Description
This traditional Italian-American Ricotta Pie is a creamy and lightly sweetened dessert perfect for any occasion, especially Easter. Made with smooth ricotta cheese, a hint of cinnamon and lemon zest, and optionally studded with mini chocolate chips, this pie offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Baked in a flaky pie crust and served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a comforting treat that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) ensuring it’s ready for baking.
- Combine Ricotta and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, blend the ricotta cheese and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully and create a smooth batter.
- Mix in Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest to add aroma and flavor to the filling.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the ricotta mixture into the prepared unbaked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns a light golden color.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it fully set and enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the ricotta pie chilled or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the ricotta cheese using cheesecloth before mixing it with other ingredients.
- This pie is traditionally served during Easter but is a delightful dessert throughout the year.
- Dust the cooled pie with powdered sugar just before serving for an attractive presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
