Description
Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake is a light, creamy dessert that feels elegant yet wonderfully simple to make. With smooth ricotta filling, bright orange zest, and a buttery graham cracker crust, this easy recipe is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, brunch, or anytime you want fresh dessert ideas. If you are looking for a creamy baked cheesecake, an easy dessert recipe, sweet food ideas, or a make-ahead treat that looks beautiful on the table, this classic Italian-inspired cheesecake is one to save.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 pounds whole milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup fresh orange segments
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Stir the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together until evenly combined.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
5. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and sugar until smooth.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7. Stir in the orange zest, vanilla extract, flour, and salt until the filling is creamy and well blended.
8. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble.
10. Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully chilled.
12. Dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh orange segments, and slice to serve.
Notes
Do not overmix the filling after adding the eggs, or the cheesecake can puff too much in the oven and lose its delicate texture as it cools.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 140mg