Ricotta Vanilla Bean Bread (Printer View)

Subtly sweet loaf with creamy ricotta and vanilla, ideal for breakfast or a satisfying afternoon treat.

# Components:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 cup ricotta cheese, whole milk recommended
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
06 - Seeds from 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Optional Add-ins

11 - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped toasted nuts

→ Topping

12 - 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar, optional

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until thoroughly combined.
04 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently with a spatula just until the batter is combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain loaf tenderness.
05 - Gently fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped toasted nuts if desired.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the surface and sprinkle turbinado sugar evenly across the top for added crunch if preferred.
07 - Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
08 - Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses basic pantry and fridge staples and is easy to customize
  • Has a tender crumb thanks to whole milk ricotta
  • Requires minimal prep and just one bowl for wet ingredients
  • Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or an elegant dessert
  • A crowd pleaser every time and especially popular at brunches
02 -
  • High in protein and calcium thanks to the ricotta
  • Great make ahead option stays fresh for days
  • Customizable with mix-ins or toppings
03 -
  • Always use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and extra rise
  • Avoid over mixing after adding flour the batter should look a bit lumpy
  • Do not skip the parchment lining it guarantees easy removal and tidy slices
  • For a touch more flavor split a vanilla bean and scrape seeds right into your batter stir the pod into your sugar jar for vanilla sugar later

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