Description
A smooth and creamy ricotta pie flavored with fragrant vanilla bean and bright lemon zest, baked in a tender pie crust. This elegant Italian-style dessert is lightly sweet and perfect with coffee or espresso.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 whole vanilla bean, seeds scraped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy with no large lumps.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla bean seeds, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix gently until the filling is smooth and uniform.
- Pour the ricotta mixture into the prepared pie crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the center is set and the top turns lightly golden.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice, and serve.
Notes
You can substitute the vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract if needed.
If the ricotta appears watery, strain it in a fine mesh sieve for about 30 minutes before using.
Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling for a richer dessert variation.
Fresh raspberries or blueberries can be scattered on top of the filling before baking for a fruity version.
Orange zest can replace lemon zest for a sweeter citrus flavor.
Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best texture, serve chilled or allow slices to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
