This Italian Ricotta Pie with a Sweet Twist features a creamy ricotta filling, enhanced with vanilla and lemon zest, nestled in a buttery, crisp crust. Perfect for any occasion, it offers the option to customize with chocolate chips, candied fruit, or chopped nuts, creating a versatile and indulgent dessert. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself, this pie is a classic with a delicious modern twist.
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup candied fruit (e.g., orange peel, cherries)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pistachios, almonds)
Prepare the Crust: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add butter and mix with a food processor or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and form the dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
Roll the Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Fit it into the prepared pie dish and crimp the edges.
Blind Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper, then bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and cinnamon until smooth. If desired, add mini chocolate chips, candied fruit, or chopped nuts.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling into the baked crust and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the filling is set and the top is golden.
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries, if desired.
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Serve chilled, or reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes for a warmer slice.
Freezing: This pie can be frozen after baking, best consumed within 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness.