Description
Homemade ricotta cheesecake with citrus twist brings Mediterranean charm to dessert tables, offering a delightful balance of creamy richness and zesty brightness. Delicate Italian flavors mingle in this elegant treat that promises to elevate your culinary experience with each delectable slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (500g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (250g) cream cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup (100g) crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup (60g) melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare a springform pan by lightly greasing its interior and preheat the oven to 325F (160C), ensuring optimal baking conditions.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan, creating a uniform and compact crust.
- Using an electric mixer, blend ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Gradually incorporate eggs into the cheese mixture, stirring gently to maintain a smooth texture, then fold in vanilla extract and freshly grated lemon zest.
- Transfer the creamy cheesecake batter into the prepared crust, carefully spreading it evenly and smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a golden-tinged surface and a slight jiggle in the center indicating perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, preventing potential cracking.
- Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, enabling it to set and develop a rich, dense texture.
- Before serving, carefully release the springform pan and slice the cheesecake into elegant portions, revealing its creamy, citrus-infused interior.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
- Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie dessert option.
- Use room temperature ingredients to prevent lumpy cheesecake texture and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of limoncello or orange liqueur to enhance the citrus notes without overpowering the delicate ricotta taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 403
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 147 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg