There’s something truly magical about a homemade ricotta pie. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, lightly sweet ricotta filling nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Every bite is a little moment of bliss—comforting, rich, and just sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings without being overpowering. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a regular in your recipe collection!
Why You’ll Love Ricotta Pie
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for any time of the day—breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet snack with coffee.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy
Minimal prep work with a straightforward process, making it a stress-free baking experience.
Customizable
Add lemon zest, cinnamon, or even a handful of chocolate chips to tailor it to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ricotta Cheese
The creamy star of the show. Make sure to use high-quality, full-fat ricotta for the best texture.
Sugar
Adds the perfect touch of sweetness without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the ricotta.
Eggs
Help bind everything together, giving the pie its signature custardy texture.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor and gives the pie a warm, aromatic depth.
Lemon Zest
Brightens up the pie with a hint of citrusy freshness.
Flour
A little flour helps to stabilize the filling, giving it just the right consistency.
Pie Crust
A classic, buttery crust to cradle that luscious ricotta filling. Use homemade or store-bought.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and the perfect golden crust.
Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and flour. Mix until smooth and creamy, but avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Place your pie crust in a greased pie dish, pressing it gently into place. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
Assemble the Dish
Pour the ricotta mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Cook to Perfection
Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top has a slight golden hue. You can check doneness by inserting a knife in the center—it should come out clean.
Finishing Touches
Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 Calories per serving: Approximately 280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Ricotta Pie
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A cup of hot espresso or cappuccino for an Italian-style treat.
- Fresh berries on the side for a pop of tartness.
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Additional Tips
- For an extra smooth filling, strain the ricotta before mixing.
- Let the pie cool completely before refrigerating to prevent excess moisture.
- Use a graham cracker crust for a twist on the classic version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat ricotta? Yes, but full-fat ricotta gives a creamier texture.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after chilling in the fridge.
Can I freeze ricotta pie? Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Do I have to use lemon zest? No, but it adds a refreshing touch.
How do I know when my ricotta pie is done? It should be firm in the center and slightly golden on top.
Can I add chocolate chips? Yes! They make a great addition for a sweeter variation.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use a gluten-free crust and substitute the flour with cornstarch.
Can I use a different sweetener? Sure! Try honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
What if my pie cracks on top? Don’t worry! It won’t affect the taste, and a dusting of powdered sugar can help hide cracks.
Conclusion
Ricotta pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Whether you enjoy it as a special holiday treat or a simple homemade dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and let the rich, creamy flavors do the talking!
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Ricotta Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Ricotta Pie is a rich and creamy Italian dessert with a delicate balance of sweetness and a buttery, flaky crust. Made with ricotta cheese, eggs, and a hint of vanilla, this pie is a perfect addition to Easter celebrations, holiday gatherings, or a cozy treat any time of the year!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and press it into the pie dish, trimming any excess.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, whisk ricotta, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth. Stir in lemon zest and chocolate chips if desired.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the ricotta filling into the crust. Smooth the top and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Cool completely before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta cheese.
- Traditional Italian Ricotta Pie can be made without chocolate chips for a more classic flavor.
- Let the pie chill for at least 2 hours for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg