First off—thank you for being here! I’m so excited to share a dessert that instantly transports me to warm summer evenings, clinking glasses, and the sound of laughter drifting through the backyard. These Frozen Limoncello Ricotta Cream Cups are sunshine in dessert form—creamy, zesty, and just boozy enough to feel a little fancy.
They’re everything I want in a summer treat: cool, refreshing, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for serving after a grilled feast. Honestly, I’m kicking myself for not having shot it sooner!
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Why You’ll Love These Limoncello Cream Cups
These cups check every box:
No-bake and make-ahead friendly
The perfect balance of creamy and tart
A crowd-pleaser with a hint of elegance
Ideal for summer BBQs, brunches, or cozy date nights
One spoonful and you’ll understand—they’re rich, but light. Boozy, but sweet. Classic, yet totally unique.
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine a silky lemon cheesecake meets Italian gelato. That’s what’s going on here. The ricotta gives a delicate texture, the whipped cream brings airy fluff, and the limoncello? It’s that bright citrusy zing that lingers beautifully.
Benefits of This Dessert
Quick to prep—just 15 minutes of hands-on time!
Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
Naturally gluten-free
Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for any day
Ingredients
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup limoncello
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
½ cup heavy cream
Optional toppings: fresh berries and mint leaves
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Ramekins or small dessert cups
Plastic wrap
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
No limoncello? Try fresh lemon juice with a splash of vodka or white wine.
Vegan version: Use plant-based ricotta and coconut cream.
Want it richer? Add a spoonful of mascarpone to the mix.
Add crunch: Serve with crushed amaretti or biscotti on the side.
How to Make Frozen Limoncello Ricotta Cream Cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, limoncello, vanilla, and lemon zest. Beat until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture—don’t overmix!
Spoon into small ramekins or cups, filling about ¾ full.
Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, until firm.
Before serving, let sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly.
Top with fresh berries and a sprig of mint if desired—and serve up that taste of summer!
What to Serve With This Dessert
Pair it with:
Iced limoncello or sparkling rosé
Shortbread cookies or biscotti
Fresh berry salad or grilled peaches
It’s the perfect sweet finale for a backyard BBQ!
Tips for Perfect Results
Use high-quality ricotta—fresh if you can find it!
Don’t overwhip the cream—you want soft, pillowy peaks.
Add a touch more limoncello if you prefer a stronger citrus kick.
Make these a day ahead so you can enjoy your gathering stress-free.
How to Store & Freeze
Store frozen in individual containers, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 weeks.
Let sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I serve these unfrozen?
Absolutely! They make a lovely chilled mousse-like dessert when served freshly mixed and refrigerated.
What if I don’t have limoncello?
Lemon juice and zest still work beautifully—add a splash of simple syrup if needed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—this scales easily for bigger groups!
Final Thoughts: The Coolest Way to Celebrate Summer
These Frozen Limoncello Ricotta Cream Cups are the dessert equivalent of clinking glasses under twinkle lights. They’re effortlessly elegant, packed with flavor, and so easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just treating yourself after a long day—this is the kind of recipe that brings joy in every spoonful.
🍋 If you try it, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review below. 💛
More Summer Desserts to Love
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 220
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 11g
