If you’re ready to discover a next-level flavor combination, let me introduce you to the showstopper at the heart of all my celebratory tables: the Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake. This unique cake is a stunning marriage of fluffy, tender apple cake, creamy homemade ricotta, a swirl of maple buttercream, and a glorious crown of candied bacon. Each decadent bite delivers a little salty sizzle, tangy fruit, and dreamy richness—a true “wow” dessert for gatherings or for spoiling yourself on a cozy afternoon.

Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how each ingredient, while simple on its own, becomes absolutely essential in creating the extraordinary taste and vibrant contrast in this cake. These building blocks are where the magic truly begins!

Whole Milk (4 cups): The creamy base for making our homemade ricotta—fresh, rich, and totally worth it.
Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups + 1/4 cup + 4 tbsp): Adds extra silkiness to the ricotta, makes the filling luscious, and whips into the fluffiest buttercream.
Salt (1 teaspoon for ricotta + 1 teaspoon for cake): Essential for highlighting both sweet and savory notes.
White Wine Vinegar (or distilled/lemon juice, 3 tablespoons): This is the magic that separates the curds and whey in our homemade ricotta.
Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp + 2 cups): Sauté apples to golden softness and whip into the star buttercream.
Granny Smith Apples (2, skinned and sliced): Their tartness keeps the cake balanced and provides bursts of flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): The trusted structure of our cake; don’t substitute for best results.
Baking Powder (3 teaspoons): Gives the cake its beautiful, tender lift.
Olive Oil (1 cup): Moisture, flavor, and a subtle fruity note marry perfectly with the apples and bacon.
Sugar (1 3/4 cups + 1/2 cup brown sugar + 6 cups powdered sugar + 3/4 cup powdered sugar): Granulated and brown sugars for the cake and bacon, with plenty of powdered sugar for that dreamy frosting and filling.
Eggs (3, room temp): Brings rich texture, binding every bite together.
Homemade Ricotta (2 cups for cake + 2 cups for filling): Splurge and make it from scratch, you’ll taste the difference!
Applewood Smoked Bacon (1 lb): Extra smoky and robust, cubes quickly into irresistible candy.
Maple Syrup (1/3 cup): Marries with brown sugar for the best candied bacon ever.
Apple Cider Vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds sparkle to the candied bacon’s glaze.
Maple Extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the buttercream with intense, aromatic maple flavor.
Parchment Paper & Nonstick Spray: For easy release and perfect layers every time.

How to Make Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake

Step 1: Make the Homemade Ricotta

Start your Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake adventure by combining whole milk, heavy cream, and salt in a pot over medium heat. Let it bubble away gently, then stir in vinegar and watch the magic happen as curds form. Drain it through a cheesecloth—and voilà! Homemade ricotta like you’ve never tasted before. Chill and save it for later—you’ll want to sneak spoonfuls, trust me.

Step 2: Prepare and Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven and prepare three 8-inch pans with a loving smother of nonstick spray and parchment. Sauté your sliced Granny Smith apples in butter just until they soften, then lay them on the bottom of two pans—this creates those signature bursts of tart-sweet in the finished cake. Next, cream your olive oil and sugar, beat in eggs one at a time, and gently fold in the flour mixture and your exquisite ricotta. Divide the lush batter evenly and bake until golden, fluffy, and your kitchen smells like a bakery-dream.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Ricotta Filling

Whirl together homemade ricotta and powdered sugar for a super silky base. Fold in whipped heavy cream—light as clouds—for an unbelievably rich but not too sweet filling that’s perfect between cake layers and irresistible by the spoonful.

Step 4: Cook the Candied Bacon

Sizzle the bacon pieces in a skillet until they’re the right kind of crispy (don’t forget to swoon over the aroma!). Add brown sugar, maple syrup, and cider vinegar—stir it all together until you have sticky, glossy shards of bacon candy. Spread them out on parchment and let that savory edge cool into crunchy, maple-scented perfection.

Step 5: Whip Up the Maple Buttercream

Beat butter till airy, then gradually sprinkle in powdered sugar. Add a splash of heavy cream and maple extract, then whip until the icing is billowy-smooth. For the silkiest finish, stir with a wooden spoon to banish air bubbles—this buttercream smells and tastes divine.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake

On your cake plate, place the first apple-topped cake layer. Pipe a generous rim of maple buttercream and fill the middle with fluffy ricotta filling. Sprinkle over a layer of candied bacon, then repeat with the next layer. Top with the final cake round, crumb coat the sides with more buttercream, chill briefly, then finish with a smooth, thick coat. Garnish with dried apple slices and extra candied bacon for a finale that is both rustic and sophisticated.

How to Serve Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake

Garnishes

For extra flair and bite, scatter a handful of reserved candied bacon across the top, then nestle a few dried apple rings as an artful, edible decoration. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar makes this already striking cake pop—presentation is half the fun here!

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake is dreamily simple—try it with black coffee, a mug of chai, or a crisp apple cider. For a fancier finish, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a tangy crème fraîche to echo the ricotta’s creaminess and balance those savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

This Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake truly shines as a centerpiece. Slice and stack on a cake stand, serve petite wedges at a brunch or picnic, or cut them into squares for a twist on coffee cake. For parties, offer slices on wood boards with extra candied bacon and apple slices for guests to customize their experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify and every layer stays as moist and satisfying as the day you made it.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead or want to make this masterpiece in stages, you can freeze the baked cake layers (wrapped tightly) for up to two months. The ricotta filling and finished cake can also be frozen, just slice and wrap portions individually for a quick, decadent treat later on.

Reheating

While this cake is delicious cold, gently bringing slices to room temperature or giving them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will soften the buttercream and filling. Avoid overheating to keep the ricotta and bacon elements just right.

FAQs

Can I make the ricotta in advance?

Absolutely! Homemade ricotta keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Make it ahead, and you’ll save time and boost flavor on baking day.

Is there a way to make the cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour—the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check all your labels!

Can I use store-bought ricotta instead?

You can use high-quality store-bought ricotta if you’re in a rush, but making it at home is simple and makes a literal world of difference in freshness and creaminess.

What’s the best way to slice and serve this cake?

For picture-perfect slices, use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Serve with extra candied bacon and a spoonful of leftover ricotta filling for ultimate decadence!

Will the candied bacon stay crisp?

The candied bacon is best on day one for peak crispiness. If making ahead, store it at room temperature in an airtight container or assemble just before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake—a cake that’s dramatic, delicious, and guaranteed to spark conversation. Let yourself play with these bold flavors and enjoy the blend of sweet, salty, creamy, and crisp in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it your new signature treat!

Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 3-layer 8-inch cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this delectable Sweet and Savory Apple Ricotta Bacon Cake. Layers of moist apple-infused cake are filled with a creamy whipped ricotta, topped with candied bacon, and finished with a luscious maple buttercream frosting. This show-stopping cake is sure to impress at any gathering or celebration.

Instructions

For the Ricotta: Combine whole milk, cream, and salt in a large pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then add vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes, strain, and chill.
For the Cake: Preheat oven, prepare pans, cook apples with butter, mix dry ingredients, cream olive oil and sugar, add eggs and ricotta, then alternate with flour until combined. Bake and cool.
For the Whipped Ricotta Filling: Blend ricotta and sugar, beat cream until stiff peaks, fold into ricotta mixture.
For the Candied Bacon: Cook bacon until slightly crispy, add sugar, syrup, and vinegar. Spread on parchment paper to cool.
For the Maple Buttercream: Beat butter until fluffy, gradually add powdered sugar, then cream and maple extract. Beat until smooth.
ASSEMBLY: Layer cake with ricotta filling and candied bacon, frost with buttercream, and garnish with dried apples.

Notes

This cake can be assembled a day ahead for convenience.
Ensure the ricotta filling is spread evenly to prevent sliding during frosting.
Adjust sweetness levels in the buttercream to suit your preference.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 620
Sugar: 48g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 69g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Apple Ricotta Cake, Sweet and Savory Cake, Maple Buttercream, Candied Bacon Cake