Authentic Italian Ricotta Pie: A Delicious Dessert Tradition

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup ice water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped candied orange peel
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks, ice water, and lemon zest. Gradually add this to the flour mixture, stirring until dough comes together.
  3. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Press the dough into the plate and trim the edges.
  5. In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips and candied orange peel.
  6. Pour the ricotta mixture into the pie crust. Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the filling. Trim the edges and press to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set. Allow the pie to cool completely.
  8. Dust the cooled pie with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients
  • Whisk - Used for whisking and blending ingredients
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough
  • Pie Plate - A 9-inch plate used for baking the pie
  • Plastic Wrap - Used for wrapping and refrigerating the dough
  • Knife - For trimming the edges of the pie crust
  • Spatula - Used for mixing and scraping the bowl
  • Oven - Preheat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
  • Powdered Sugar Shaker - For dusting the finished pie

Recipe variations

  • Use a graham cracker crust instead of the traditional pie crust.
  • Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Experiment with different flavors of zest such as lime or grapefruit.
  • Add a splash of almond extract or amaretto for a hint of nutty flavor.
  • Swap out the chocolate chips for chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.
  • Add a layer of fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot between the crust and filling.
  • Try a vegan version by using a plant-based ricotta substitute and flax eggs instead of dairy and eggs.
  • Incorporate seasonal fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or peaches into the filling.
  • Sprinkle a crumb topping made with oats, butter, and brown sugar over the filling before baking.
  • Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

Recipe overview

This recipe is for a classic Italian Ricotta Pie, a traditional dessert often served during Easter celebrations. This sweet pie features a rich and creamy ricotta cheese filling studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and candied orange peel, all encased in a delicate and flaky homemade pastry crust. The flavors of citrus brighten up the richness of the ricotta and chocolate, making this pie a perfectly balanced treat. This recipe may seem intricate, but the steps are easy to follow. This Italian Ricotta Pie is one dessert that is sure to impress at any gathering, whether for a holiday or everyday enjoyment.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use a different type of flour such as whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture of the crust.
  2. Can I substitute the ricotta cheese with another type of cheese?
    While ricotta cheese is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other soft cheeses such as cottage cheese or mascarpone. However, the flavor and texture of the pie may be different.
  3. Can I omit the chocolate chips and candied orange peel?
    Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips and candied orange peel if you prefer. The pie will still be delicious without them.
  4. Can I make the pie crust in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the pie crust ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before using.
  5. How should I store the leftover pie?
    Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
  6. Can I freeze the pie?
    Yes, you can freeze the pie for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dough and ricotta filling.
  • Whisk - Used to whisk together the egg yolks, ice water, and lemon zest.
  • Plastic Wrap - To wrap the dough and refrigerate it.
  • Pie Plate - A 9-inch pie plate to bake the ricotta pie.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough for the pie crust.
  • Knife - To trim the edges of the pie crust and cut slits in the top crust.
  • Oven - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for baking the pie.
  • Cooling Rack - A rack to cool the pie completely before serving.
  • Powdered Sugar Shaker - To dust the pie with powdered sugar for serving.

Origin stories

Ricotta pie, or Torta di Ricotta, is an enduring symbol of Italian culinary tradition, particularly celebrated during festive times such as Easter. Originating from the fertile region of Lazio, this delightful dessert is a testament to the Italian way of making the most out of humble ingredients. Ricotta, which literally translates to "recooked," is a cheese byproduct, a testament to the Italian genius for waste-not-want-not. In the olden times, every part of the cheese-making process was utilized, and the whey leftover from making other cheeses was recooked to make ricotta. This humble cheese found its way into numerous Italian recipes, both savory and sweet. The addition of citrus and chocolate, emblematic of Italy's trade history and its sunny Mediterranean climate, gives this pie its distinctive flavor. When you bite into a slice of Ricotta Pie, you are enjoying a piece of Italian history and tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.