Italian Ricotta Cheesecake
Indulge in the creamy delight of Italian Ricotta Cheesecake, a heavenly dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. This rich cheesecake is not only easy to make but also transforms simple ingredients into a showstopper that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake is sure to become a cherished favorite at your gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a springform pan with butter.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Let cool in the oven with the door ajar for an hour before chilling in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating chocolate chips or fresh fruit toppings. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal blending. If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding almond extract or orange zest.