What dessert can be made from ricotta cheese?

So many! Cannoli, cheesecakes, cookies, tarts, mousses, and even pancakes.

What does ricotta cheese go with?

Ricotta loves sweet flavors: honey, fruit, cinnamon, citrus zest. It also pairs beautifully with savory ingredients like herbs, roasted vegetables, and balsamic glaze.

What is ricotta cheese mainly used for?

Ricotta is a star in both sweet and savory dishes. It's a classic filling for pasta dishes like lasagna and ravioli, and adds richness to desserts.

How do Italians use ricotta?

Italians often use ricotta simply with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. Of course, there's always the beloved cannoli and traditional ricotta-filled cakes and pastries.

Is there a good substitute for ricotta cheese?

Yes! Mascarpone offers a similar creamy texture, while cottage cheese can work in a pinch if blended until smooth. Want a deeper dive into cheese options? see this guide to different cheeses .

How do I store my ricotta-based dessert?

Most ricotta desserts need refrigeration. Cheesecakes and tarts last 3-4 days, while cookies can stay fresh in an airtight container for a few days.

Can I freeze ricotta desserts?

It depends! Cheesecakes and some ricotta cookies freeze well. However, avoid freezing desserts with delicate textures like mousses or puddings.

Help! My ricotta is watery. What do I do?

Strain it! Line a sieve with cheesecloth, place it over a bowl, and let the ricotta drain in the fridge for a few hours. This removes excess moisture for a thicker consistency.

Are ricotta desserts healthy?

They can be! Ricotta is a good source of protein and calcium. Opt for part-skim ricotta and natural sweeteners like fruit for a lighter treat. Here's a tip: a dollop of ricotta makes a lovely, protein-packed topping for fresh berries.

Ricotta Cheese Dessert Recipes: Creamy, Sweet & Savory Delights

Description

Discover the delicious and versatile world of ricotta cheese desserts. From classic cannoli and luscious cheesecakes to creative pancakes and tarts, ricotta’s creamy texture and mild flavor make it perfect for a variety of sweet treats. Learn essential tips and techniques to master ricotta desserts, and get inspired with recipes that will elevate your dessert game.

Ingredients

Ricotta Cheese: Quality whole-milk or part-skim
Sweeteners: Sugar, honey, maple syrup
Citrus Zest: Orange, lemon
Spices: Cinnamon, vanilla extract
Fruit: Fresh berries, peaches
Baking Ingredients: Eggs, flour, butter, graham crackers (for crust)
Additional Flavors: Chocolate chips, nuts, Marsala wine (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the cannoli dough and fry until crisp.
Mix ricotta with sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon for the filling.
Pipe the filling into the cooled cannoli shells.
For New York-style cheesecake, make a graham cracker crust, fill with a dense ricotta mixture, and bake.
For Italian-style cheesecake, use a sponge cake base and a lighter ricotta filling.
For a no-bake cheesecake, combine ricotta with sweeteners and flavors, pour into a crust, and refrigerate until set.
Mix ricotta with flour, sugar, eggs, and flavorings such as lemon zest or chocolate chips.
Drop dough onto a baking sheet and bake until golden.
Optionally, frost or dip in glaze once cooled.
Mix ricotta with pancake batter for light and fluffy pancakes.
Serve with syrup, berries, and whipped cream, or try savory toppings like herbs and cheese.
For a crostata, spread ricotta on a crust, top with fruit, and bake.
For a lemon ricotta pie, use a shortbread crust and a lemon-flavored ricotta filling.
For a chocolate ricotta tart, combine ricotta with melted chocolate and bake in a tart shell.
Whip ricotta with honey, vanilla, or liqueur until smooth.
Serve chilled, garnished with fresh fruit or nuts.
Blend ricotta with fruit and sweeteners.
Freeze in molds for a refreshing treat.

Notes

Choosing Ricotta: Whole-milk ricotta for richness; part-skim for a lighter option.
Flavor Boosters: Citrus zest, vanilla, cinnamon, herbs, roasted vegetables.
Storage: Refrigerate most ricotta desserts; cookies can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Cheesecakes and some cookies freeze well.
Handling Watery Ricotta: Strain through cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
Health Tips: Ricotta is high in protein and calcium. Opt for natural sweeteners and fresh fruit for a healthier dessert.

Prep Time: approx. 15-30 minutes
Cook Time: approx. 10-60 minutes

Keywords: Ricotta cheese dessert, Classic cannoli Ricotta cheesecake, Ricotta cookies Ricotta pancake,s Ricotta tarts, Whipped ricotta, mousse Frozen, ricotta pops