Best 7 Old World Ricotta Cheesecake Recipes

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In the realm of classic desserts, few treats evoke such a sense of comfort and nostalgia as an old-world ricotta cheesecake. With its creamy, velvety texture, subtle tanginess, and delightful golden-brown crust, this traditional Italian dessert is a true feast for the senses. Whether you're seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane or embarking on a new culinary adventure, discovering the best recipe for an old-world ricotta cheesecake is an endeavor that promises to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

RICOTTA CHEESECAKE



Ricotta Cheesecake image

This is the easiest cheesecake to make-it takes just 15 minutes to assemble and doesn't require a water bath. When berries are in season, you can serve them instead of the compote.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes one 9-inch cake

Number Of Ingredients 8

Unsalted butter, room temperature, for pan
3/4 cup sugar, plus more for pan
1 1/2 pounds fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese, pureed in a food processor until smooth
6 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Finely grated zest of 1 orange or 2 lemons
1/4 teaspoon salt
Citrus-Vanilla Compote

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously butter and sugar a 9-inch springform pan (3 inches deep). Whisk together ricotta, egg yolks, flour, 6 tablespoons sugar, the zest, and salt in a large bowl.
  • Whisk egg whites with a mixer on low speed until foamy. Raise speed to high, and gradually add remaining 6 tablespoons sugar, whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Gently fold a third of the whites into ricotta mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Gently fold in remaining whites until just combined.
  • Pour batter into pan, and bake until center is firm and top is deep golden brown, about 1 hour. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around edge of cake; release sides to remove from pan, and let cool completely. Serve with citrus-vanilla compote.

OLD-WORLD RICOTTA CHEESECAKE



Old-World Ricotta Cheesecake image

I reconstructed this dessert based on an old recipe that had been in the family for years but was never written down. The subtle cinnamon flavor of the zwieback crust reminds me of the cheesecake I enjoyed as a child, but substitute other crumbs if you like. -Mary Beth Jung, Hendersonville, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1-2/3 cups zwieback, rusk or plain biscotti crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, softened
FILLING:
2 cartons (15 ounces each) ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
TOPPING:
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Combine zwieback crumbs, sugar and cinnamon; mix in butter until mixture is crumbled. Press onto bottom and 1-1/2 in. up sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Refrigerate until chilled., Preheat oven to 350°. Beat all filling ingredients except eggs until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low until combined. Pour into crust. Place pan on a baking sheet., Bake until center is set, about 50 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand 15 minutes, leaving oven on. Combine topping ingredients; spoon around edge of cheesecake. Carefully spread over filling. Bake 10 minutes longer. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; cool 1 hour. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight, covering when completely cooled. Remove rim from pan. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260 calories, Fat 14g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 83mg cholesterol, Sodium 191mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 7g protein.

ITALIAN RICOTTA CHEESECAKE



Italian Ricotta Cheesecake image

This quick-and-easy dessert is lighter than traditional cheesecake, since it calls for ricotta instead of cream cheese.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 pounds ricotta cheese, drained
1 teaspoon each orange and lemon zest
6 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Set rack in the middle of the oven.
  • Butter and flour a 9-by-2-inch springform pan and tap out excess flour. Place on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • In a medium bowl, sift sugar and flour.
  • In a large bowl, combine ricotta and zest and whisk until smooth. Add sugar and flour mixture and gently mix to combine.
  • Add eggs, 1 at a time, and whisk to combine. Add the vanilla and salt.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the center of the oven for about 55 to 60 minutes, until a light golden color. Make sure the center is fairly firm and the point of a sharp knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely on a wire rack. Cover with plastic wrap and transfer to refrigerator until chilled, at least 2 hours.

ITALIAN CREAM CHEESE AND RICOTTA CHEESECAKE



Italian Cream Cheese and Ricotta Cheesecake image

This is my grandmother's cheesecake recipe passed down to my entire family. It's the best. I can't believe I'm sharing it, but everyone needs to know how to make an authentic Italian cheesecake. It is creamy and not thick, which is why our family LOVES it! For best results, do NOT substitute any ingredients with low-fat unless you've made it before and want to experiment.

Provided by April Caudle

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 6h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons flour
½ cup butter, melted and cooled
1 pint sour cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Mix the cream cheese and ricotta cheese together in a mixing bowl until well combined. Stir in the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla, cornstarch, flour, and butter. Add the sour cream last and stir. Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven 1 hour; turn oven off and leave in oven 1 hour more. Allow to cool completely in refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 703.5 calories, Carbohydrate 49.8 g, Cholesterol 228 mg, Fat 50.1 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 16.1 g, SaturatedFat 30.7 g, Sodium 384.2 mg, Sugar 38.2 g

SICILIAN RICOTTA CHEESECAKE



Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake image

This ricotta cheesecake is similar in style to an American cheesecake, but is much lighter. Enjoy.

Provided by Nicole

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds ricotta cheese
⅔ cup white sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
6 eggs
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Set rack in the middle of the oven. Butter and flour a 9 1/2 inch springform pan, and tap out excess flour.
  • Place the ricotta in a large mixing bowl, and stir it as smooth as possible with a rubber spatula. Stir the sugar and flour together thoroughly into the ricotta. Stir in the eggs 1 at a time. Blend in the vanilla, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake in the center of the oven for about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until a light golden color. Make sure the center is fairly firm, and the point of a sharp knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. It will sink slightly as it cools. Cover, and chill till serving time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198.3 calories, Carbohydrate 18.1 g, Cholesterol 116.5 mg, Fat 8.5 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 12.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 154 mg, Sugar 11.6 g

RICOTTA CHEESECAKE WITH CARAMEL-ORANGE SAUCE



Ricotta Cheesecake with Caramel-Orange Sauce image

Provided by Karen DeMasco

Categories     Cheese     Dairy     Dessert     Bake     Easter     Vegetarian     Ricotta     Chill     Party     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Crust:
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (finely ground in processor; from about 15 whole graham crackers)
1/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons water
Filling:
1 1/2 cups organic fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese (about 12 ounces)
3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated orange peel
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
4 large eggs
Caramel-Orange Sauce
Special equipment:
9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 1/2-inch-high sides
Cheesecloth

Steps:

  • For crust:
  • Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°F. Blend graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, flour, and coarse salt in processor. Add melted butter and 2 tablespoons water; process until crumbs are evenly moistened. Transfer crumb mixture to 9-inch springform pan with 2 1/2-inch-high sides; press mixture firmly onto bottom and 1 3/4 inches up sides of pan. Bake crust until set, about 15 minutes. Cool crust in pan. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; store at room temperature.
  • For filling:
  • Line sieve with 3 layers of cheesecloth; set over medium bowl. Place ricotta cheese in prepared sieve; wrap cheesecloth around ricotta and squeeze gently to remove excess liquid. Cover and chill overnight (additional liquid will drain from ricotta). Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap 3 layers of foil around outside of springform pan with crust, covering completely. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese in large bowl until smooth. Add drained ricotta cheese and beat until blended. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; beat until well blended (reserve bean for another use). Add sugar, orange peel, vanilla extract, and coarse salt; beat until smooth. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Transfer filling to baked crust in pan. Place springform pan with cake in large roasting pan. Add enough hot water to roasting pan to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake until cheesecake is set around edges and center no longer moves when pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Transfer cheesecake to rack and cool in pan 1 hour. Chill cheesecake uncovered overnight.
  • Using small knife, cut around cake sides to loosen. Remove pan sides. Transfer cake to platter. Cut cake into wedges and serve with Caramel-Orange Sauce .

LEMON RICOTTA CHEESECAKE



Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake image

I'm an avid recipe collector and can't recall where I found this one. I do know its delicate flavor is well received whenever I make it for a special occasion.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h45m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1-1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 45 wafers)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 teaspoons grated lemon zest
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
Fresh mint and lemon slices, optional

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine wafer crumbs, butter and lemon zest. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 325° for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool., In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, cream, ricotta, sugar, cornstarch and vanilla until smooth. Beat in lemon juice and zest. Add eggs, beat on low speed just until combined. Pour filling into crust. Place pan on a baking sheet., Bake at 325° for 70-80 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Garnish with mint and lemon if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 calories, Fat 19g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 118mg cholesterol, Sodium 192mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 8g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your cheesecake. Use fresh, full-fat ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and eggs. Choose a good quality vanilla extract and a flavorful lemon zest.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will make the cheesecake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Bake the cheesecake in a water bath: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps to create a moist and creamy texture. Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water.
  • Let the cheesecake cool completely before serving: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before serving. This will help it to set properly and develop its full flavor.

Conclusion:

Old-world ricotta cheesecake is a delicious and classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and delicate crust, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is easy to follow and will produce a stunning and delicious cheesecake. So next time you are looking for a special dessert, give this old-world ricotta cheesecake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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