks for making this lime cake
- If possible, try to use organic limes. When using lime zest, I try to use organic limes whenever possible.
- To get the most juice out of your limes, roll them on the counter with her hand before cutting open. This helps break down the pulp and will helps break the juice pods!
- Do not over mix the wet and dry ingredients together. You will want to stir the two together until just combined. There may be a few lumps and that is OK! An overmixed batter may become dense.
- Watch the bake time carefully to prevent the loaf cake from overbaking. Due to external factors, the bake time may vary from person to person. Start low and check on the cake. It is done when the batter has fully set, and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Mix the glaze together right before drizzling it over the cooled lime loaf cake.
- You can store the olive oil lime cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
If you give this olive oil and ricotta lime loaf cake recipe a try, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.
From my kitchen to yours, happy baking! I hope you love this lime cake as much my family does!
Olive Oil and Ricotta Lime Loaf Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 C. Ricotta
- 1/2 C. Olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 C. Milk
- 3/4 C. Sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1/4 C. Lime juice
- 1 Tbsp. lime zest
- 1 3/4 C. All-purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp.Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. Baking soda
Lime glaze:
- 3/4 Cup. Powered sugar
- 1 tsp. Lime zest
- 2 Tbsp. Lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar, lime zest and eggs. Beat the eggs and sugar together for about 30 seconds with an electric mixer. Add in the lime juice, milk, ricotta, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat together until fully combined. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a 1 pound loaf pan either greased or lined with parchment paper. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until batter is just set. Remove from the oven and let cool. Remove from the loaf pan.
- To make the lime glaze, add the powered sugar and lime zest into a medium mixing bowl. Stir together. Add in 2 tablespoons of lime juice and whisk until fully combined. If it seems too thick, whisk in 1/2 tablespoon of lime juice at a time until it reaches desired consistency.
- Once the loaf cake has cooled, drizzle the lime glaze over the loaf cake. Enjoy!
