Description
Indulgent ricotta cheesecake promises a delightful journey through Italian dessert traditions. Smooth, rich layers melt on the palate, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this classic culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz ricotta cheese (full-fat)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter (melted)
- Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture compactly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even base. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
- Whip ricotta and cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl until ultra-smooth and free of lumps. Gradually incorporate sugar, introducing eggs individually to ensure thorough integration. Fold in vanilla extract, zesty lemon rind, and flour, maintaining a consistent texture.
- Gently pour the velvety cheese mixture over the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution. Position in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, watching for slightly wobbling center and set edges as indicators of perfect doneness.
- Switch off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour. This gradual cooling prevents cracking and promotes a silky consistency.
- Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator, allowing it to chill and set for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh seasonal berries or a delicate honey drizzle to enhance its luxurious profile.
Notes
- Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling and prevent cracking during baking.
- Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage if using a water bath method, which helps create a more even, silky texture.
- Customize the flavor by adding different extracts like almond or orange, or swirl in fruit preserves before baking for a personalized touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21.3 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 17.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30.4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 7.8 g
- Cholesterol: 108 mg