There’s something truly special about a recipe that feels like a warm hug from Nonna’s kitchen and this Sweet & Creamy Italian Ricotta Pie is exactly that. It’s rich yet light, subtly sweet, and full of creamy, velvety goodness that melts in your mouth. This traditional dessert is often served during Easter, but once you taste it, you’ll want it year-round. With its custard-like filling and delicate flavor, it’s the kind of treat that brings everyone to the table with wide eyes and happy hearts. Trust me, it’s a classic for a reason.

Why You’ll Love Sweet & Creamy Italian Ricotta Pie

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a holiday table it’s elegant and comforting all at once.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that stretch beautifully into a full-sized pie.

Quick and Easy: Comes together with just a few steps and no fancy techniques anyone can make this and impress.

Customizable: Add citrus zest, chocolate chips, or even a splash of liqueur to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Sweet & Creamy Italian Ricotta Pie

Here’s what gives this ricotta pie its signature texture and flavor gentle, creamy, and absolutely crave-worthy:

Ricotta Cheese: The heart of the pie. Choose full-fat ricotta for the creamiest, smoothest filling. Drain any excess liquid if it’s too watery.

Eggs: Essential for creating that smooth, custard-like texture and helping the pie set beautifully.

Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to highlight the richness of the ricotta.

Vanilla Extract: A must-have for warmth and balance brings out the pie’s sweet undertones.

Citrus Zest (Optional): A little lemon or orange zest can lift the flavor and give the pie a subtle brightness.

Pie Crust: Use a traditional pie crust — homemade or store-bought. A buttery, flaky base complements the creamy filling perfectly.

Powdered Sugar (Optional): A light dusting over the top before serving adds a delicate finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). A consistent, gentle heat is key to baking the filling evenly.

Prepare the Crust: Line your pie dish with the crust and crimp the edges. Chill while you prepare the filling to keep it firm.

Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the ricotta, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add vanilla extract and citrus zest if using. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.

Pour into Crust: Pour the ricotta mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45–55 minutes or until the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle. The edges should be lightly golden.

Cool Completely: Let the pie cool at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serve and Enjoy: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, and slice into that luscious, creamy filling.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Sweet & Creamy Italian Ricotta Pie

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with a cup of espresso or hot tea for a comforting finish.
Drizzle with a touch of honey or fruit compote for extra flair.
Slice and serve as part of a holiday dessert spread or weekend brunch.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Drain ricotta if it’s too wet wrap it in cheesecloth and press gently.
Don’t overbake the pie will continue to set as it cools.
Add mini chocolate chips or a splash of Amaretto for a twist.
Use a deep-dish pie plate if your crust is thick or you have extra filling.
Let it chill fully before slicing to get those clean, perfect cuts.

FAQs

1. Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Yes, but full-fat ricotta gives the best texture and flavor.

2. Should I drain the ricotta first?
If your ricotta is very wet, yes it helps keep the pie from getting watery.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s even better after chilling overnight.

4. Can I freeze ricotta pie?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

5. What if I don’t have pie crust?
You can use a graham cracker or almond crust for a twist or bake it crustless like a custard.

6. Is this pie overly sweet?
No it’s subtly sweet and very balanced, perfect for those who don’t love overly sugary desserts.

7. Can I add raisins or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Both are traditional add-ins and give a lovely texture contrast.

8. What’s the best way to slice the pie?
Use a clean, sharp knife and wipe it between slices for neat cuts.

9. How long will this pie keep in the fridge?
Up to 5 days when covered tightly.

10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, bake in a 9×13 dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Sweet & Creamy Italian Ricotta Pie is more than just dessert it’s a little piece of family tradition, wrapped in flavor and love. With its smooth texture, subtle sweetness, and nostalgic charm, it’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations. Whether you’re new to ricotta pies or have been eating them since childhood, this version is simple, satisfying, and always a hit. So grab a slice, pour a cup of coffee, and savor every bite just like Nonna would want.

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