Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie

Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie

Indulge in the deliciously creamy and slightly tangy flavor of Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie, a classic dessert that combines a rich ricotta filling with a buttery pasta frolla crust. This pie is traditionally made for holidays like Easter, but it’s the perfect treat for any special occasion. With its hint of lemon and almond, it’s a delightful blend of sweet and citrusy flavors. The golden, flaky crust paired with the smooth ricotta filling will make this pie a standout dessert on your table.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta Frolla (Crust):

• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 2 large eggs

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 32 ounces (905 grams) whole-milk ricotta, strained if watery
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ⅛ teaspoon almond extract

For Assembly:

• Egg wash (1 egg + splash of water)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust (Pasta Frolla):
   • Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
   • In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt until combined.
   • Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture forms small, pea-sized pebbles.
   • With the processor running, add the eggs and blend until the dough comes together into a ball.
   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it into two halves.
2. Form the Bottom Crust:
   • Roll out one half of the dough into an 11-inch circle and place it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
   • Pierce the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling and freeze for 10 minutes to chill the dough.
3. Prepare the Top Crust:
   • Roll out the second half of the dough into a 10-inch circle and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
4. Blind Bake the Crust:
   • Line the chilled bottom crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
   • Bake on the lower rack for 20 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden.
   • Let the crust cool on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whip the strained ricotta until smooth.
   • Add the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and almond extract. Mix until the filling is creamy and well combined.
6. Assemble the Pie:
   • Pour the ricotta filling into the cooled pie shell, smoothing it out evenly.
   • Take the chilled top crust and score a lattice pattern using a fork, if desired.
   • Brush the edges of the bottom crust and the top crust with egg wash to help seal the edges.
   • Place the top crust over the filling and press the edges to seal. Trim any excess dough for a neat finish.
7. Bake the Pie:
   • Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the ricotta filling is puffed and set.
   • Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the pie at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Quick Recipe Facts:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Tips for Success:

• Strain the Ricotta: If your ricotta is watery, strain it through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve for at least an hour to achieve a thick, creamy filling.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent shrinking and ensures a flakier crust.
• Customize the Flavors: You can add a hint of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the ricotta filling for additional flavor variation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Creamy and Tangy Filling: The smooth ricotta, combined with fresh lemon zest and almond extract, gives the filling a delightful balance of sweetness and brightness.
• Buttery Crust: The pasta frolla crust is buttery and tender, providing the perfect contrast to the soft, creamy filling.
• Perfect for Celebrations: This pie is an ideal dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a traditional Italian treat.

This Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie is a timeless dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and savor each delicious, creamy bite!

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