Ricotta Cheese Dessert Recipe

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Why You Will Love This Ricotta Cheese Dessert

The Ethereal Ricotta Cheese Dessert

Discover pure bliss with this ethereal Ricotta Cheese Dessert that marries the silky smoothness of fresh Italian ricotta with the delicate essence of orange blossom and sweet honey. Each spoonful is a cloud-like experience that melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of creamy richness and subtle floral notes. This elegant yet surprisingly simple ricotta dessert is a testament to the beauty of Italian cuisine, where a few quality ingredients combine to create something truly magical.

Versatile Ricotta Cheese Dessert for Celebrations

This Ricotta Cheese Dessert is perfect for intimate dinner parties, special celebrations, or when you want to transform an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. The beauty of this Ricotta Cheese Dessert lies not just in its heavenly taste, but in its versatility; dress it up with edible flowers and berries for a sophisticated presentation, or keep it rustic with a simple drizzle of honey and crushed pistachios.

Light, Airy Ricotta Cheese Dessert with a Touch of Sophistication

Transform your dessert experience with a light and airy ricotta cheese creation that perfectly blends sophistication and comfort. This delicately smooth dessert, subtly flavored with vanilla or citrus, offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both refreshing and refined. It’s the ideal sweet treat for those seeking a lighter, yet elegant dessert to complete any meal. Simple to prepare and always impressive, this ricotta dessert will add a touch of luxury to any occasion.

Glass cup filled with whipped ricotta cheesse dessert recipe topped with pistachios, honey, and edible flowers
Experience pure bliss with our cloud-like ricotta cheese dessert

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Ricotta Base:

Fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese – Creamy and mild, it forms a rich foundation with a lusciously smooth texture.

Heavy cream – Enriches and lightens the ricotta, lending extra silkiness.

Honey – Natural sweetener with floral warmth; harmonizes beautifully with citrus and cream.

Pure vanilla extract – Adds comforting depth and subtle warmth to the mix.

Orange blossom water – Imparts delicate floral-citrus fragrance, elevating the dessert into something aromatic and elegant.

Orange zest – Adds fresh, bright citrus lift for complexity and aroma.

Fine sea salt – Balances and enhances flavors, ensuring the sweetness isn’t flat.

For the Garnish:

Pistachios, finely chopped – Bring crunch, color, and nutty contrast to the creamy base.

Extra honey (for drizzling) – Accentuates sweetness and glossy appeal.

Fresh berries (optional) – Burst of fresh flavor, juiciness, and vibrant color.

Edible flowers (optional) – Add visual elegance and a floral note.

Candied orange peel (optional) – Provides chewy, zesty texture and intensified citrus flavor.

    Instructions

    Step 1: Drain the Ricotta

    Place the ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth and let it drain in the refrigerator for 1 hour to remove any excess moisture.

    Step 2: Prepare the Base

    In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the drained ricotta cheese until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream while mixing on medium speed, then add the honey, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water. Continue mixing until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Finally, fold in the orange zest and salt.

    Step 3: Chill and Set

    Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual dessert glasses, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to set properly.

    Step 4: Serve and Garnish

    Before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped pistachios and drizzle with additional honey. For an extra touch of elegance, add fresh berries and edible flowers if desired.

    Overhead view of four ricotta desserts in glass bowls with honey and pistachio garnish
    Rustic elegance meets Italian tradition in every spoonful

    Making Ahead & Storage

    • This Ricotta Cheese Dessert can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
    • Consume within 3 days.
    • Do not freeze as it may affect the texture.

    Expert Tips

    • Use the freshest, highest-quality ricotta cheese you can find.
    • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly.
    • Don’t skip the draining step, it’s crucial for the right texture.
    • Adjust orange blossom water gradually to taste.
    • Pat berries dry before using as garnish to prevent bleeding.

    Presentation Ideas

    • Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase the layers.
    • Use a piping bag with a star tip for an elegant swirled presentation.
    • Create a dessert bar with various toppings.
    • Garnish with edible flowers for special occasions.

    Nutritional Insights

    At 230 mg of calcium per serving, this Ricotta Cheese Dessert not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also supports bone health, making it a smarter and more nutritious dessert option. Calcium is a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and incorporating it into a delicious dessert makes it easy to boost your intake without compromising on flavor. Ricotta cheese, with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, provides a rich base for this treat, delivering both protein and essential nutrients. Whether enjoyed as a post-meal indulgence or a special treat, this dessert offers a perfect balance of taste and health benefits, allowing you to indulge while nourishing your body.

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    FAQ Section

    Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?

    While possible, whole milk ricotta cheese provides the best texture and flavor for this dessert

    What can I substitute for orange blossom water?

    Rose water or additional vanilla extract can be used, though the flavor profile will change.

    Why is my ricotta mixture grainy?

    This might happen if the ricotta wasn’t properly drained or beaten enough. Make sure to drain well and beat until smooth.

    Can I make this Ricotta Cheese Dessert dairy-free?

    While traditional Ricotta Cheese Dessert recipes rely on dairy, you can experiment with nut-based ricotta alternatives.

    How do I know if my Ricotta Cheese Dessert is fresh?

    Fresh ricotta should smell clean and sweet, with a bright white color and gentle texture.

    Print
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    A beautifully plated ricotta cheese dessert recipe, featuring a smooth, creamy texture with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries on top

    Ricotta Cheese Dessert Recipe


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    • Author: Callie’s Recipes
    • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
    • Yield: 6 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free

    Description

    Discover pure bliss with this ethereal Ricotta Cheese Dessert recipe that marries the smoothness of Italian ricotta with orange blossom and honey!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the Ricotta Base:

    2 cups (16 oz) fresh whole milk ricotta cheese

    ¼ cup heavy cream

    3 tablespoons honey

    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    2 teaspoons orange blossom water

    Zest of 1 organic orange

    ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt

    For the Garnish:

    ¼ cup pistachios, finely chopped

    Additional honey for drizzling

    Fresh berries (optional)

    Edible flowers (optional)

    Candied orange peel (optional)


    Instructions

    Drain the Ricotta:

    1. Place ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.
    2. Let drain for 1 hour in the refrigerator to remove excess moisture.

    Prepare the Base:

    1. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the drained ricotta cheese until smooth.
    2. Gradually add heavy cream while mixing on medium speed.
    3. Add honey, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water.
    4. Mix until well combined and creamy.
    5. Fold in orange zest and salt.

    Chill and Set:

    1. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl or individual dessert glasses.
    2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

    Serve and Garnish:

    1. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
    2. Drizzle with additional honey.
    3. Add fresh berries and edible flowers if desired.

    Notes

    This ricotta cheese dessert can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    Consume within 3 days.

    Do not freeze as it may affect the texture.

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 5 minutes
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Chilling
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 285
    • Sugar: 15g
    • Sodium: 15.7 mg
    • Fat: 19g
    • Carbohydrates: 18g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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