Italian Baked Ricotta Cake
This mouthwatering Italian baked ricotta cake recipe uses fresh, organic ingredients to create a dessert that’s light, creamy, and perfectly sweet. The ricotta, infused with hints of vanilla, lemon zest, and cinnamon, pair beautifully with the sweet biscuit base made from crushed biscuits and melted butter, while the chocolate and fresh strawberries provide the finishing touch. This cheesecake is make-ahead friendly and doesn’t require much prep time, just follow Nonna Maria’s simple instructions to create a dessert that is nothing short of perfect.
Equipment
- Food processor
- 2 large-sized bowl
- Pie dish (9-inch)
- fork
- Zester
- Spatula
- Electric hand mixer/ stand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 packet / 1.05 cups of sweet biscuits for the base
- 150 g / ⅔ cup melted butter
- 600 g / 2½ cups whole milk ricotta
- 3 Tbsp caster sugar
- 1 lemon
- A pinch of cinnamon powder
- 2 Tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg organic
- 300 ml / 1¼ cups cream
- 1 dark chocolate bar for decoration
- 2 Tbsp icing sugar
- Strawberries for decoration
Instructions
- Break up the biscuits, adding them directly to a food processor and crumble until they become fine. Transfer to a large bowl and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture into a pie dish with a fork to create a firm, even base and put it into the fridge to set for an hour or if possible, overnight.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta and sugar. Zest the lemon directly on top, then add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Once the base its set, pour the ricotta filling over the top and smooth it over with a spatula then bake in a preheated oven at 356°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.
- While it bakes, whip the cream. In a large bowl, combine cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to whip until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
- Once the cheesecake has completely cooled, chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours before spreading the whipped cream over the top, covering it completely. Grate dark chocolate on top, and add strawberries or your favourite fruit too.