Ricotta Pie
This Italian Ricotta Pie is an amazing ricotta dessert that is light and creamy with a delicate lemony flavor! Perfect for spring entertaining and the ideal sweet ending to a traditional Italian meal!
Why you will love this recipe!
There’s absolutely no reason why you wouldn’t fall in love with this Ricotta Pie! The tender pie crust is filled with a creamy sweet ricotta filling which has a wonderful scent of lemon. A slice of this pie completes any meal. Not too sweet and not too rich, it’s absolutely the Goldilocks of pies!
Like all Italians, I adore desserts made with whole milk ricotta. You can learn how to make ricotta with my simple recipe if you can’t find it easily.
Ricotta is not as heavy and cloying as cream cheese or heavy cream but still has enough creaminess. Some of my favorites ricotta desserts include this Sicilian cheesecake, pastiera Napoletana and simple sweet ricotta recipe.
The lattice top might make you think you’ve seen this before and you’re almost right. It’s similar to my Strawberry Crostata. However, it’s definitely up to you if you want to add the lattice. If you bake the pie without the lattice, it will still be wonderful!
Like all good crostata recipes, it relies on a good pie crust! Italian sweet shortcrust dough is known as pasta frolla. Tender and flavorsome, this dough is used to make all sorts of pies, tarts and even makes tasty cookies! Pasta frolla is easily made in the food processor (or by hand) and rolls out like a dream. Any cracks or splits can be patched without any trouble. The best part is that I never have trouble with crust shrinkage.
Enough about the crust (even though it is super amazing!) but let’s talk about the ricotta filling. Oh my goodness, the flavor that the lemon zest gives this pie is to die for! Plus the filling is creamy and smooth due to the little bit of heavy cream added into the filling. I like to add a little extra flavor in the form of ground cinnamon, vanilla and a dash of rum. None of which is overpowering, just a subtle hint of something in the background.
Also known as “crostata di ricotta” or Sicilian ricotta pie, this recipe for Ricotta Pie is a classic addition to the family Easter table but also loved year round. And the fresh citrus flavor makes it a winner whatever the occasion.
Ingredients
- All purpose plain flour – For tender pie crust, use a flour that has a low protein content.
- Baking powder – Just a little in the pie dough makes the crust light and flaky.
- Salt – Even though I’m asking you to use unsalted butter, we do need a pinch of salt in the crust to enhance the flavor.
- Unsalted butter – I prefer unsalted butter but if all you have is salted use that. However you must leave out the extra pinch of salt otherwise the crust will be too salty.
- Sugar – Regular granulated white sugar is my preference. If you like brown sugar, you could try that though it would be a different flavor. This Italian recipe is a bit sweeter than some but if you prefer your desserts less sweet reduce the sugar in the filling to ½ cup.
- Eggs – Free range eggs are my top choice but use whatever you have. Keep in mind that the best taste comes from quality ingredients.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese – There’s no need to watch the fat content here. After all, this ricotta pie recipe uses lots of butter and eggs along with some cream. Plus the filling will be creamier and richer with whole milk ricotta. If you’ve bought too much ricotta, you’ll be happy to know that you can freeze ricotta cheese easily.
- Heavy cream – I use cream that has about 35% fat content.
- Lemon – Only the zest is needed for this recipe and it adds an incredible fragrance to the pie.
- Ground cinnamon – The fragrance of ground cinnamon can’t be matched and it pairs wonderfully with ricotta. You’ll just use a little so that it doesn’t dominate. Be sure to replace spices regularly as they do go stale. To check, just rub a little between your fingers and taste and smell it. If you smell that typical cinnamon scent and the taste is a little sweet and spicy, then it’s all good. Typically, if stored in a sealed bottle it should last for a year before it loses its flavor and scent.
- Rum – I like to use dark rum. Omit it completely if you’d rather make an alcohol free ricotta pie.
- Vanilla extract – Use vanilla extract for the best flavor. Alternatively, half a teaspoon of vanilla paste or a scraped vanilla bean are both good substitutes. Vanilla essence won’t provide the same flavor.
Instructions
Both the filling and pie dough can be made a day in advance. Store both in the fridge if making ahead. If you don’t have a food processor, read on for how to make this ricotta pie without a food processor.
- Using a food processor, pulse the all purpose plain flour, baking powder, salt and butter until the mixture looks sandy and crumbly.
- With the processor off, add the sugar, egg and egg yolks.
- Process until the mixture starts to come together.
- Remove the dough from the food processor and use your hands to press it together into a smooth ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and pop into the fridge for an hour.
Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Prepare a 10 inch (25 cm) tart pan with a removable base by greasing with butter and dusting with flour. Alternatively, use a 10 inch pie plate that has been greased and floured in the same way.
- Roll out two thirds of the pie dough between two sheets of lightly floured, non-stick parchment and use it to line the prepared pan. Check the recipe card below for more information.
- Use a food processor to combine all the filling ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the base and level off.
- Roll out the remaining dough and scrapes. Cut into stripes and lay in a lattice pattern on top of the filling. Bake in a preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
Hint: Very finely grated zest adds a lemony zing to the crust and filling. Be careful not to grate the white pith – it’s quite bitter. Don’t throw the rest of the lemon away, juice it and pop it into the freezer for when you make recipes like lemon curd or raspberry compote
Variations
The wonderful advantage of many desserts that use ricotta cheese is that you can play with the flavors. While I love the lemon flavors that make this ricotta pie taste freshness and Spring, there are many other flavors that will also taste amazing!
- Substitute the lemon zest for any other citrus like orange, lime or mandarin.
- Adding chocolate chips to the filling is delicious especially if you use orange zest instead of lemon zest.
- Instead of rum use marsala, grappa, anisette or your favorite liquor.
Tips for Success
There are two components of this Italian Ricotta Pie – the crust and the filling which can both be made in advance. In fact, the pie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge for a day before using to line the pan.
Lemon zest (or other citrus as suggested in the “Variations”) is essential to the overall taste of the ricotta pie. The citrus zing can’t be matched so please don’t omit it.
To make the crust, I find it easier to use a food processor. However, if you don’t have a food processor, simply chop the cold butter into small pieces (or coarsely grated) and rub into the all purpose plain flour, baking powder and salt with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs then mix in the sugar, egg and egg yolks to form a dough.
Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly to make it easier to handle. If the dough becomes warm and sticky, pop it back in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill. Cold pie dough is the key to success!
If the ricotta is watery, line a strainer with clean cheesecloth or strong paper towels. Place the strainer over a bowl and spoon the ricotta in. Let it drain for 30 minutes or so. Even up to an hour depending on how liquidy the ricotta was in the first place. It’s best to pop the bowl with the strainer in the fridge while the ricotta is draining.
The food processor is handy to make the filling as well. It can also be made by just whisking all the ingredients together though the filling may be a little grainy. To make the filling smoother, pass the ricotta through a fine sieve before making the filling.
FAQ
I prefer to serve this ricotta cheese pie completely chilled rather than at room temperature. It will cut more cleanly and hold better when chilled. However, you might like to remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before serving so that the pie can come to a cool room temperature.
Yes! Ricotta can spoil quickly at room temperature. Once cooled, keep the pie in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
This pie will be good for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep it well covered and refrigerated.
It probably can but I never have – it never lasts very long in our household!! Freezing may change the texture but it would still be a good way to save leftovers that you can’t eat within 5 days. Wrap well in plastic and pop into a sealable container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This Ricotta Pie is excellent served just as it is with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top and a strong cup of coffee on the side. But if you’d like to step it up a notch, I have some suggestions for you.
Fresh fruit is simple and complements this pie perfectly. However, you might also like to drizzle with this sweet strawberry coulis or a tangy blueberry compote.
More recipes like this
Cannoli Cake – everything you love about cannoli in a cake!!
Italian Tiramisu – the most amazing version you’ll ever eat.
Torta Caprese – a dark and decadent Italian chocolate cake.
Italian Cream Puffs – my family recipe.
Ricotta Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 10-inch/25cm pan with a removable base with 1¼ inch/3cm high sides or 10 inch pie plate (25cm)
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ¾ cups all purpose plain flour (224 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 4 ounce unsalted cold butter (113 grams)
- ¾ cup superfine white sugar (150 grams)
- 1 egg
- 2 egg yolks
Filling
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (500 grams) drained if watery
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar (150 grams)
- ½ cup heavy cream (120 mls)
- finely grated zest of one lemon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon dark rum (15 mls)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 mls)
For serving
- powdered sugar, berries or fruit sauce
Instructions
To make the crust
- Chop the cold butter into small pieces then place in a food processor with the all purpose plain flour, baking powder and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.1 ¾ cups all purpose plain flour½ teaspoon baking powder4 ounce unsalted cold butterpinch of salt
- Add the sugar and egg and egg yolks then process until the mixture just starts to come together on the sides of the bowl. Remove and wrap in plastic wrap and chill for an hour.¾ cup superfine white sugar1 egg2 egg yolks
- Preheat oven to 350ºF/180ºC and butter and flour a 10 inch/25cm tart pan with a removable base.
For the filling
- In a food processor, place all the filling ingredients and process to 1-2 minutes until well combined and smooth. Don't overprocess or too much air will be incorporated into the ricotta causing it to puff in the oven. Refrigerate until the crust is ready.2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese2 eggs¾ cup granulated white sugar½ cup heavy creamfinely grated zest of one lemon¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon1 tablespoon dark rum1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To assemble and bake the ricotta pie
- Divide the pie dough in two pieces – ⅔ and ⅓. Rewrap and return the smaller piece to the fridge.
- Using the larger piece, press it down to flatten and form a rough circle. Dust the pastry well with flour on both sides.
- Roll out the pie dough between two sheets of non-stick parchment paper dusted with more flour until large enough to fit the tart pan. If the pastry is sticking, dust with a little more flour. If the pie dough becomes warm, it will be hard to handle. In that case, pop it into the fridge to chill.
- Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and roll the pastry gently around the rolling pin. Lift and unroll into the pan. Pull up the pastry around the sides and encourage it to fall into the corners. Remove the parchment paper. Patch tears with excess pastry. Trim the edges level to the top of the pan.
- Pour the filling into the base. Spread and level the filling.
- With the scraps and the reserved dough, you’ll make a lattice pattern for the top. Add scraps of pastry to the leftover piece. Roll out between two sheets of parchment paper as before. Remove the top sheet of parchment paper the cut into strips
- Pour onto crust then tap down lightly a couple of times to remove any air pockets in the filling.
- Place the tart pan on a cookie sheet for easier transferring to the the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. The middle will still be a little jiggly but that’s fine. The inside needs to be 160ºF/70ºC when ready.
- Allow to cool then refrigerate before serving. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.powdered sugar, berries or fruit sauce
Notes
- Use a 10 inch /25cm pie/flan pan with a removable base that has at least 1 1/4 inch (3cm) high sides. Alternatively use an 11 inch pie/flan pan with lower sides though the cooking time may vary and ratio of filling to crust will be different.
- Pie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months
- To make the pie dough without a food processor – simply chop the cold butter into small pieces (or coarsely grated) and rub into the all purpose plain flour, baking powder and salt with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs then mix in the sugar, egg and egg yolks to form a dough.
- Chill the dough thoroughly. This is a soft dough, if it becomes warm it will be difficult to handle, return it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Make homemade ricotta cheese with my easy recipe.
- Drain the ricotta if watery.
- If making the filling by hand, pass the ricotta through a fine sieve to make it smoother.
Nutritional Estimate Per Serving
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For accurate results, it is recommended that the nutritional information be calculated based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Made it for the first time and I DID strain it overnight in the refrigerator to get the excess liquid out. Although my thermometer said 160 after 40 minutes, the center was a bit “jiggly” so I shut the oven off and left in for another 10 minutes. it seemed to do the trick and I have to say this was absolutely delicious! tasted almost identical to the Italian bakery that I grew up near years ago in Boston. I made a second one the next day to bring to some new friends who are Italian. they said it was PERFECT!
this is my new go-to Sweet ricotta pie! thanks Marcellina!
Paula, I’m so happy to hear that you loved it—and that it brought back memories of the Italian bakery from your childhood! What a wonderful compliment that your Italian friends thought it was perfect too. Thank you for sharing!
question. is cooked for 40 minutes and when thermometer was put in the middle it said 160 but the middle was still a little liquidy? so I shut the oven off and then open the oven door slightly and left it in. I hope this works. any suggestions about this?
Paula, did you drain the ricotta? It sounds to me that the ricotta may have been a little watery. Let me know how it turned out.
Hi,
I get an amazing Ricotta pie from a bakery in Boston’s North End – it has significantly more filling than this one. Have you ever tried increasing the filling amount? If I did 1.5 recipe for filling do you think it would work and what do you think would be extra bake time?
Janet, I have never increased filling because I like this ratio of filling to crust. However, if you prefer more filling, I’m sure it will work. Increase the crust too. There is a toggle in the recipe card that will do that for you. It will need to bake for a little longer. Get yourself a kitchen thermometer. The inside needs to be 160ºF/70ºC when ready. Hope that helps.
Hi there – I’ve been looking at a few recipes for Ricotta Pie and a few mention the importance of ‘blind baking’ the crust first. You don’t mention this – is it important to do? Thank you.
Maria, I don’t blind bake my pie crust for this ricotta pie. Have a look at the photos and you’ll see that the crust bakes well regardless. Honestly, I don’t think it’s necessary. The ricotta should be well drained and not watery. Chill the dough as specified in the recipe. It’s softish so keep it cool. If it gets too warm, it will be hard to roll out. Bake the pie until well browned. This give the pie crust time to bake thoroughly. I hope that helps.
Hi Mercellina! Would you recommend modifying the recipe at all if using a 9.5 inch glass pie plate without removable sides? Or would it not turn out well in this type of a plate?
Thanks!
While I have never used that particular pie plate to make this recipe, I can’t see it being a problem. You may (or may not) have some filling leftover. Half an inch isn’t much of a difference but if the sides are sloping that would have less area for the filling. Grease the pie plate well so that the crust doesn’t stick. When rolling out the dough, remember to use two sheets of parchments paper and dust the dough with flour on both sides to prevent sticking. Let me know how it goes, Genna.
Dough is falling apart put in frig overnight. Will see if it’s workable. If not any suggestions how to save?
Joanna, I’m not sure if you’ve made any changes to the dough recipe. Are you following the instructions? Did you roll out it between two sheets of non-stick parchment paper dusted with more flour. This is really important to assist you with the dough. The dough is tender and delicious so it will need to be rolled out in the way. Is it warm in your kitchen? This would make the butter melt so yes, putting it in the fridge overnight is a good idea. When you come back to it after it’s rest in the fridge it may be very hard because of the butter. Don’t let it soften too much or you’ll have trouble again. Place it between the two sheet of parchment and give the dough a few sharp bangs with the rolling pin to flatten it. Roll it out between the paper checking it periodically so that it doesn’t stick. If it is sticking use a bit more flour to dust…remember both sides. I hope these tips help. If you used gluten free flour or some other ingredient not exactly as in the recipe, this could also be causing a problem. Let me know how you go.
I hate to keep commenting but I made the pie again this morning. I used 4 small pie tins and pre made crust and baked 40 minutes. Just tasted one. Delicious!
It’s wonderful when you comment, Raymond! You make so many variations and it’s great to hear how each one works out. These small pies are a great version on the original!
Wonderful
Dough was not workable need much more flour to have it come together.
There could be a couple of issues that cause this, Anna. Firstly did you completely follow the instructions? Or is your kitchen very warm? This dough must be chilled for an hour. When rolling out, dust the dough with flour and roll out between two sheets of parchment. Remember to keep the second portion of dough in the fridge while you work with the other. This is a tender dough but has never failed me. You’re welcome to email me so that we can troubleshoot.
Just made the ricotta pie very good. I used a pre made crust since my crust making skills are awful. I also added 2T of marsala. Reminds of the pies from my old Italian -American neighborhood where Buddy Valastro’s Carlos’s Bakery is.
The addition of marsala is a great idea, Raymond.
I’d like to make this in an 11 inch tart pan. Would you suggest I increase the recipe by 1/4? I think I could do that with most of the ingredients but I’m wondering about the egg.
Thanks!
Hi Julie, I’ve never made this pie in an 11 inch pan but it should work. With the eggs in the filling, I would just add an extra egg yolk. When making the pastry, I would use 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk – whisk them together in a jug and pour in as much as you need until the mixture just starts to come together on the sides of the bowl. You may not need all of it. Hope that helps.
Thank you for replying. I ended up making the recipe as written in the 9 inch pan since I’ve never made it before. It. Is. Delicious! Very easy to make and it came together quickly with the use of the food processor. When I began rolling the dough, I needed to add flour to both sides to keep it from sticking to the parchment. Once I got the hang of it, worked out perfectly. I typically make my pasta frolla with confectioners sugar but liked this recipe using regular sugar just as much. Tried orange zest instead of lemon but kept everything else the same. This one is a keeper. We loved it!
Do you place the tart pan directly in the oven or should I place the pan on a cookie sheet and than into the oven? My ricotta is draining in the fridge overnight and I’m making this tomorrow morning. Thank you.
Yes, Kris Marie, it’s a good idea if you put the tart pan on a cookie sheet – it does make it easier to transfer to the oven.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. This is my first time baking with a tart pan with removable bottom. Just about to begin my crust now. Thank you for the speedy reply! I’m glad I drained my ricotta overnight, a good amount of water seeped through the paper towel and sieve, I thought I had cheese cloth but no luck. Even used a name brand “G” ricotta.
Good that you did drain it, Kris Marie! Paper towels are fine.
I totally forgot to add the heavy cream. So disappointed in myself! Ugh! Any idea how this will effect the outcome? I did do my batter in the food processor too.
Hi Kris Marie, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The texture may be slightly different. Let me know how it goes.
I have 18 people for Easter…to make a large pie do I double the recipe? What is your best suggestion? Thanks
Hi Maria, yes, I’d double the recipe and make two separate pies. I think one extra large pie wouldn’t bake as well – the outside edge would be overcooked before the middle is done.
What a lovely dessert alternative to cheesecake, I’m going to make this for Easter! Thank you for sharing.
I made this pie and I cannot tell you how delicious it was! The whole family, including my in-laws loved it, and I’m definitely making it again and again!
So glad you enjoyed it, Anna!
This will be my first time to try Ricotta Pie. Glad I’ve found your recipe. I like that it’s easy to follow and with simple ingredients to make it. Thanks!:)
Let me know how it goes for you, Jerika!
I love to bake with ricotta. The ricotta just gives such a great texture and wonderful flavor! Can’t wait to try your recipe! Thank you!
So true, Nora!
I love using ricotta in recipes. This looks and sounds delicious. I know it will be a hit for Easter dinner dessert.
I think you will enjoy it, Gloria!