This Vanilla Bean Ricotta Pie is a creamy and indulgent dessert featuring a rich ricotta and mascarpone filling, a buttery pie crust, and refreshing vanilla bean and citrus flavors. Perfect for holidays or gatherings, it's a light yet rich alternative to traditional cheesecakes.
For the Pie Crust:
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
For the Filling:
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
1 cup mascarpone cheese
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan.
In a mixing bowl, beat ricotta, mascarpone, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla seeds (or extract), cornstarch, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Fold in heavy cream.
Pour the filling into the pie crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Let the pie cool at room temperature for 1 hour before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
For the topping, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe whipped cream over the chilled pie.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
If mascarpone is unavailable, substitute with more ricotta or cream cheese.
Use a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
The pie can be made ahead of time, enhancing its flavor.
Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/vanilla-bean-ricotta-pie/