I've partnered with Premier Protein to bring y'all this seemingly-sinful, Lemon Apricot Protein Loaf Cake with Ricotta And a Giveaway! Just want to say, thank you so much for supporting the brands that keep this Srilankan Runnin!
A slice of rich, buttery, melt-in-my-mouth, homemade pound cake can make me swoon! Swoon to the point that I'm willing to ignore the fact that it is made with equal parts of butter, eggs, flour and sugar. And, I blame all that swooning on a boy.
Since we are in the month of red, heart shaped, everything, I will come clean and say my love for pound cake was ignited by a boy. But not any boy. This was the boy of my dreams. I must have been around 12, (you didn't think a boy could influence me at my ripe old age now, did ya?) and devouring every word of an article about the lead singer of my favorite band, Morten Harket; when I came across the tidbit that he was a pretty healthy eater with his only weakness being Madeira Cake!
Of course, back then I had no clue that Madeira Cake was synonymous with pound cake which was synonymous with my mom's butter cake. So, I went to the library and picked up as many cookbooks as I could find that had a recipe for Madeira Cake in them. Then, I tried my hand at making one. Well, let me just say that back then I was more talented in the art of water burning than I am now, so, my Madeira Cake never panned out.
But, when my mom got light of what I was trying to do, she decided to bake me a bona fide Madeira Cake and one of her Butter Cakes. And - gosh darn it y'all - they were the same darn thing! The funny thing is prior to reading that article, I was always a chocolate cake kinda gal. The power of a teen crush - eh!?
Now you might be wondering if my yammering on about pound cake has anything to do with this Lemon Apricot Protein Loaf Cake? Well, I'm sorry to be a killjoy, but, other than the fact that both are made in a loaf pan - there's absolutely no co-relation at all. You see, this Lemon Apricot Protein Loaf Cake does not contain equal parts of flour, sugar, eggs and butter.
In fact, it contains absolutely no butter!
And, I didn't miss it (I am hoping you won't either) because the lemon (juice and zest) and apricots add so much flavor to this loaf cake, while the ricotta makes it taste almost sinful! But, that's not all - I made this Lemon Apricot Loaf Cake as a tastier - yet healthier option to snack on and I added in Premier Protein's Vanilla Protein Powder to give each seemingly-sinful slice of this loaf cake a powerful protein punch as well!
Premier Protein is on a quest to help show everyone and anyone how a good source of protein can help them “tackle life’s daily challenges, feel their best and live the life they want” Care to join them?
Don't forget to enter to WIN a 4 pack of Vanilla Premier Protein Shakes!
(Giveaway only open to US residents over 18 years of age)
Please check out Premier Protein on Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest • Instagram as they have a ton of products and recipe ideas that can help ya incorporate a tad more protein into your day!
If you've looking for healthier treats, I so do hope you give this recipe a try.
While I enjoyed a slice of this Lemon Apricot Loaf Cake drizzled with some lemon icing, my daughter topped a warm slice of it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream before inhaling it!
Lemon Apricot Protein Loaf Cake with Ricotta And a Giveaway!
This healthier, Lemon Apricot Protein Loaf Cake is seemingly sinful, yet makes a rich and decadent snack or dessert anytime!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid - no need to melt
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup ricotta
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Premier Protein Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1-1/2 cups all purpose flour, I used a gluten free blend but feel free to use whichever
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the icing:
- Powdered sugar and enough lemon juice to get it to an "icing consistency"
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees
- I lined the bottom of a loaf pan with parchment paper and greased the sides with coconut oil
- In a large bowl, cream the solid coconut oil and sugar (like you would butter and sugar) -I used an electric handheld mixer
- Add in the eggs one at a time, beating in between each
- Add in the lemon juice, lemon zest, ricotta and apricots and give it one good, quick, mix.
- Then, using a spatula, fold in the Premier Protein Vanilla Protein Powder, all purpose flour, baking powder and salt.
- Spoon/scrape into the loaf pan and let bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes (or till toothpick inserted into center comes out clean).
- Let cool and drizzle on icing or dust with powdered sugar.
I’d love to know if you happen to make this recipe (or any other on here) so pretty please tag me @RunninSrilankan and #RunninSrilankan on Instagram, Twitter &/or Facebook. And, if you haven’t yet, then please make sure to subscribe to my email list to have all sorts of eats, treats and delightful ramblings delivered right to your inbox!
Laura | Wandercooks
Oh Shashi I just love your story! It kinda reminds me of how my love affair for Japan made me fall in love with anything packed with sweet red bean paste haha. This cake sounds delicious, and I pretty much love anything with ricotta - it gives such a gorgeous texture when used in baking!
Sandi G
What a great idea to add protein to a sweet treat. That means no guilt, right? Either way, guilt or no guilt, it looks amazing.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
This is brilliant! I can almost taste if from here. The ricotta add is such a great move. More protein and it really packs in the moisture!
Just Jo
Well this looks just luscious. I love the apricots you've added and the ricotta too - must be super moist.
Dannii
I love lemon cake, so I think I would really enjoy this. I like the addition of apricot too.
David @ Spiced
You know, I've never made a ricotta cake. I've heard amazing things, but I've just never gotten around to trying it out. But this version looks amazing, Shashi! I love the lemon + apricot thing you've got going on there. And then the protein powder, too? How fun is that twist?! I'm pretty sure I would gladly inhale a slice of this cake with my morning coffee...but if you just happened to put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on it, then I wouldn't turn it down. Looks delicious! Oh, and I didn't realize Morten is the lead singer of A-Ha. Makes sense! 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
What a cute story and what a laugh! I make a cake during Christmas with apricots and raisins. Though, it's not nearly as healthy as yours as mine has cream cheese and butter. This one looks fabulous and just LOVE the addition of protein powder. Hubby would devour this cake! I typically always have protein powder in the house and the addition of ricotta cheese is lovely (which I also have). I see this one in my future real soon. Pinned! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend! XO
jen
I am CRAZY for anything banana- tasting . . . these protein shakes would be perfect post workout!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Oh my gawsh, I love that you did so much research on how to make a cake all for a boy you had a crush on! TOO CUTE! I'd say you totally nailed how to make cakes now! This loaf cake looks amazing, Shashi! I love that there is ricotta in here!! And that lemon and apricot combo sounds fab! I'm thinking this is totally acceptable for breakfast since it contains fruit. Right?! RIGHT! Cheers, girlfriend - to a wonderful weekend! xo
[email protected]'s Recipes
The cake looks so tender and soft! I too love to add protein powder in the baked goods. Can't wait to try your recipe!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
Love this healthier cake! Wish I had a slice now!
[email protected]
haha whether or not it's related to THIS cake I enjoyed your story!! Too cute! And this loaf sounds wonderful - I really don't use apricot enough!
paige c
I have not tried the banana flavor yet but love the vanilla and chocolate
Suzanne
Gorgeous cake Shashi, love apricots, would love it with a nice hot cup of coffee!!
val
This is one i would love to win. Your food sounds amazing and i look forward to trying it. Thanks for the opportunity...<3 @valeriespinale
Dagmar
no! but omg that sounds SO good!
Cynthia |What A Girl Eats
This loaf looks just delicious! And healthy too!? Win-win!
shannon fowler
I haven't had a chance to try it yet. Im intrigued though. It sounds really good, and I have enjoyed most of their products
Crafty Nunn
I have not tried that flavor. I will check back with you. I would like to try it. Thank you.
Tammy
I've just started doing the BBG and I'm telling you, getting in all that protein is way harder than I thought :O I've been really reading up on all the different proteins..I've honestly not tried premier protein but this is definitely one I'm going to look into as well. I've never actually cooked or baked with protein powder either (totally new territory for me). I usually just tend to make protein bars or a smoothie. Love that you added the protein powder to this loaf. It looks sooo good, Shashi. I definitely need this in my life 😀
Jessica Padilla
I have not tried it but I can see myself using it fir my baking. 🙂
Rachel Mauffray
I've tried the vanilla and I loved it.
Emily Endrizzi
No, I have not tried the Premier Protein's new Bananas and Cream Shake yet. It sounds good. I'll definitely keep an eye out for your giveaway!
Marlene
Love the idea of adding lots of protein to a cake treat! Do you use full-fat or part-skim ricotta, or is either OK?
Valerie
I love ricotta anything..lol I make ricotta pie, ricotta omlets, and put a layer in my eggplant parm also..mmm delicious!!
Mya Murphy
Yes, the banana is truly awesome! I often buy them at Wal-Mart and I think they are the best protein drinks on the market
Ben Maclain
I'm okay with pound cakes. I mean, I could it a slice (or five), but my heart doesn't start beating fast:) But I do love ricotta in cakes cause it introduces such a rich and nice texture. And with dried apricots, this combo does sound great:)
Bam's Kitchen
Ok, now I have a big toss up! I had bought a container of ricotta to make a lasagna for dinner. Now do I make dinner or dessert. You see the big dilemma here! Love anything lemon. Take care
Cheryl Chervitz
I have not tried the Banana Cream shake yet. Can't wait to though!
lindsay Cotter
gosh i love ricotta and lemon but then you took it up a notch. Ya, you go girl! gimme that protein packed cake
Kayla Klontz
I have not tried banana yet so I will be back.
Laura
No, I haven't tried it yet. Sounds really good though!!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass
So that Madeira Cake didn't quite "pan" out, huh? You so funny Shashi. This Lemon Apricot Protein Loaf Cake with Ricotta sure did. It's gotta be super moist with that ricotta. We make an Italian Ricotta Pie around here and it is delish. I love your lemon zest and apricot addition. What a treat. That and the protein powder punch! Who doesn't need more protein. Hope you are having a great week my friend. XOXO
Dominique Cloutier
I have not tried it, but it sounds like a great flavor profile!
Audrey Stewart
I haven't tried this, but that cake looks yummy. I do drink a protein shake for breakfast every morning.
amy rice
I have never tried the banana, but I love the chocolate and using it in recipes could be delicious.
Ellen Casper
I have not tried the banana flavor - this recipe looks so yummy!
Rajee Female Pandi
love the cake I never tried the shake