Delight Your Taste Buds with Our Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge your senses with the creamiest and dreamiest ricotta cheesecake recipe. This is not just any ordinary cheesecake, my friend; this is rich, velvety, and oh-so-decadent Italian-style cheesecake at its finest. I urge you to try this recipe and let it take you on a journey to Italy, where the cuisine is admired for its elegance and simplicity.
Imagine yourself sitting at a cozy café on the cobblestone streets of Florence, savoring every mouthful of tangy-sweet ricotta cheesecake while enjoying the panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. Now, with this fabulous recipe at your fingertips, you can enjoy that same delicious experience from the comfort of your own home!
The secret? Well, it’s all about using quality ingredients such as whole milk ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and butter to achieve that irresistible texture and flavor. And with a touch of lemon juice and zest, vanilla, and sour cream – this cheesecake will become one of your go-to desserts befitting any special occasion or weekend treat.
Are you ready to learn how to make this heavenly dessert? Let’s dive into our recipe on Italian Ricotta Cheesecake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a big fan of cheesecake? If so, then this recipe is definitely for you! I am excited to introduce to you my delicious Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe. This recipe is creamy, flavorful and will leave you wanting more. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, the combination of ricotta cheese and cream cheese creates a unique and mouth-watering flavor profile that is perfect for any dessert lover. Secondly, thanks to its rather large size, this cheesecake is perfect for impressing your guests at your next dinner party. Not only does it look beautiful on a serving platter, but it’s also sure to leave your guests feeling satisfied and happy!
Thirdly, the ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. Plus, the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow. You don’t need to have top-notch baking skills to create this delicious dessert.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile! Don’t be afraid to make substitutions or add toppings of your choice. Try adding fresh fruit such as strawberries or raspberries or even drizzle some Nutella on top for a truly decadent treat.
Overall, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delicious and impressive – look no further than my Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love!
Ingredient List
Let’s Gather the Ingredients!
Before we start baking our Ricotta Cheesecake, we need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy here! You’ll need a total of 14 ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry or fridge. In this recipe, we will be using a combination of ricotta cheese and cream cheese, which will give our dessert a divine creamy texture.
Here is what you will need to make the Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe:
- Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Filling:
- 16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Optional toppings: fresh fruit, whipped cream or Nutella spread.
The ingredient list might look long, but don’t fret! Once you have everything ready, the recipe is quite easy and straightforward. Now that you have gathered all the required ingredients let’s move on to the next section “The Recipe How-To”.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it is time to make the perfect ricotta cheesecake using this easy ricotta cheesecake recipe. In this section, I will guide you through the process, so your cheesecake comes out luxurious and creamy.
Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare baking pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray. Cut a circle of parchment paper that fits exactly on top of the pan’s bottom, then place it in the pan.
Step 2: Blend Ricotta and Cream Cheese
To make the cheesecake filling, combine two containers of whole-milk ricotta cheese along with one container of cream cheese softened in a food processor or stand mixer bowl. Blending them until completely smooth and creamy will take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add sugar and flour
Turn off the blender or mixer and pulse in 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, scraping down the sides as needed. Now turn back on and blend again for about a minute until combined and creamy.
Step 4: Add eggs
Next, mix in 6 large eggs, one by one, making sure to blend them well after each egg is added. Don’t over mix as it can cause bubbles which will ruin the final texture.
Step 5: Add Flavorings and Lemon zest
Add in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Mix all these ingredients at medium speed until thoroughly combined.
Step 6: Pour mixture into prepped pan
Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula so that there are no bumps or air pockets on top.
Step 7: Bake the cheesecake
Bake your ricotta cheesecake for around 55-70 minutes in preheated oven or until the top turns golden-brown but not burnt. The centre should still have some slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. This way you’ll have a perfectly cooked ricotta cheesecake that isn’t too dry or too firm.
After baking is complete, let it cool in oven with door half-open for around one hour before removing from oven. Run knife around edges of your cheesecake to loosen up sides before chilling in refrigerator for at least four hours before serving.
Congratulations! You have made yourself an authentic Italian-style ricotta cheesecake, perfect for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, there’s always room for experimentation. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try out on this ricotta cheesecake recipe:
– Milk: If you can’t find whole milk ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with part-skim or low-fat ricotta cheese. It’s important to note that the less fat the ricotta has, the less creamy the cake will turn out.
– Cheese: Instead of using both ricotta cheese and cream cheese, you can try making an Italian Ricotta Cheesecake by using only ricotta cheese. This will give the cake a lighter texture.
– Sweeteners: This recipe calls for granulated sugar, but you can try substituting it with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or agave syrup. Keep in mind that these sweeteners have stronger flavors so if you’re looking to maintain a sweet flavor like the original recipe, consider small substitutions.
– Flavors: Add variations from traditional flavors by incorporating mascarpone or Nutella to make a chocolatey version of this cake. You can also add extracts like almond or peppermint for more unique flavor profiles.
– Crust: If you prefer a crunchy base instead of a shortcake crust on this cheesecake recipe, consider subbing out unsalted butter for graham cracker crumbs in a food processor.
Regardless of the substitutions made, always ensure your ingredients are well mixed and prepared well before baking as they often will affect cooking time as well.
Remember, substitution depend on personal taste and preference so don’t be afraid to experiment to see what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve got your cheesecake out of the oven and allowed it to cool, it’s time to serve and savor its creamy, tangy richness. The ricotta cheesecake is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, so you can get creative with how you decorate.
One classic approach is to dust the top with powdered sugar and serve slices alongside fresh berries or fruit compote. The acidity of the fruit nicely contrasts with the sweetness of the cheesecake, while adding another layer of flavor and texture.
If chocolate is more your style, melted Nutella or chocolate ganache drizzled over the top of this ricotta cheesecake recipe will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. You could also try sliced almonds or hazelnuts if you want to add some crunchiness.
If you’re feeling extra-fancy, try serving this ricotta cheesecake alongside a dollop of rich mascarpone crema made by blending mascarpone cheese with heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mascarpone adds richness and depth to the dish without overwhelming it with sweetness.
In addition to desserts, this baked ricotta cheesecake recipe can also make for an impressive breakfast or brunch item. Serve it along with coffee or tea and fresh fruit for a deliciously decadent start to your day.
Whatever approach you choose, don’t forget that presentation is key; consider garnishing slices with whipped cream, fresh mint leaves or a slice of caramelized orange. There’s no end in possibilities when it comes to pairing this rich, creamy Italian Ricotta Cheesecake!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you concerned about making the Ricotta Cheesecake ahead of your dinner party? Then fear not! This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance as it can be stored for up to three days in the fridge. To store it, wrap the cheesecake with a plastic wrap and cover with an aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, allow the cake to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Reheating your Ricotta Cheesecake depends on your preference. The best way will be to preheat your oven to 250°F and slice the desired pieces. Heat it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, and you will have your cake with a slightly warm center combined with the cold creaminess of the ricotta cheese.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds each, but be careful not to overcook.
If you find yourself with leftover Ricotta Cheesecake, don’t throw it away! Instead, freeze it for later consumption. Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When hunger strikes, defrost it in the fridge overnight or place it on your kitchen counter for two hours before indulging yourself.
Remember that freezing can alter the texture of your Ricotta Cheesecake; however, when you defrost it correctly and follow the reheating instructions above to warm it up, you’ll still get all that creamy goodness of this delicious dessert.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking a ricotta cheesecake, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference in achieving a perfect result. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your ricotta cheesecake turns out creamy, smooth, and delicious.
Firstly, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. Take your ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and eggs out of the fridge at least an hour before using them. Room temperature ingredients will blend together more easily and result in a smoother texture.
Another important tip is to not overmix the batter. When combining the ingredients, mix them on low speed until they are just blended together. Overmixing can cause too much air to be incorporated into the batter, resulting in cracks on the surface of the cheesecake.
It’s also important to have a well-greased pan and to line it with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. A greased and lined pan makes it easier to remove your cheesecake from the pan after baking, without damaging its texture.
When baking your ricotta cheesecake, avoid opening the oven door while it’s cooking. The sudden changes in temperature can cause cracks on the surface of the cake or even cause it to sink in the middle.
Finally, after baking, let your cheesecake cool down gradually by turning off the oven and leaving it inside for ten minutes with the door slightly open. Then take it out and let it cool for an additional ten minutes before removing it from the pan.
By following these simple tips, your ricotta cheesecake will come out perfect every time – creamy, smooth, and ready to enjoy with your favorite toppings or pairings!
Bottom Line
I hope that you try this delicious Ricotta Cheesecake recipe! With its creamy, tangy and sweet flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that is very easy to make. By using simple ingredients such as whole milk ricotta cheese, cream cheese, eggs and sugar, you can create a classic Italian treat right from your own kitchen.
Whether you are looking for a special dessert for a weekend brunch or a tasty ending to your dinner party, this recipe will not disappoint. It’s also versatile enough to customize with your own twist – top it with chocolate ganache or fresh berries for an elegant presentation.
Don’t shy away from making cheesecakes because of their complexity. With this recipe and the helpful tips provided in this article, you’re sure to get perfect results every time. The key is to use room temperature ingredients and mix until just combined. You’ll be rewarded with a smooth and creamy texture in your cheesecake that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Ricotta Cheesecake recipe a try and impress your loved ones with your baking skills!
Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup flour
- 5 large eggs
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Mix ingredients together, adding eggs, one at a time at low speed; then mix at medium speed for 20 minutes.
- Grease the bottom and sides of 9-inch spring-form pan.
- Pour in mixture and bake in preheated oven for 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- Turn off oven and allow pan to remain in the oven for 1 more hour.
- Remove and let cheesecake cool to room temperature before you refrigerate. Refrigerate overnight. May also be frozen for up to 4 months.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.