Here's a collection of 15 delightful dessert recipes with ricotta cheese, known for its smooth and creamy texture. From fluffy cheesecakes to tender cookies, these simple-to-follow recipes bring a touch of sweetness to any occasion.
If you're looking to add creamy ricotta in your desserts, our collection of ricotta cheese dessert recipes is just what you need. Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that adds a wonderfully light and creamy texture to any dessert. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, these recipes with ricotta cheese offer a variety of sweet treats that are sure to impress. From classic cheesecakes to innovative cakes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
For those who prefer straightforward and hassle-free cooking, our easy ricotta dessert recipes are a perfect choice. With these recipes, you're just steps away from delicious and crowd-pleasing sweets. Pair these desserts with one of these 10+ Limoncello Drinks to end the dinner on a delicious sweet note.
Jump to:
- What is Ricotta
- Raspberry Ricotta Cake with Chocolate Chunks
- Baked Ricotta Cheesecake
- Lemon Ricotta Crepes
- No-Bake Chocolate Ricotta Cheesecake
- Honey Ricotta Pie
- Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake
- Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake
- Cannoli Dip
- Pear and Ricotta Cheesecake
- Ricotta Doughnuts (Frittelle di Ricotta, Uvetta e Cioccolato)
- No-Bake Cannoli Pie
- Ricotta Cheesecake with Fresh Raspberries
- Chocolate Ricotta Cake
- Ricotta & Nutella Tart
- Italian Strawberry Cassata Cake
- Italian Ricotta Cake with Pears
- Using Ricotta in Desserts - FAQs
What is Ricotta
Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese traditionally made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, such as mozzarella and provolone. Unlike most cheeses, which are made from the curds of milk, ricotta is made by reheating the whey until the remaining proteins form soft curds. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory dishes, like Ricotta Ravioli or Ricotta Gnocchi, and desserts. Fresh ricotta should be moist but not watery, and it is typically sold in tubs.
There are several types of ricotta cheese available, including whole milk, part-skim, and ricotta salata, which is salted, pressed, and aged for a firmer texture suitable for grating over dishes. The quality of ricotta can vary significantly, with artisanal versions tending to be richer and creamier compared to their mass-produced counterparts. You can find ricotta cheese in the dairy section of most grocery stores, specialty cheese shops, and Italian markets. Choose high-quality ricotta for its superior flavor and texture, particularly in recipes where ricotta is a key ingredient.
Raspberry Ricotta Cake with Chocolate Chunks
This Chocolate Raspberry Ricotta cake has a soft and moist texture that makes every bite a pleasure. It's generously topped with fresh raspberries, adding a burst of fruity freshness that perfectly complements the rich, gooey chocolate chunks inside. The combination of sweet berries and melty chocolate creates a delightful contrast that's sure to appeal to dessert lovers. Ideal for serving as either a breakfast treat or a decadent dessert, this cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Baked Ricotta Cheesecake
Baked Ricotta Cheesecake is a twist on traditional cheesecake with its uniquely creamy texture that isn't overly complex to prepare. This dessert combines the rich, velvety smoothness of ricotta cheese with a delicate touch of cinnamon. The cheesecake's consistency is luxuriously creamy, making each bite melt in your mouth. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice as a personal treat, this Baked Ricotta Cheesecake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth with its exquisite blend of simplicity and decadence.
Lemon Ricotta Crepes
In these Lemon Ricotta Crepes, light and tender crepes meet a creamy lemon-ricotta filling. These crepes are a sublime fusion of zesty lemon and smooth ricotta cheese, creating a lusciously soft and rich center that contrasts beautifully with the thin, airy pancakes. Ideal for any occasion, these crepes shine as a sophisticated option for brunch, a refined dessert, or a special breakfast treat. Their bright, citrusy flavor makes them particularly refreshing, perfect for serving on sunny mornings or as a sweet finale to a leisurely afternoon meal.
No-Bake Chocolate Ricotta Cheesecake
This no-bake chocolate ricotta cheesecake stands out with its lighter, fluffier texture and the deep, satisfying flavor of chocolate that blends perfectly with the subtle sweetness of ricotta. Ideal for those who prefer not to fuss with an oven, this no-bake cheesecake is not only easy to prepare but also impressively delicious. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a special celebration, or a quiet evening at home, this chocolate ricotta cheesecake promises a gourmet experience that's both indulgent and refreshingly simple.
Honey Ricotta Pie
This delicious Honey Ricotta pie has a filling with a creamy blend of honey and orange-zest ricotta cheese, offering a harmonious balance of sweetness and citrus. Each slice reveals a lush, velvety texture that melds perfectly with the aromatic, boozy hints from the crust, creating a truly heavenly dessert experience. Perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat for your everyday dessert cravings, this Italian Ricotta Pie will transport you straight to tart heaven with its rich flavors and elegant presentation.
Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake
Experience the luxury of simplicity with this creamy Sicilian cheesecake. This cheesecake recipe boasts a velvety smooth texture and rich flavor that makes it a perfect addition to any dessert table, especially during holidays and celebrations. Its elegance and ease of preparation ensure that you can enjoy a gourmet dessert without the hassle, making it ideal for any occasion, from a festive gathering to a casual family dinner.
Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake
Prepare to fall in love with this Italian Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake, a unique and delightful dessert that beautifully merges the textures of a cake and a pudding. Creamy ricotta with the zesty brightness of lemon. It's a refreshing twist on traditional Italian desserts. The addition of crushed amaretti cookies lends a subtle almond flavor and a satisfying crunch, complementing the smooth, pudding-like texture of the budino (pudding).
Cannoli Dip
Treat yourself to the ultimate dessert experience with this irresistibly creamy, no-bake cannoli dip. With a luscious blend of velvety cream cheese and smooth ricotta cheese, this dip offers a rich and satisfying taste that mimics the classic cannoli filling. To add a delightful contrast, mini chocolate chips provide bursts of chocolatey goodness with every bite. Serve it with crunchy waffle cone pieces and this dip transforms into the perfect treat. Ideal for parties, family gatherings, or as a luxurious treat to enjoy at home.
Pear and Ricotta Cheesecake
This pear and ricotta cheesecake combines the delicate sweetness of ripe pears with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, where the subtle tartness of the pear beautifully harmonizes with the sweet, creamy texture of the cheesecake, creating a balance that is nothing short of perfection. Ideal for sophisticated dinner parties, special occasions, or as a refined treat to savor on a quiet evening, this cheesecake is not just a dessert but a celebration of flavors that are carefully orchestrated to delight the senses.
Ricotta Doughnuts (Frittelle di Ricotta, Uvetta e Cioccolato)
Italian ricotta, raisin, and chocolate doughnuts are an irresistible treat, combining the rich textures and flavors of creamy ricotta, sweet raisins, and decadent chocolate into delightful little puffs of fried dough. These doughnuts have a light, airy texture that practically melts in your mouth and a flavor profile that balances the creamy, the sweet, and the rich seamlessly. Fresh from the fryer, they emit an enticing aroma that makes them nearly impossible to resist eating right away. Perfect for a festive gathering, a family brunch, or as a special treat to brighten any day, these doughnuts offer a taste of Italian sweetness that is both comforting and indulgent.
No-Bake Cannoli Pie
Learn how to whip up this incredibly easy, no-bake cannoli pie tart recipe—an amazing Italian dessert that is perfect for any occasion! This recipe features a luscious chocolate chip ricotta cream cheesecake filling that combines the classic smoothness of ricotta with the rich indulgence of chocolate chips, creating a creamy and delightful taste sensation. Paired with a deliciously crunchy graham cracker crust, this tart offers a wonderful contrast of textures that meld together in each bite.
Ricotta Cheesecake with Fresh Raspberries
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this vanilla bean Italian ricotta cheesecake, a luxurious blend of creamy ricotta and smooth cream cheese. This cheesecake is enhanced with the authentic and aromatic touch of vanilla beans, lending it an exquisite depth of flavor that is both soothing and sophisticated. Each slice offers a creamy texture and a heartwarming taste that makes it a wholesome dessert choice for any gathering.
Chocolate Ricotta Cake
This chocolate ricotta cake offers a richness and creaminess that is unparalleled. The ricotta not only enhances the cake's moistness but also adds a subtle depth of flavor that perfectly complements the indulgent chocolate. Each forkful is a velvety smooth experience, melting delightfully in your mouth and leaving a lingering taste of rich cocoa and creamy cheese. Ideal for chocolate lovers and those who appreciate a decadently smooth dessert, this chocolate ricotta cake is a standout treat that promises to satisfy any sweet tooth with its deep, rich, and creamy profile.
Ricotta & Nutella Tart
This Nutella tart is sweetened naturally with honey for an added touch of sweetness. This tart conbines the rich, chocolatey taste of Nutella with the silky smoothness of a finely crafted dessert. The honey not only enhances the flavor but also balances the chocolate, giving you a dessert that is indulgent yet not overly sweet. Each bite is a chocolatey delight, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings with a touch of elegance. Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal affairs, this Nutella tart is sure to impress.
Italian Strawberry Cassata Cake
Immerse yourself in the exquisite flavors of Italy with this Italian Strawberry Cassata Cake. This dessert is layered with moist sponge cake, ripe, juicy strawberries, and a creamy ricotta filling, each element blending harmoniously to offer a slice of Italian heaven. Perfect for any celebration or as a luxurious treat to end a meal.
Italian Ricotta Cake with Pears
This Italian ricotta cake with pears is a simple yet classic Italian dessert that beautifully captures the essence of fall. The recipe combines smooth ricotta cheese with the sweet, subtle flavor of ripe pears, creating a light, moist cake that is both easy to make and elegantly satisfying. This cake not only showcases the natural sweetness and texture of the pears but also benefits from the creamy richness of the ricotta, making it a standout dish in any dessert spread.
Using Ricotta in Desserts - FAQs
Ricotta cheese is a wonderfully versatile ingredient in desserts, offering a creamy texture and a mildly sweet flavor that complements a variety of recipes. It's perfect for softening the textures of cakes and pastries, enhancing fillings for pies and cheesecakes, and even enriching the flavor of ice creams and mousses. The moisture content of ricotta makes desserts delightfully light and can be a delightful alternative to heavier cream-based fillings. Because of its subtle taste, ricotta pairs well with ingredients like fruits, chocolates, and nuts, allowing it to adapt seamlessly into both traditional and innovative dessert recipes.
While ricotta can replace cream cheese in some recipes to reduce fat content or alter texture, it's less dense and has a grainier texture, so adjustments may be needed depending on the dessert.
To enhance ricotta’s flavor in desserts, mix it with complementary flavors such as vanilla, citrus zest, or liqueurs which help to elevate its mild taste.
Absolutely! Ricotta is excellent in baked goods like cakes and cookies, adding moisture and a creamy texture.
If you tried any of these recipes, please take a moment to share your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback means a lot!
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