Description
This Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake is a creamy, lightly sweet easy dessert recipe that feels elegant yet simple to make. With a delicate ricotta filling, bright citrus flavor, and a golden crust, it is perfect for dessert ideas, holiday baking, weekend treats, and special food ideas when you want a classic Italian-style cheesecake that tastes rich without feeling too heavy.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for garnish
1/3 cup candied orange or orange preserves, for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until evenly combined.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Let it cool.
4. In a large bowl, beat the drained ricotta and softened cream cheese until smooth.
5. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until combined.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
7. Mix in the flour just until incorporated.
8. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 55 to 70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble.
10. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 20 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a rack.
12. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
13. Dust with powdered sugar, top with candied orange or orange preserves, slice, and serve.
Notes
Drain the ricotta well so the filling stays creamy and not watery.
Do not overmix after adding the eggs or the cheesecake can bake up too dense.
Chill overnight for the cleanest slices and the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 368
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 257mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 126mg