Description
Indulge in the creamy, luscious flavors of Italian Ricotta Pie with a delicious twist! This traditional Italian dessert features a buttery homemade crust filled with lightly sweetened ricotta, accented with vanilla, lemon zest, and optional chocolate chips or candied fruits. Perfect for gatherings, this pie is make-ahead friendly and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup candied fruit
- ¼ cup chopped nut
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat & Prepare the Pie Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
Roll Out & Blind Bake the Crust:
- Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thick and place in the pie dish. Trim excess and crimp edges.
- Line with parchment, add pie weights, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 5 minutes.
Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in lemon zest and cinnamon (if using). Fold in chocolate chips, candied fruit, or nuts.
Assemble & Bake:
- Pour filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the filling is set and lightly golden.
Cool & Serve:
- Let cool at room temperature, then chill for 2 hours.
- Garnish with powdered sugar or fresh berries before serving.
Notes
- Citrus Ricotta Pie: Add both lemon and orange zest for extra citrusy brightness.
- Chocolate Swirl Ricotta Pie: Swirl melted chocolate into the filling before baking.
- Berry-Topped Ricotta Pie: Top with fresh berries and a light glaze after cooling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
