There’s something truly magical about a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past. This Rustic Sicilian Ricotta Pie is exactly that—a sweet and creamy treat infused with the nostalgic flavors of fresh orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel at home, whether you’re gathered around the table with family or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of coffee.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, yet it delivers a beautifully rich, slightly tangy, and delicately spiced filling that pairs perfectly with its flaky pie crust. If you’re a fan of classic Italian desserts, this is one you’ll want to keep in your recipe collection.
🍊 Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Pie
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Nostalgic & Authentic – This pie is a staple in many Sicilian households, often enjoyed during Easter and family gatherings.
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Simple & Elegant – Just a few wholesome ingredients come together to create a stunning dessert.
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Velvety & Light – The ricotta filling is creamy but not overly rich, making it a perfect balance of indulgence and lightness.
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Aromatic & Flavorful – Fresh orange zest and cinnamon give this pie a warm, citrusy depth that’s irresistible.
🥧 What Does Sicilian Ricotta Pie Taste Like?
Imagine a dessert that’s somewhere between a cheesecake and a custard pie—smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness. The ricotta lends a delicate tang, while the orange zest and cinnamon bring warmth and brightness. Each bite is a harmony of soft, lightly spiced filling and crisp, flaky crust. It’s comforting, elegant, and utterly delicious!
🍴 Ingredients
You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples to make this delightful pie:
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2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (drained if very wet)
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs (room temperature)
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1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
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1/4 cup fresh orange juice
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
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Canned mandarin orange slices (optional, for visual appeal)
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
🍽️ Tools You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk or hand mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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9-inch pie pan
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Cooling rack
🔄 Substitutions & Additions
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No fresh orange? Swap with 2 teaspoons of orange extract or an extra tablespoon of zest.
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Want a richer texture? Add 1/4 cup of mascarpone or cream cheese.
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Prefer a little crunch? Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top before baking.
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Looking for extra spice? A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
👩🍳 How to Make Grandma’s Rustic Ricotta Pie
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in your pie pan if it’s not already prepared.
2️⃣ Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, sugar, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well combined.
3️⃣ Assemble the Pie
Pour the creamy ricotta mixture into the unbaked pie crust. If using mandarin orange slices, gently press a few into the filling for a decorative touch.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A few small cracks on top are normal!
5️⃣ Cool & Finish
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful, rustic finish.
🍵 What to Serve with Sicilian Ricotta Pie
This pie is delightful on its own, but if you want to elevate the experience, try serving it with:
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A warm espresso or cappuccino for a true Italian experience ☕
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A drizzle of honey or caramel for a touch of extra sweetness
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Fresh berries or a berry compote to add a refreshing contrast
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A dollop of whipped cream for an airy, creamy complement
🌟 Tips for the Best Ricotta Pie
✔️ Drain the ricotta – If your ricotta is watery, let it drain in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for about 30 minutes before using. This ensures a smooth, non-watery filling.
✔️ Don’t overbake – The center should still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven. It will firm up as it cools.
✔️ Use fresh orange zest – It makes a world of difference in the flavor!
✔️ Let it cool completely – This helps the filling set properly and prevents it from being too soft when sliced.
🏡 How to Store Ricotta Pie
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Refrigerate – Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freeze – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
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Reheat (Optional) – Enjoy it chilled, at room temperature, or lightly warmed in a low oven.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?
Absolutely! A graham cracker crust adds a slightly crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy ricotta filling.
Is this the same as an Italian Easter Pie?
While similar, Italian Easter Pie (Pastiera) often includes wheat berries and a custard-like filling, whereas this version is simpler and focuses on ricotta and orange flavors.
Can I use lemon instead of orange?
Yes! Lemon zest and juice would give a slightly more tart flavor but would still be delicious.
🥄 Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Rustic Sicilian Ricotta Pie is a true classic—simple, comforting, and bursting with warm citrus and cinnamon flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, one creamy slice at a time.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review, share a photo on Pinterest, or tag me on Instagram. 🍊✨
💡 Love This Recipe? Try These Next!
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🍋 Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake – A light and zesty cake perfect for springtime.
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🍎 Rustic Apple Crostata – A simple, free-form apple pie bursting with cinnamon.
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🍪 Soft Ricotta Cookies – Fluffy, cake-like cookies with a hint of citrus.
Now, go grab your ingredients and let’s bake up some sweet memories! 🥧
