If you’ve ever wanted to bring a touch of authentic Italian comfort into your kitchen, this Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious, creamy pie that combines the mild tanginess of ricotta cheese with warmly spiced cinnamon and vanilla, all wrapped in a tender crust. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or sharing with friends, this dish never fails to deliver a cozy, satisfying slice of Italy’s best baking tradition right onto your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet carefully selected ingredients will set you up for success. Each component plays a vital role in building the pie’s delicate texture and nuanced flavor that makes this Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe truly shine.
- 1 1/4 cups milk: Provides a creamy base and helps meld the flavors for the perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Acts as a gentle thickener to keep the filling firm but tender.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: The star ingredient, bringing a smooth and fresh tanginess crucial to the pie.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the filling, adding richness and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances the ricotta’s mildness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie just enough to balance the cheese and spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a comforting spice note that makes this pie uniquely inviting.
- 1 9-inch pie crust: A buttery, flaky base to hold all the delicious filling beautifully.
How to Make Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature by the time your pie is assembled. This step helps create a golden crust with a perfectly baked filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and gently crimp the edges for that classic pie look. This simple step also helps prevent shrinkage during baking, keeping your crust picture-perfect.
Step 3: Mix Milk and Cornstarch
In a large bowl, whisk together half of the milk with the cornstarch until completely smooth. This is important to avoid lumps and ensures your filling will have that silky texture everyone loves in an Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the rest of the milk along with ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon to the milk and cornstarch mixture. Stir everything until well blended, creating a luscious filling that’s fragrant and smooth.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Pour the batter into your prepared pie crust. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pie dish. This indicates the filling is perfectly cooked but will remain creamy.
Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the filling set firmly, making slices cleaner and texture more delightful.
How to Serve Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish elevates the presentation and flavor. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even fresh berries to brighten and complement the pie’s creamy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe with fresh fruit salad or a cup of espresso for a delightful treat. The lightness of fresh fruit beautifully balances the pie’s creamy texture, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual slices on pretty plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce. You can also cut mini pies for a charming appetizer or dessert platter at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Ricotta Pie keeps wonderfully in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to save your pie for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the pie tightly in a layer of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When stored properly, it retains its creamy texture and flavor for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy your chilled or refrigerated pie, allow it to come to room temperature or warm gently in a low oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture, but a quick warm-up brings out the ricotta’s luscious creaminess beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your preferred texture, whether flaky or slightly crisp, enhancing the overall experience of the Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe.
Is it necessary to chill the pie before serving?
Yes, chilling allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and intensifying the flavors. Serving it cold also provides the classic texture typical of an authentic Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe.
Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
While ricotta is key for the authentic creaminess and mild flavor, you can experiment with mascarpone or cream cheese blends. Just keep in mind this will change the texture and flavor slightly.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
Look for a lightly browned crust and a filling that’s set around the edges but gently jiggles in the center. This subtle wobble means your pie will be creamy rather than dry once cooled.
Is this Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! Its elegant simplicity and comforting flavors make it a wonderful choice for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want to impress with a traditional treat that feels homemade and heartfelt.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about mastering this Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe and sharing it with the people you care about. It’s easy, satisfying, and full of old-world charm that makes every bite memorable. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes a beloved dessert in your home too.
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Italian Ricotta Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch pie (about 8 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Italian Ricotta Pie features a creamy, subtly sweet ricotta filling with hints of vanilla and cinnamon baked to perfection in a flaky pie crust. It’s a delightful dessert that combines rich Italian flavors with a smooth, custard-like texture, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges to form a decorative border, ensuring it is evenly spread in the dish.
- Mix Milk and Cornstarch: In a large bowl, combine half of the milk (about 5/8 cup) with the cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the cornstarch mixture, add the remaining milk, ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth batter.
- Pour Batter into Pie Shell: Carefully pour the ricotta filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. The pie is done when the center still slightly jiggles but is set around the edges.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set further before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in milk to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Letting the pie chill enhances the texture and makes slicing easier.
- A pie crust can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- The center will remain slightly jiggly—this is normal and means the pie is perfectly baked.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
