Baked Ricotta Custard
Creamy baked ricotta custard with a delicate sweetness, perfect for a light dessert. Its smooth texture and subtle vanilla flavor suit all occasions, from casual to elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250° F.
- Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Add ricotta cheese and beat until well blended.
- Gradually add Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granular, beating until blended.
- Add eggs gradually, beating until blended.
- Add egg white and beat until blended.
- Add vanilla extract and half and half, beating until blended.
- Pour mixture into 8 (8 ounce) ramekins; place ramekins in a roasting pan.
- Add hot water to the pan to a depth of 1 inch.
- Bake at 250° F for 45 minutes or until custards are set.
- Custards will puff slightly and remain white.
- Remove from water bath and cool on a wire rack.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Garnish, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the Splenda with any other granulated sweetener or honey, adjusting the quantity to taste. If you prefer a flavored custard, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract. To avoid overcooking, check the custards a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the custard chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or can be enjoyed as a dessert after a hearty meal like Triple Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Consider serving with whipped cream for a luxurious finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked ricotta custard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ramekins in a preheated oven at 300° F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can alter the custard's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Ricotta Custard contains roughly 425 calories, with 6g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use full-fat ricotta instead of low-fat?
Yes, using full-fat ricotta will result in a richer and creamier custard. The overall taste and texture will be enhanced, making it even more indulgent. Just be mindful of the calorie content if you're watching your intake.
How do I know when the custard is done baking?
The custards are done when they are set but still slightly jiggle in the center. They will puff up slightly and should remain white, not browned. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I freeze the baked ricotta custard?
While it's not recommended to freeze baked custard as it may change the texture, you can freeze the unbaked mixture in ramekins. When ready to bake, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. However, freezing post-bake could lead to a grainy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).