Ricotta Pie

There’s something incredibly special about a homemade Ricotta Pie. I remember the first time I tasted it at a family gathering, the aroma wafting through the kitchen, drawing everyone in like a magnet. The creamy filling, nestled within a buttery crust, felt like a warm hug on a chilly day. As we gathered around the table, laughter and stories flowed, and that pie became the star of the show. I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen, sharing the joy it brought to my family with a new generation. Making a Ricotta Pie is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and memories baked into each slice.

Ingredients Overview for Ricotta Pie

The ingredients for a Ricotta Pie are simple yet essential. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the delightful texture and flavor profile. The key players include the creamy ricotta, which serves as the star ingredient, providing richness and depth. The combination of flour, sugar, and butter makes a flaky crust that perfectly complements the filling. Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness, making every bite refreshing.

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¾ cups – This staple ingredient forms the base for your pie crust, giving it structure and a light, flaky texture.
• Powdered Sugar: ⅓ cup – Provides sweetness and a smooth finish to the crust, ensuring a delightful bite.
• Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon – Helps the crust rise slightly, making it tender and airy.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Enhances the flavor of the crust, balancing the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup – Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the crust, making it wonderfully indulgent.
• Large Egg: 1 – Binds the crust together, contributing to its texture.
• Whole Milk Ricotta: 2 cups – The star of the filling, it provides creaminess and a rich flavor, making the pie luscious.
• Sour Cream: ½ cup – Adds a tangy note to the filling and improves its texture.
• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup – Sweetens the filling, balancing the flavors perfectly.
• Flour: 3 tablespoons – Additional thickening agent for the filling, ensuring it holds its shape.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – Brightens the filling, enhancing the flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest: 2 tablespoons – Adds an aromatic citrus flavor that uplifts the pie.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 ½ teaspoons – Provides warmth and depth of flavor to the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon – Adds a warm spice note, complementing the sweetness beautifully.
• Large Eggs: 3 – Essential for binding the filling and giving it a custardy texture.

How to Assemble Ricotta Pie

Making a Ricotta Pie is a delightful experience that allows you to engage with each ingredient. Follow these steps and enjoy the process as much as the end result. Start by preparing the crust, then move on to the luscious filling that will make your pie unforgettable.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an essential step as it ensures your pie cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown color.

2. In a large bowl, add 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined, creating a uniform mixture.

3. Grate ½ cup of unsalted butter using a box grater. Incorporating cold butter into the flour mixture helps achieve a flaky crust. Toss the grated butter with the flour mixture using your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add 1 large egg to the mixture, stirring until it’s just combined. At this point, you can use your hands to knead the dough gently, ensuring it binds together without overworking it.

5. On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large circle, about 11 inches in diameter. Transfer this rolled dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it down gently into the bottom and crimping the edges as desired. This step is crucial for shaping your crust perfectly.

6. Chill the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling. This helps the crust maintain its shape while baking.

7. In a separate bowl, whip together 2 cups of whole milk ricotta, ½ cup of sour cream, and ¾ cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer for about 2-3 minutes. This will create a smooth and creamy texture that’s delightful.

8. Add 3 tablespoons of flour, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the ricotta mixture. Blend these ingredients until they are thoroughly incorporated.

9. Beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully mixed in before adding the next. This is key to achieving a smooth filling.

10. Pour the filling into your prepared crust and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll want to ensure that the center of the pie only has a slight wobble when shaken gently.

11. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. After that, chill it overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop beautifully.

12. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch. This classic addition not only looks appealing but adds a hint of sweetness.

Making Adjustments

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your Ricotta Pie. Whether you’re looking to store leftovers or explore variations, these pointers will guide you along the way.

• Storage: Keep any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake it directly from frozen, adding about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
• Pairing: This pie pairs well with a fresh fruit compote or a simple berry sauce, enhancing its flavors.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding chocolate chips or swapping out the lemon zest for orange zest for a citrus twist.
• Serving Size: Slice the pie into small wedges, as it is quite rich and decadent.

What to Serve Alongside Ricotta Pie

Serving a Ricotta Pie can elevate your meal, and there are plenty of delightful options to complement it. Here are some suggestions:

• Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a pop of color and a refreshing flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pie.
• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pie, enhancing the overall experience.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top can add a luxurious finish.
• Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote, perhaps made from seasonal fruits, can make a lovely topping.
• Seasonal Salads: A light salad with citrus dressing can cleanse the palate between bites of the rich pie.
• After Dinner Delight: This pie is perfect for special occasions like birthdays or holiday meals, offering a sweet conclusion to any feast.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Ricotta Pie is a truly special dessert that combines rich flavors with a light texture, making it a favorite for many. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to your table. Invite friends or family to share in the delight of this deliciously creamy pie, and create memories that will last long after the last slice is served.

Ricotta Pie

The ultimate comfort dessert, Ricotta Pie is creamy, rich, and perfect for any occasion. With its luscious filling and flaky crust, it's a delightful treat that can elevate any dinner table. Make it tonight for a sweet ending to your meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Oven
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
• ⅓ cup Powdered Sugar
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter
• 1 large Egg
• 2 cups Whole Milk Ricotta
• ½ cup Sour Cream
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 tablespoons Flour
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest
• 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 3 large Eggs

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, add 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until combined.
• Grate ½ cup of unsalted butter and toss with the flour mixture.
• Add 1 large egg and stir until combined, gently kneading it into the flour mixture until it forms a dough.
• Roll out the dough into a large circle, about 11 inches across, and transfer it into a 9-inch pie dish.
• Chill the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
• Whip together 2 cups of whole milk ricotta, ½ cup of sour cream, and ¾ cup of granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes.
• Add 3 tablespoons of flour, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until fully combined.
• Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time.
• Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the center has a slight wobble.
• Let the pie cool to room temperature, then chill overnight in the refrigerator.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pie before baking. Bake it directly from frozen, adding about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
• Pairing: The pie pairs well with a fresh fruit compote.
• Variations: Experiment with flavors by adding chocolate chips or orange zest.
• Serving Size: Slice into small wedges, as it is quite rich.

Keyword Creamy Ricotta Dessert, Easy Ricotta Pie, Homemade Ricotta Pie, Ricotta Pie Recipe

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.