Name: Ricotta Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 2 cups ricotta cheese; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking to indulge in a truly comforting Italian dessert, Ricotta Pie will absolutely win your heart. This pie is a wonderful blend of creamy ricotta cheese, bright notes of lemon zest, and the subtle richness of Parmesan, all beautifully cradled in a flaky pie crust. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or a cozy family meal, Ricotta Pie is a dish that brings everyone together with every luscious bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ricotta Pie comes from its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a role in creating a balance of flavor, creamy texture, and a touch of zesty freshness—plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull everything together!

Pie crust: Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade, a 9-inch crust provides the perfect base to cradle all that luscious ricotta filling.
Ricotta cheese: The star ingredient, bringing creaminess and mild, milky flavor that makes this pie unforgettable.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness to complement the tanginess of ricotta.
Eggs: These help set the filling and give the pie structure while keeping it delightfully tender.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla infuses warmth and a deliciously inviting aroma.
Lemon zest: For that irresistible hint of citrus, brightening every bite of the pie.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the other flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Yes, a bit of savory Parmesan adds subtle depth and an authentically Italian twist.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling for a sliceable, custardy texture.

How to Make Ricotta Pie

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Ricotta Pie bakes evenly from the get-go, so don’t skip this important first step. Position an oven rack in the center since that’s where pies bake up best.

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform—no streaks or lumps. You want a creamy, luxurious foundation for your pie, and a few minutes of gentle whisking does the trick!

Step 3: Stir in the Parmesan and Flour

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and all-purpose flour to your ricotta mixture. Gently stir until everything is thoroughly combined. The Parmesan provides a little savory depth, while the flour thickens the filling just enough to get that perfect slice later.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Place your prepared 9-inch pie crust in a pie dish if it isn’t already. Pour the ricotta filling into the crust and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. It’s at this point that the excitement really builds—you can almost picture that golden-topped pie emerging from the oven!

Step 5: Bake

Slide the pie into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for a gently set filling and a light golden color across the top. The edges might puff up slightly, and that’s a good sign that your Ricotta Pie is ready to shine.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

When the baking time is up, remove your pie from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature. This step is key—cooling allows the filling to set and flavors to meld, so every slice is perfect. Serve and savor!

How to Serve Ricotta Pie

Garnishes

A little garnish can make your Ricotta Pie look like an Italian bakery masterpiece. Try a generous dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy finish, or sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios before baking for added crunch and color. Lemon zest curls or fresh berries are fabulous if you’d like a burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

This pie is dreamy all by itself, but it also shines alongside espresso or strong coffee—just like in Italy! For a springtime brunch, pair it with a simple arugula and orange salad, or for a dessert spread, serve with juicy fresh berries and a light drizzle of honey.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn up the wow factor by serving individual slices on plates drizzled with berry coulis or warm raspberry sauce. For holidays, dress your Ricotta Pie up with small edible flowers or a few curls of shaved chocolate. A rustic wooden board with pie cut into small bars is also delightful for parties or picnics!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), simply cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It stays fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it a handy make-ahead dessert for busy days.

Freezing

Ricotta Pie actually freezes beautifully! Once cooled, wrap slices or the entire pie in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving—so handy for holidays or surprise guests.

Reheating

Enjoy Ricotta Pie chilled or gently warmed. To reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 10–15 seconds, just enough to take the chill off. If reheating several slices, cover them loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use homemade ricotta instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade ricotta will make your Ricotta Pie taste even fresher and richer. Just be sure to drain it well so your filling isn’t watery.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crust or filling?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free pie crust and swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted gluten-free blend. The filling texture remains beautifully creamy with these adjustments.

Can I add fruit or chocolate to the filling?

Definitely! Try folding in mini chocolate chips or swirls of fruit jam for a fun twist. Just don’t overdo it, so the creamy ricotta texture still shines.

How do I know when my Ricotta Pie is fully baked?

The pie should be set around the edges, with just a slight jiggle in the center. A light golden color and a toothpick inserted in the middle coming out mostly clean are good indicators.

Can Ricotta Pie be made ahead for holidays or special occasions?

Yes! Ricotta Pie is perfect for making a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, and it slices even more beautifully when completely chilled.

Final Thoughts

Ricotta Pie truly feels like a warm embrace from an Italian kitchen. I hope you fall in love with every creamy, zesty bite as much as I have. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delightful classic soon!

Ricotta Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and delightful flavors of Ricotta Pie with this easy-to-follow recipe. This Italian dessert is a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess that will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Filling:

2 cups ricotta cheese
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup all-purpose flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and flour until well combined. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature before serving.