Finished Italian Ricotta Cheesecake – Creamy, Light, and Indulgent

This Finished Italian Ricotta Cheesecake is a delicate, creamy dessert that combines the light, slightly tangy flavor of ricotta cheese with a sweet, buttery crust. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or a special treat, this cheesecake is rich yet airy, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both elegant and comforting. With its classic Italian flavor, it’s a dessert that impresses every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light & Creamy – Ricotta cheese creates a smooth, airy texture that’s less dense than traditional cheesecakes.
Delicately Sweet – Balanced sweetness highlights the natural flavor of the cheese.
Simple Yet Elegant – Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients for a professional result.
Perfect for Any Occasion – A show-stopping dessert that’s ideal for celebrations or casual treats.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp sugar (for the crust)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
   In a large bowl, beat ricotta and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
3. Assemble and Bake
   Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
4. Cool and Chill
   Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
5. Serve
   Remove from springform pan, slice, and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~320
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 15g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Whole-Milk Ricotta – Creates a richer, creamier texture.
• Add Lemon Zest – Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness.
• Chill Thoroughly – Chilling ensures clean slices and perfect texture.

Why This Recipe Works

Ricotta cheese gives the cheesecake a lighter, fluffier texture compared to traditional cream cheese-only versions. The combination of creamy filling and buttery crust provides a balance of textures and flavors, making each bite indulgent yet refreshing.

This Finished Italian Ricotta Cheesecake is an elegant, creamy dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Light, flavorful, and beautifully textured, it’s a classic dessert that will delight family and friends alike.