Description
This classic Italian Ricotta Pie is a creamy, rich dessert featuring a smooth ricotta cheese filling spiced with cinnamon and lemon zest, baked to perfection in a flaky pie crust. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it makes a delightful holiday or family gathering treat with optional mini chocolate chips or candied orange peel adding a touch of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or candied orange peel (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, salt, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips or candied orange peel if you choose to use these for added flavor and texture.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the prepared filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate: Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to let the flavors develop and the filling to firm up.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Sifting the ricotta before mixing can result in a lighter, smoother texture.
- Chocolate chips or candied orange peel add complementary flavors but can be omitted for a traditional version.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert or at room temperature for a creamier experience.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an attractive presentation.
