When the soft glow of the afternoon sun filters through my kitchen window, it often inspires me to create something uplifting—like this delightful Orange Ricotta Cake Roll. Imagine slicing into this beautiful creation: the tender, sponge-like cake unfurling to reveal a luscious filling that’s both creamy and zesty. The perfect balance of flavors transforms ordinary moments into something special, whether you’re hosting a lively brunch or simply treating yourself after a long week.

With every bite, you’ll experience the rich comfort of ricotta melded with the bright notes of fresh orange zest, creating a light yet satisfying dessert that dances on the palate. Best of all? This stunning centerpiece can be made in just a few easy steps! Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to bring smiles to every table.

Why is the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll irresistible?

Light and Airy: Each bite offers a delightfully delicate texture that feels like a cloud on your tongue.
Rich Creaminess: The luscious filling, made from ricotta and mascarpone, provides an indulgent creaminess that’s utterly satisfying.
Citrus Freshness: Infused with bright orange zest, it delivers a refreshing zing that keeps your taste buds dancing.
Effortless Elegance: Impress your guests without fuss—this stunning dessert looks chic and sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to make.
Versatile Variations: Feeling creative? Swap in different citrus or add chocolate chips for a fun twist every time!

Orange Ricotta Cake Roll Ingredients

For the Cake

Eggs (4 large, separated) – Essential for structure and moisture; room temperature eggs lend better volume when beaten.
Baking Cocoa (1/4 cup) – Introduces a touch of chocolate flavor; feel free to use carob powder for a caffeine-free alternative.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons) – Works as a binding agent; a gluten-free blend can easily take its place if needed.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon) – Elevates and enhances the overall flavor.
Confectioners’ Sugar (2/3 cup, sifted, divided) – Adds sweetness and structure to the cake.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Complements the flavors beautifully, adding depth and aroma.
Cream of Tartar (1/2 teaspoon) – Helps stabilize egg whites while whipping.

For the Filling

Ricotta Cheese (15 ounces) – The star of the filling, providing that characteristic creaminess.
Mascarpone Cheese (3 tablespoons) – Adds richness; can be switched out for cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
Sugar (1/3 cup) – Sweetens the filling just right.
Kahlua (1 tablespoon) – Introduces a coffee note; optional, or substitute with milk for a lighter flavor.
Grated Orange Zest (1 tablespoon) – Offers a refreshing citrus burst, prominently featured in the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon) – Reinforces rich flavors in the filling.

For Dusting

Additional Confectioners’ Sugar – Sprinkle on top for a sweet finishing touch before serving.

How to Make Orange Ricotta Cake Roll

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, smoothing out any wrinkles before greasing the parchment too. This ensures an easy release after baking.
Sift together cocoa, flour, and salt into a mixing bowl. This is an essential step as it aerates the dry ingredients, leading to a lighter cake texture—just what we want for our Orange Ricotta Cake Roll!
Whip the egg yolks in a separate bowl until thick and pale. Gradually add 1/3 cup of confectioners’ sugar until it becomes lemon-colored. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the sifted cocoa mixture until just combined.
Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in another clean bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar while continuing to beat until glossy peaks form—this is crucial for a fluffy cake!
Fold the whipped egg whites gently into the cocoa batter, being careful to maintain that airy volume. Once combined, pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure even baking.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Once done, let it cool completely in the pan.
Invert the cooled cake onto a sugared piece of waxed paper. Carefully peel off the parchment paper for a smooth finish—this will help the cake maintain its structure.
Mix together the ricotta, mascarpone, sugar, Kahlua (if using), orange zest, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious filling over the cake, ensuring to leave a 1/2-inch border for easy rolling.
Roll the cake starting from a short side, creating a jelly-roll shape. Trim any uneven edges, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help it set.
Dust with additional confectioners’ sugar before serving, giving it a professional touch that enhances its visual appeal!

Optional: Serve chilled with fresh fruit for a delightful contrast.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Orange Ricotta Cake Roll

Fridge: Store the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh while preserving the delightful filling.

Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

Reheating: If desired, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat, as this might affect the delicate filling.

Preparing in Advance: You can make the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll a day ahead of time. Just follow the proper storage methods to ensure it stays delicious for your special occasion!

What to Serve with Orange Ricotta Cake Roll?

Imagine a delightful gathering where your guests are treating themselves to the soft, sweet delight of this showstopper dessert.

Fresh Berries: The tartness of mixed berries provides a beautiful contrast, refreshing the palate between bites of creamy cake.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream is a classic accompaniment that enhances the richness of the filling—perfect for those who love extra decadence.
Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of citrus or berry sorbet introduces a zesty, refreshing element that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the cake.
Herbal Tea: The soothing qualities of chamomile or mint tea create a cozy atmosphere, complementing the lightness of the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll while enhancing its flavors.
Espresso: A shot of rich espresso or coffee creates a delightful harmony, balancing sweetness with a robust flavor that heightens the cake’s citrus notes.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a thin layer of chocolate sauce not only adds indulgence but beautifully contrasts with the bright orange flavors, delighting chocolate lovers.
Lemonade: A glass of fresh lemonade brings a bright, tangy sweetness that refreshes between bites, making it an ideal drink pairing for this summery cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a classic touch, melting beautifully into the slices of cake and enhancing every mouthful.

Make Ahead Options

This Orange Ricotta Cake Roll is a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your life easier on busy days! You can bake the cake and cool it up to 24 hours ahead of time. Once cooled, simply wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap to retain its moisture and freshness. The ricotta filling can also be prepared and stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days in advance, just be sure to do so in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, spread the filling over the cake, roll it up, and let it chill in the fridge for 1 hour before slicing and dusting with confectioners’ sugar. This way, you’ll be serving a delicious dessert with minimal last-minute effort!

Expert Tips for the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll

Room Temperature Eggs: Use eggs that are at room temperature, as they whip better, giving your cake a lighter texture.
Sift Ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients helps aerate them, which is vital for the delicate nature of the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll.
Beat Wisely: Ensure egg whites are beaten until glossy, but avoid over-mixing; too much air can lead to collapse during baking.
Filling Control: Don’t overfill the cake when spreading the ricotta mixture—keep a 1/2 inch border to ease rolling without breaking.
Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before rolling, as this minimizes cracks and ensures a perfect shape.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least an hour after rolling; this helps it maintain its shape and enhances flavor melding.

Orange Ricotta Cake Roll Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize this delightful cake roll to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Citrus Swap: Replace orange zest with lemon or lime for a refreshing twist that brightens the flavor profile.
Chocolate Delight: Add chocolate chips to the ricotta filling for a delightful contrast that makes every slice extra special.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pistachios, for a pleasing crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Liqueur Alternatives: Switch Kahlua with Amaretto or Frangelico for a unique flavor infusion that brings warmth and depth.
Fruit Filling: Experience a burst of flavor by folding in pureed fruit like berries or mangoes into the filling, creating a fruity variation.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free ricotta and mascarpone alternatives to make this cake suitable for lactose-intolerant guests, while still enjoying that creamy texture.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive tastes without sacrificing deliciousness.
Spicy Zing: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the filling for a flavor kick that adds an unexpected surprise to this sweet treat.

Orange Ricotta Cake Roll Recipe FAQs

What type of oranges are best for zesting?
Absolutely! When choosing oranges for zesting, I recommend using fresh, organic oranges for the best flavor. Navel oranges are a great option because they’re seedless and easy to handle. Look for oranges that are firm with a vibrant color and a strong citrus aroma, as these are indicators of freshness and zestiness.

How long can I store the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll?
You can store your delightful Orange Ricotta Cake Roll in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped well in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness. If it’s left uncovered, the cake can dry out, losing that luscious texture we all love.

Can I freeze the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll?
Yes, you can freeze it! To freeze the cake, first ensure it’s fully cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and helps retain moisture. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight; this preserves the texture and flavors beautifully.

What should I do if my cake cracks while rolling?
Very! If your Orange Ricotta Cake Roll cracks while rolling, don’t fret! It’s often a result of not allowing the cake to cool completely or rolling it too tightly. If you encounter cracks, simply use a bit of the ricotta filling as “glue” to patch it up after rolling it. Even if it cracks, it will still taste amazing, and those imperfections add character to your cake.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! To make a dairy-free version of the Orange Ricotta Cake Roll, substitute ricotta and mascarpone with plant-based alternatives. Look for almond or coconut-based ricottas available in stores, and ensure any cream substitutes are also dairy-free. Just be cautious as some substitutes may change the texture slightly, so check product consistency before using.

Can I use other citrus fruits for this cake roll?
Very much so! Feel free to swap the orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a fresh twist on this recipe. The bright flavors of lemons or limes will add a fun tanginess to the filling and the cake overall. You can also mix and match with a combination of citrus fruits to create a multi-layered flavor profile that’s sure to surprise and delight.