Irresistible Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe for Family Gatherings

Ricotta pie stands as a delectable Italian dessert that whispers stories of family gatherings and cherished culinary traditions.

Creamy and light, this delightful treat redefines simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Its silky texture emerges from carefully selected components blending seamlessly to create a dessert both elegant and comforting.

Each slice carries the warmth of rustic kitchens and generations of passionate bakers who perfected this beloved recipe.

The delicate balance between sweet and rich makes this pie a true testament to Italian dessert craftsmanship.

Generations have passed down techniques that elevate this humble dessert into a celebration of simplicity and flavor.

Subtle nuances of vanilla and citrus weave through the creamy filling, promising a sensory experience that will transport you to sun-drenched Italian landscapes.

Why Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie Is a Classic

• Craft a Heavenly Homemade Dessert: This sweet Italian ricotta pie delivers a delightful blend of creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and delicate almond flavors that transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.
• Enjoy a Texture Sensation: The buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the smooth, rich filling, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that balances crispness and creaminess in every bite.
• Master an Impressive Baking Technique: The lattice-topped pie looks professionally crafted, yet the recipe breaks down complex steps into manageable instructions that even novice bakers can follow with confidence.
• Celebrate Versatile Serving Options: Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this pie adapts to any occasion- from elegant dinner parties to casual family gatherings, making it a truly flexible dessert choice.

Sweet Ricotta Pie Ingredients

• Flour: Fine, soft wheat flour for a tender and flaky crust base.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a delicate texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and airy pie crust structure.
• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, fresh citrus note to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy texture and traditional pie crust flavor.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the dough.

• Ricotta Cheese: Smooth, creamy base for the pie filling with mild flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances tangy ricotta.
• Eggs: Helps set the filling and provides structure.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, fresh citrus flavor.
• Almond Extract: Introduces subtle nutty and aromatic notes.

• Egg Wash: Creates golden, shiny crust surface and helps seal edges.

How to Make Italian Ricotta Pie

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

Step 2: Create The Pastry Dough

• Flour
• Powdered sugar
• Baking powder
• Lemon zest
• Salt

Add butter and pulse until mixture looks like small pebbles. While motor runs, pour in eggs and process until dough forms a smooth ball.

Step 3: Shape The Pie Crust

Transfer dough to a floured surface and split into two equal portions. Roll first half into an 11-inch circle and place inside a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Poke bottom with a fork and freeze for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Second Dough Layer

Roll remaining dough into a 10-inch circle and refrigerate.

Step 5: Prebake The Crust

Cover chilled crust with parchment paper and pie weights. Bake on lower oven rack for 20 minutes. Remove weights and bake additional 5 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Step 6: Craft The Creamy Filling

• Sugar
• Eggs
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Almond extract

Mix until perfectly combined.

Step 7: Assemble The Pie

Pour filling into cooled pie shell. Take chilled top crust and create a decorative lattice pattern using a fork.

Step 8: Finish And Seal

Brush egg wash on bottom crust edges and top crust. Position top crust over filling, seal edges, and trim excess dough.

Step 9: Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake pie for 40-50 minutes until top turns golden and filling puffs up.

Step 10: Cool And Serve

Let pie rest for minimum 2 hours. Serve at room temperature or chilled for a delightful dessert experience.

Tips for a Creamy Ricotta Filling

• Strain Ricotta Perfectly: Drain ricotta cheese overnight in a cheesecloth-lined strainer to remove excess moisture, ensuring a smooth and creamy filling texture.
• Master the Dough Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to prevent shrinkage and create a flakier, more tender crust.
• Create Precise Lattice Work: Use a sharp knife or pastry wheel to cut clean, even lattice strips, ensuring a professional and attractive pie top.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Blind bake the crust and place the pie on the lowest oven rack to achieve a crisp, golden bottom that won't become mushy.
• Control Filling Consistency: Whip ricotta thoroughly and mix ingredients at room temperature to create a silky, lump-free filling that sets beautifully when baked.

Storage Tips for Ricotta Pie

• Refrigeration: Store the Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie in the original baking dish to maintain its shape and prevent crushing.
• Freezing: Carefully wrap the cooled pie in two layers of plastic wrap and one layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the delicate texture.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, place slices in a preheated 325ºF oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the crust's crispness and bring out the pie's rich, creamy flavors.

Pairing Ideas for Italian Ricotta Pie

• Pair with Sweet Citrus Wine: Complement the pie's lemony notes with a chilled glass of moscato or late-harvest riesling, which will highlight the bright citrus undertones and enhance the dessert's delicate sweetness.
• Match with Creamy Coffee Companions: Serve alongside a smooth cappuccino or light espresso, allowing the rich ricotta texture to balance the coffee's robust flavor and create a classic Italian-style dessert experience.
• Elevate with Fresh Berry Garnish: Top the pie slice with fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding a tart contrast to the sweet pie and providing a beautiful color presentation that mirrors the pie's delicate lemon essence.
• Enhance with Almond-Infused Beverage: Enjoy with an almond-based liqueur or amaretto, which will beautifully echo the pie's almond extract and create a harmonious flavor profile that celebrates traditional Italian dessert combinations.

Sweet Ricotta Pie Recipe Ideas

• Citrus Splash Variation: Replace almond extract with orange extract and add orange zest for a bright, zesty flavor profile that enhances the ricotta's creamy texture.
• Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into the ricotta filling and sprinkle extra chips on top before baking for a rich, indulgent dessert experience.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix chopped pistachios or almonds into the filling and sprinkle crushed nuts on top of the pie for added texture and nutty depth.
• Berry Burst Option: Swirl fresh mixed berries or raspberry preserves through the ricotta filling before baking to create pockets of fruity sweetness throughout the pie.

Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Craving an authentic Italian dessert? Sweet Italian ricotta pie delivers creamy, delicate elegance from Naples, combining rich ricotta, subtle citrus, and delicate pastry in a dessert that whispers comfort and tradition with each heavenly slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta Frolla (Crust):

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs

Ricotta Filling:

Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (905 grams) whole-milk ricotta
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• Splash of water

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Instructions

1. Craft a delicate pastry foundation by combining flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt in a food processor until uniformly blended.
2. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture, pulsing until it resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
3. Introduce eggs while the processor runs, allowing the dough to transform into a cohesive ball.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and partition into two equal portions.
5. Gently roll one dough segment into an 11-inch circular shape, carefully draping it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
6. Create small perforations across the dough’s base using a fork, then place in the freezer for a brief 10-minute chilling period.
7. Roll the second dough portion into a 10-inch circle and refrigerate to maintain its firm texture.
8. Shield the chilled crust with parchment paper and ceramic pie weights, positioning on the lower oven rack.
9. Bake the weighted crust for 20 minutes, then remove weights and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden.
10. Prepare the luxurious filling by whipping ricotta until smooth and creamy.
11. Blend sugar, eggs, lemon juice, zest, and almond extract into the ricotta, creating a silky, fragrant mixture.
12. Carefully pour the filling into the cooled pie shell, ensuring an even distribution.
13. Retrieve the chilled top crust and artfully score a delicate lattice pattern using a fork.
14. Brush egg wash along the bottom crust’s edges and across the top crust for a glossy finish.
15. Gently position the top crust over the filling, meticulously sealing and trimming excess dough.
16. Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and slightly puffed filling.
17. Allow the pie to cool completely for at least 2 hours, serving at room temperature or chilled for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Strain ricotta cheese completely to avoid excess moisture and achieve a creamy, smooth filling texture.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the rich ricotta.
• Allow the pie to cool completely for at least 2 hours, which helps the filling set and enhances the overall taste.
• Create decorative lattice on top for an elegant presentation that showcases traditional Italian baking techniques.
• Room temperature or chilled serving options provide versatile enjoyment for different preferences.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg