Nutella Ricotta Marble Cake is what I bake when I want something that looks fancy with hardly any effort. Maybe you know the feeling. You want a dessert that makes people smile, but you do not want to wrestle with frosting, piping tips, or complicated steps. This cake gives you glossy chocolate swirls, a tender crumb, and a creamy richness that always surprises people. The ricotta keeps it moist for days, the Nutella brings the fun, and I promise it is beginner friendly. If you love a cake that tastes like café-level goodness but fits real life, this one is your new go-to. 
Unique Nutella Dessert Recipes
I adore Nutella, but sometimes it ends up spread on toast and that is it. This cake changes that. The ricotta gives body and flavor, and the chocolate hazelnut ribbons make every slice look like you worked way harder than you did. If you have been hunting for a unique Nutella dessert, this is the one to try first. The batter is a classic vanilla base with a creamy twist, then you swirl warm Nutella right through it. The result is a moist loaf with a mellow tang from ricotta and deep cocoa notes in every bite.
Here is the simple path: whisk your dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, and ricotta, then fold it all together. Dollop Nutella on top and drag a knife in gentle figure-eights. Bake until your kitchen smells like a cozy café. I like a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan at 350 F for about 50 to 60 minutes. A few minutes of cooling and you are set. The marble is the show.
For more sweet ideas that go beyond toast, check out my little collection of Nutella treats here: fun Nutella dessert ideas. You will find quick sweets that make weekday evenings feel special.
Proportions that work: about 1 and 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 to 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup whole-milk ricotta, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 to 2/3 cup warmed Nutella for swirling. This keeps the crumb tender without being heavy.
“I baked this on a Sunday night and it was still moist on Wednesday. My kids kept asking for another slice, and my neighbor asked for the recipe. I am officially a fan.”
Creative Variations on Classic Cakes
Think of this as your new riff on the classic marble cake. You get all the drama of swirls without fuss. Once you know the basic Nutella Ricotta Marble Cake, you can remix it a dozen ways to fit your mood or whatever is in your pantry.
Simple Swaps
Try orange zest in the batter for a light citrus perfume. Or swap vanilla for almond extract to echo the hazelnut vibes. A spoonful of espresso powder in the dry mix deepens the chocolate flavor in the Nutella swirl. If you are gluten sensitive, a 1 to 1 baking flour blend works nicely, just do not overmix.
Fun Shapes and Sizes
Turn the recipe into muffins and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or use an 8 inch round pan for a layer-cake feel. For brunch, a mini loaf pan is adorable. Swirl each mini loaf separately so every guest gets a slice with its own artful pattern. If you like more Nutella in every bite, bake it thin in a 9 by 9 inch pan and shorten the baking time to 28 to 35 minutes.
Flavor Twists
Craving crunch? Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts on top before baking. In the fall, add a pinch of cinnamon. Around the holidays, a hint of peppermint extract in the batter is unexpected and fun. I also love folding in a handful of mini dark chocolate chips for more texture. For additional ricotta cake inspiration, peek at my roundup here: easy ricotta cake variations.
Whatever path you take, keep the star in sight. The creaminess of the ricotta and the glossy Nutella ripple are what make Nutella Ricotta Marble Cake irresistible and surprisingly elegant.
Tips for Baking with Nutella
I have baked this cake more times than I can count, and a few small moves make a big difference. These are the ones I rely on every time.
- Warm the Nutella slightly: 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave loosens it so you can swirl without tearing the batter.
- Use room temperature ricotta and eggs: this helps the batter come together smoothly and bake evenly.
- Do not overmix: once you add the dry ingredients, fold until just combined. Overmixing can make the crumb tough.
- Line your pan: parchment with a bit of overhang lets you lift the cake right out for clean slices.
- Perfect swirl: dollop Nutella in 5 or 6 spoonfuls, then drag a butter knife through in gentle zigzags. Stop before it mixes into the batter fully.
- Toothpick test: you want a few moist crumbs. If you hit a Nutella pocket, test a different spot.
- Let it rest: cool in the pan 15 minutes, then on a rack. The structure sets as it cools, and slices cleaner.
Get more practical pointers for smooth, shiny swirls and even bakes here: baking tips for Nutella lovers. With a few habits, your Nutella Ricotta Marble Cake will come out consistently tender and photogenic.
Pairing Suggestions for Nutella Desserts
Once the cake has cooled and the swirl has set, the pairings bring it to life. I like keeping it simple and a little playful.
- Morning coffee: a cappuccino or strong drip coffee cuts through the richness and makes the Nutella pop.
- Afternoon tea: try Earl Grey to echo citrus notes if you added zest.
- Fruit sides: fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries add color and a bright bite.
- Cool toppings: a spoon of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla gelato turns it into a dinner party dessert.
- For kids: warm a slice slightly and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar.
For more ideas on what to serve alongside chocolatey sweets, you might like this quick guide: smart dessert pairing tips. Set out a little tasting tray and let people choose their own adventure.
Storage and Serving Ideas
One of the big reasons I love this cake is how well it keeps. The ricotta keeps the crumb moist, and the Nutella swirl stays soft, so your second-day slice is as satisfying as the first.
Room temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf in parchment, then place it in an airtight container. It keeps 2 to 3 days on the counter. If your kitchen is warm, move it to the fridge after day two.
Fridge: Store tightly wrapped for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temp before serving so the flavors bloom and the texture softens again.
Freezer: Slice the cake and wrap slices individually. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp for 30 to 45 minutes or warm gently for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave.
Make ahead for guests: Bake the day before, then dust with powdered sugar right before serving so it looks fresh and pretty. If you want an elevated touch, whisk 1/3 cup powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk for a quick drizzle glaze. You can even tint a tiny bit with cocoa powder for a two-tone look.
Serving pro tip: Use a serrated knife and wipe the blade between slices. This keeps the Nutella marble defined and neat. Plate with a few berries on the side for instant café style.
Honestly, this cake only needs a fork, but these little moves make it party ready. And when someone asks what it is, tell them proudly that it is Nutella Ricotta Marble Cake. The name alone brings on happy faces.
Common Questions
How do I stop the Nutella from sinking?
Warm the Nutella just a touch and dollop it across the surface rather than in one spot. Swirl lightly. Thick batter plus gentle marbling keeps it suspended.
Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Yes, it works, but whole-milk ricotta gives richer flavor and better moisture. If you use part skim, do not reduce the butter or sugar.
What pan works best?
A 9 by 5 inch loaf pan gives tall slices with bold swirls. An 8 inch round also works. Reduce bake time if using a wider pan.
Is the cake very sweet?
It is balanced. The vanilla batter is gently sweet so the Nutella swirl can shine. If you prefer less sweet, use 3/4 cup sugar in the batter.
How many times can I swirl?
Once or twice across the pan is plenty. Too much swirling blends the Nutella into the batter and you lose the marble effect.
Ready to Bake Your New Favorite
When you want a dessert that wins hearts with minimal fuss, Nutella Ricotta Marble Cake is the move. It stays soft for days, slices beautifully, and adapts to your flavor mood without drama. If you like diving deeper into Italian style bakes, this guide is a lovely reference: Recipe: Swirled Ricotta & Nutella Cake | Italian Sons and Daughters …. Grab a bowl, warm a spoonful of Nutella, and make some magic swirls. I cannot wait for you to cut that first slice and hear the little gasp from your table. 
Nutella Ricotta Marble Cake
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fancy-looking cake with glossy chocolate swirls and a creamy richness, made easy and beginner-friendly with Nutella and ricotta.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3/4 to 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup warmed Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, ricotta, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just mixed, being careful not to overmix.
- Dollop warmed Nutella on top of the batter and swirl gently with a knife in figure-eights.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To enhance flavors, consider adding orange zest or substituting vanilla with almond extract. Pair with fresh fruit for a delightful presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian