10 Irresistible Ricotta Desserts You Must Try This Season

Overview

Ricotta desserts are a beloved part of Italian cuisine, celebrated for their creamy texture and subtle flavors. Perfect for all occasions, from family dinners to festive celebrations, these desserts cater to both casual and serious home bakers. The estimated prep time varies by recipe, but you can typically expect around 30 minutes to prepare, with chilling or cooking times ranging from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the dessert. Most recipes fall under the medium-difficulty category, making them accessible for both newbies and seasoned chefs.

Ricotta, a fresh Italian cheese, is traditionally used in desserts like cannoli and cheesecake, which find their roots in various regions such as Sicily and Tuscany. The flavor profile is creamy and slightly sweet with a hint of richness, often complemented by citrus zest or a touch of espresso. Italians enjoy these desserts after dinner, during the holidays, or paired with coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

10 Irresistible Ricotta Desserts You Must Try This Season

1. Classic Ricotta Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 750g (3 cups) ricotta cheese
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 60ml (¼ cup) lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200g (1¾ cups) graham cracker crumbs
• 90g (6 tbsp) butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
3. In another bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, mixing well to form a crust.
4. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and pour the ricotta mixture over the crust.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
6. Let it cool and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

For a lighter cheesecake, use low-fat ricotta or Greek yogurt. To make it gluten-free, substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed almond flour or gluten-free cookies.

2. Cannoli Filled with Ricotta

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) ricotta cheese
• 150g (¾ cup) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100g (⅓ cup) mini chocolate chips
• 8-10 cannoli shells

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
2. Mix until smooth but avoid over-mixing to keep the filling fluffy.
3. Use a pastry bag fitted with a plain tip to fill each cannoli shell, sealing the ends with more filling.
4. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

For a twist, add candied orange zest or pistachios to the ricotta filling. To make it dairy-free, use cashew cream as a substitute for ricotta.

3. Ricotta Lemon Tart

Ingredients

• 300g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, chilled
• 100g (½ cup) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 500g (2 cups) ricotta cheese
• 100ml (½ cup) lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix flour and butter until crumbly; add sugar and one egg to form a dough.
2. Roll out the dough and fit it into a tart pan, then chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the crust for 20 minutes or until golden.
4. Combine ricotta, remaining eggs, lemon juice, and zest, whisking until smooth.
5. Pour the fillings into the baked crust and bake for another 30 minutes.

Variations & Substitutions

For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You could also add fresh berries for a seasonal variation.

4. Ricotta Stuffed Baked Peaches

Ingredients

• 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 50g (½ cup) crushed almonds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Mix ricotta, honey, cinnamon, and half the almonds in a bowl.
3. Fill each peach half with the ricotta mixture and place them in a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle remaining almonds on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until peaches are tender.

Variations & Substitutions

Use nectarines or plums instead of peaches for variety. To make it sugar-free, substitute honey with a natural sweetener like stevia.

5. Ricotta Panna Cotta

Ingredients

• 500ml (2 cups) heavy cream
• 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 100g (½ cup) sugar
• 2 tsp gelatin powder
• 60ml (¼ cup) water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak gelatin in water for 5 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, heat cream and sugar until dissolved; remove from heat.
3. Add gelatin and ricotta to the cream, whisking until smooth; incorporate vanilla.
4. Pour into molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.

Variations & Substitutions

For a fruit-flavored panna cotta, swap a portion of the cream with fruit puree like mango or raspberry. A low-fat version can be made using low-fat cream.

6. Ricotta and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 125g (½ cup) butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) sugar
• 1 egg
• 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 150g (1 cup) chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugar; mix in the egg and ricotta until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour and then fold it into the wet mixture along with chocolate chips.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Variations & Substitutions

For a chewy texture, refrigerate the dough for an hour before baking. You can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

7. Ricotta and Espresso Mousse

Ingredients

• 300g (1¼ cups) ricotta cheese
• 100ml (½ cup) brewed espresso, cooled
• 100g (½ cup) sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate shavings for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, espresso, sugar, and vanilla using a hand mixer until smooth.
2. Whip the mixture to incorporate air, making it light and fluffy.
3. Pour into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

For a coffee-free version, substitute espresso with milk and add cocoa powder for chocolate flavor. To make it vegan, use silken tofu instead of ricotta.

8. Ricotta Ravioli with Sweet Filling

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) pasta flour
• 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 100g (½ cup) sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make fresh pasta dough by combining flour and eggs, then let it rest.
2. Mix ricotta, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest in a separate bowl.
3. Roll out the pasta thinly and cut it into squares; place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each.
4. Fold the pasta and seal edges with egg wash; cook in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.

Variations & Substitutions

For a fruity touch, add finely chopped peaches or strawberries to the filling. Gluten-free pasta can be used for the dough.

9. Ricotta and Orange Cake

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 125g (½ cup) butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 orange

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar together; add eggs, ricotta, orange zest, and juice.
3. Slowly mix in the flour until just combined and pour batter into the cake pan.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Variations & Substitutions

For a lower-fat version, replace half the butter with applesauce. Almond flour can be used for a gluten-free option.

10. Ricotta Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

• 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 100g (½ cup) dark chocolate, melted
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Berries for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt chocolate and allow it to cool slightly.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add melted chocolate and gently fold to combine.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving with berries on top.

Variations & Substitutions

For a vegan mousse, replace ricotta with silken tofu and use dairy-free chocolate. Consider adding a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Most ricotta desserts can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. To keep desserts like cakes and cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For layered cakes and mousses, refrigerate to prevent sogginess. Always ensure that hard desserts are cooled completely before storage to maintain their structure. Ricotta-based mousses and custards can typically be refrigerated for up to three days.

Nutrition (Approx.)

Estimated calories per serving for the typical ricotta dessert: 200–400 calories, depending on ingredients and portion size. For low-sugar versions, calorie counts may vary with substitutions such as honey or stevia.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sumptuous desserts with a strong Italian espresso or a glass of delightful Vin Santo for a classic experience. For decor, consider seasonal garnishes such as berries in the summer or warm spices like cinnamon in the fall. Creative plating ideas include serving alongside a chocolate or fruit sauce for visual appeal, easily appealing to both adults and kids alike.

FAQs

Q: How long should tiramisu chill?

A: Tiramisu should chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better for flavors to meld.

Q: Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

A: Yes, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different; it’s best to use mascarpone for authentic taste.

Q: How do I keep cannoli shells crisp?

A: Fry the shells right before serving and fill them just before you’re ready to eat.

Q: Can I freeze panna cotta?

A: Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh; if freezing, wrap tightly and consume within a month.

Conclusion

Ricotta desserts are a delightful way to explore the rich landscape of Italian sweets. Their versatility allows for creativity while maintaining authentic flavors. With these 10 irresistible recipes, you’ve got the perfect excuse to incorporate rich Italian culinary techniques in your home. Don’t forget to experiment and share your favorite creations with us!