Ricotta Cheese Pie
A creamy ricotta cheese pie with a crisp lemon-flavored crust, perfect for dessert or brunch, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tangy citrus notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar, and grated lemon peel to make the crust mixture.
- Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in one slightly beaten egg yolk and vanilla extract.
- Pat one-third of the dough onto the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch spring-form pan.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 7 minutes or until golden. Cool.
- Butter the sides of the pan and attach to the bottom.
- Pat the remaining dough onto the sides of the pan to a height of 1 1/2 inches.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade ricotta cheese. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute or natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. To enhance the lemon flavor, add a bit of fresh lemon juice to the filling. If you don't have spring-form pans, a regular pie dish will work, but adjust baking time as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This ricotta cheese pie is delightful served chilled or at room temperature. Consider pairing it with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey to enhance its sweetness. It also goes well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside a light salad or a refreshing fruit compote.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave as it can make the texture rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ricotta Cheese Pie contains roughly 737 calories, with 22g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or cottage cheese for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure the substitute is smooth and creamy to achieve a similar consistency in the pie.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that any additional ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What can I do with leftover ricotta cheese?
Leftover ricotta can be used in various dishes such as lasagna, stuffed pasta, or added to pancakes for a protein boost. You can also use it in desserts like Crumbled Apples for a delightful twist.
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).