If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that combines old-world charm with irresistible creaminess, this Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe is absolute magic. Imagine subtly sweet, airy clouds of ricotta, hints of bright citrus, and a perfectly set, silky crumb — all without the fuss of a water bath! This classic Italian-inspired cheesecake is as elegant as it is easy, and it never fails to dazzle at family gatherings or quiet nights when you just crave something special. Whether you dust it with powdered sugar or crown it with fresh berries, this treat is pure bliss in every bite of its dreamy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of kitchen staples and a few special touches, but each ingredient plays a big role in making this Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe so unforgettable. Every item brings either richness, structure, or that lovely lightness to the final result.
- Ricotta Cheese (1 ½ pounds, whole milk, well-drained): Draining is key for a lusciously rich yet delicate texture—avoid any sogginess here!
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Provides the perfect level of gentle sweetness to balance the tangy cheese.
- Large Eggs (4): These give structure and that characteristic silky cheesecake consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cake with cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Almond Extract (½ teaspoon, optional): For a subtle, nutty depth that sets the flavors apart—highly recommended if you love almond!
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Just enough to stabilize the batter, but you can swap for gluten-free flour without changing the magic.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A small pinch, but it heightens every other flavor.
- Lemon Zest (zest of 1 lemon): Adds a fresh, bright lift that feels like a sunny afternoon in Italy.
- Heavy Cream (¼ cup): This brings extra richness and creates that creamy-dreamy melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional): The most effortless, elegant finish—just a delicate snowy sprinkle.
- Fresh Berries (for garnish, optional): A pop of color and tartness to contrast the cake’s velvety sweetness.
How to Make Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan generously so nothing sticks—this helps keep those creamy edges pristine. If your ricotta is even the slightest bit watery, place it in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl and let it drain for at least 30 minutes. This tiny step is crucial, and it’s what sets the Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe apart from soggy renditions.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Batter
Blend the ricotta and sugar together in a large mixing bowl, beating until the mixture is irresistibly smooth and fluffy. Don’t rush this stage—a few extra minutes here give your cheesecake its memorable lightness. Next, add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition to create that luxurious, cohesive batter.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Flourish
Stir in the vanilla extract, a splash of almond extract if you love it, a scattering of lemon zest, flour, salt, and finally the heavy cream. Fold everything together just until it’s smooth and unified. The lemon zest is what truly makes this Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe pop, so don’t skimp!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour that gorgeously creamy batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to gently smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the center is just set and a toothpick poked in the middle comes out mostly clean (a faint jiggle is perfect!). It’s normal for the edges to puff up a bit—this tells you it’s perfectly baked.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Let your cheesecake cool in the pan for one hour; patience really pays off here. Then transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you can stand the wait. This is when the texture turns wonderfully creamy, just as it should in a classic Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe.
How to Serve Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
There’s nothing quite like that first slice crowned with a dusting of powdered sugar—the delicate white veil looks beautiful and adds a subtle sweetness. Scatter fresh berries over the top for a burst of juicy color, or go with thin lemon zest curls for a simple, sunny touch. Each option is a delightful way to finish off your cheesecake without overshadowing its creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake shines alongside a light berry compote, a drizzle of honey, or even a tangy raspberry coulis. If you’d like to make it a real Italian celebration, serve with a small glass of espresso or a bright dessert wine—a harmonious balance to every bite of your Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the classic wedges: try cutting small squares for a dessert bar, layering mini slices with whipped cream in parfait glasses, or placing single portions on delicate plates with an edible flower. Serving with a touch of citrus zest or a swirl of berry sauce can really bring the festivities to life and make each slice of your cheesecake memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cheesecake as fresh as possible, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors even deepen a little after a day, making each chilly slice of your Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe just as tempting as the first.
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic, then in foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results—the creamy, dreamy texture returns as though it were just baked.
Reheating
Ricotta cheesecake is usually best enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, which keeps its creamy structure. If you’d like it slightly warmer, set a slice out of the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwave reheating, as that can change the delicate consistency and slightly dry out the cake.
FAQs
Can I make the Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply switch out the all-purpose flour for your preferred gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, and you’ll have a naturally gluten-free cheesecake that’s just as luscious and stable.
Is it necessary to drain the ricotta?
Yes, draining the ricotta is essential for this recipe. Extra moisture can make the cheesecake soggy or prevent it from setting properly, so plan on that extra step for the best possible texture.
Can I use low-fat ricotta instead of whole milk?
You can, but the end result won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Whole milk ricotta gives this cheesecake its signature silky texture, so it’s definitely worth seeking out for the fullest flavor experience.
What’s the best way to slice the cheesecake cleanly?
For picture-perfect slices, wipe your knife with a damp, warm cloth between each cut. This prevents sticking and ensures each piece of cheesecake is pristine—especially lovely when serving guests!
Can I add a crust to this cheesecake?
While this Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe is traditionally crustless, you can absolutely add a simple cookie or graham cracker crust if you love that extra textural contrast. Just press your favorite crust mixture into the bottom of the pan and pre-bake before adding the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe really does feel like sharing a treasured family secret—its bright citrus notes, light texture, and creamy goodness are guaranteed to win hearts at any table. Give it a try for your next special occasion (or just because), and you’ll see why it always earns rave reviews. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this Delicious Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake. Made with whole milk ricotta, this Italian-inspired dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, finished with a hint of lemon zest and a smooth, velvety texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds whole milk ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Optional Garnishes:
- powdered sugar for dusting
- fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Drain ricotta if needed.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, beat ricotta and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Stir in extracts, zest, flour, salt, and cream.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 55-65 minutes until set. Cool and refrigerate.
- Finish: Dust with powdered sugar, top with berries if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Use well-drained ricotta for best results.
- Try orange zest for a different flavor.
- Can be made gluten-free with a suitable flour substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
