There’s something so heartwarming about baking a traditional Italian dessert, especially when it’s as delightful as this Italian Ricotta Pie with a Sweet Twist. This pie is rich, creamy, and beautifully balanced with a hint of lemon zest and vanilla. The sweet twist? You can customize it with mini chocolate chips, candied fruit, or even chopped nuts for a burst of flavor in every bite!
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this ricotta pie is perfect. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Want more delicious recipes like this? Subscribe to get all the latest desserts delivered straight to your inbox—you won’t want to miss out on more Italian-inspired treats!
Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Pie
- Classic Italian Dessert: It brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
- Creamy and Light: The ricotta filling is smooth, not too sweet, and perfectly balanced.
- Versatile Twist: Customize it with chocolate chips, candied fruit, or nuts to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for gatherings.
What Does Italian Ricotta Pie Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a slice of pie that’s creamy, light, and delicately sweet. The ricotta filling is velvety smooth with a subtle hint of vanilla and lemon zest. The crust is buttery and slightly crisp, adding the perfect contrast to the rich filling. With optional add-ins like mini chocolate chips or candied fruit, each bite is an explosion of flavor. It’s like cheesecake but lighter and more refined—truly a dessert to remember!
Benefits of This Ricotta Pie
- Protein-Packed Treat: Thanks to the ricotta cheese, each slice has a bit of protein, making it more satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s elegant enough for holidays but simple enough for a weeknight dessert.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins to make it uniquely yours.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: It tastes even better chilled, so you can make it the day before.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (for a light, flaky crust)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, cold and cut into cubes (for a rich, buttery flavor)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (for a touch of sweetness)
- Large Egg Yolk: 1 (adds richness and helps bind the dough)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (for a fragrant, flavorful crust)
- Salt: A pinch (to balance the sweetness)
For the Filling:
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: 2 cups, drained for extra creaminess
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (for just the right amount of sweetness)
- Large Eggs: 3 (to help set the creamy filling)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (for a warm, aromatic flavor)
- Lemon Zest (Optional): Zest of 1 lemon (adds a refreshing brightness)
- Ground Cinnamon (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon (for a hint of warmth and spice)
Optional Add-ins:
- Mini Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup (for a chocolatey twist)
- Candied Fruit: 1/4 cup (like orange peel or cherries for a sweet, fruity burst)
- Chopped Nuts: 1/4 cup (pistachios or almonds for extra crunch)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowls: For making the crust and filling.
- Food Processor or Pastry Cutter: To blend the butter into the flour.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie crust.
- 9-inch Pie Dish: Perfect size for this ricotta pie.
- Parchment Paper and Pie Weights: For blind baking the crust.
- Spatula: To spread the filling evenly.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Ricotta Cheese: Use part-skim for a lighter version, but whole milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Substitute with white chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
- Candied Fruit: Swap for dried fruit like cranberries or apricots for a different flavor.
- Nuts: Use walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios or almonds.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, cozy flavor.
How to Make Italian Ricotta Pie with a Sweet Twist
1. Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a food processor or pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix in 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
- Place it into the pie dish, trimming any excess and crimping the edges for a decorative look.
4. Blind Bake the Crust
- Line the dough with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes to lightly brown the crust.
5. Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups drained ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in lemon zest and ground cinnamon if using.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like mini chocolate chips or candied fruit.
6. Assemble and Bake
- Pour the ricotta filling into the pre-baked crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for the best texture.
- Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries before serving.
What to Serve with Italian Ricotta Pie
- Espresso or Cappuccino: A perfect pairing with the Italian flavors of the pie.
- Fresh Berries: Adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it balances the creamy filling.
- Limoncello: A classic Italian liqueur for an authentic experience.
Tips for Making the Best Ricotta Pie
- Drain the Ricotta: This prevents a soggy pie by removing excess moisture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures a smooth, creamy filling.
- Don’t Overbake: The center should be slightly jiggly—it will firm up as it cools.
- Chill Before Serving: This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the texture.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
Enjoy every creamy, sweet, and lemony bite! 😋
