Description
Ricotta Pie is a creamy and lightly sweet Italian dessert with a smooth ricotta custard filling baked in a buttery crust. Often flavored with vanilla, citrus zest, or chocolate chips, it’s perfect for holidays or anytime you want a classic, elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought, for a 9-inch pie pan)
- 1 1/2 pounds (about 3 cups) whole milk ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (or orange zest, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips or candied orange peel (optional)
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan and set aside.
- If ricotta is watery, drain it using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and cinnamon if using.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips or candied fruit if desired.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is just set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Drain ricotta well to avoid a watery pie.
- Make ahead and chill overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Use citrus zest and vanilla for a traditional flavor, or chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature—avoid reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional draining time)
- Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
