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    Home » Dessert » 23 Irresistible Desserts with Ricotta Cheese

    Published: Apr 9, 2024 · Updated: May 14, 2024 by Liz Cipolla · This post may contain links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    23 Irresistible Desserts with Ricotta Cheese

    This collection of 23 delicious desserts with ricotta cheese offers a mouthwatering range of traditional ricotta dessert recipes and creative twists on the classics. From the bright flavor of lemon ricotta desserts to simple ricotta cheesecake and individual ricotta desserts like cannolis and cookies, we have the perfect recipe for everyone.

    A pile of cannolis, lemon ricotta cake, a mound of ricotta cookies and lemon ricotta donuts.

    Ricotta cheese has the incredible ability to transform ordinary desserts into something absolutely delicious. This list of Italian desserts with ricotta cheese, we cover soft cakes, creamy pies, traditional cannolis, ricotta cookies, and more.

    If you enjoy this collection of ricotta dessert recipes, you'll also love these 27 Italian Easter Desserts, 23 Italian Christmas Desserts, and 27 Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies.

    What is Ricotta Cheese? 

    Ricotta cheese originates from Italy and is prized for its mildly sweet, delicate flavor and creamy texture. It's traditionally made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, such as mozzarella and provolone.

    This whey is more commonly used with cows' milk but can also come from sheep, goats, or buffalo. Utilizing leftover whey in cheese-making highlights an incredibly clever approach by the Italians to reduce waste in food production. 

    Ricotta is recognized for its soft, grainy, lighter, and fluffier texture, unlike many other cheeses. This gives it a unique place in both savory and sweet recipes. With its subtle sweet flavor, ricotta cheese pairs incredibly well with a wide variety of ingredients. 

    Ricotta Cakes & Cheesecakes

    1

    Moist Lemon Ricotta Cake

    Photo Credit: richanddelish.com

    This impressive yet simple Lemon Ricotta Cake combines rich and creamy ricotta cheese with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Garnish it with powdered sugar for a stunning Italian dessert.

    2

    Lemon Ricotta Ramekin Cheesecakes

    Photo Credit: champagne-tastes.com

    These Lemon Ricotta Cheesecakes, made in ramekins, are a bright twist on traditional cheesecake. Ricotta cheese and mascarpone give them their rich and creamy texture. They are individually portioned for easy entertaining.

    3

    No Bake Cannoli Cheesecake

    Photo Credit: joyfilledeats.com

    This Cannoli Cheesecake is a fun twist on a classic Italian dessert. A cannoli crust and creamy whole milk ricotta filling with chocolate chips take this tasty ricotta dessert to a new level.

    4

    Italian Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake

    Photo Credit: xoxobella.com

    This Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino is a beautiful, tangy, and creamy dessert. Made in a bundt pan and topped with the crunch of amaretti cookies, this lemon ricotta cake has an unbeatable combination of texture and flavor.

    5

    Vanilla Ricotta Cheesecake

    Photo Credit: joyfilledeats.com

    This light and creamy vanilla ricotta cheesecake is an elegant recipe that doesn't skimp on flavor. Good-quality vanilla extract and almond flour are used in the crust to give it a unique blend of texture and taste. To take this decadent dessert to the next level, garnish it with fresh berries or whipped cream.

    6

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

    Photo Credit: herbsandflour.com

    This Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake uses ricotta cheese to create a deliciously moist cake. Packed with chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar, this ricotta cake is one of the best ricotta cheese dessert recipes to introduce this awesome ingredient to kids.

    Ricotta Pies & Tarts

    7

    Italian Ricotta Pie

    Photo Credit: www.maricruzavalos.com

    This incredible Italian ricotta dessert uses pure vanilla extract to make a flavorful, flakey pie crust and incorporates chocolate chips into its luxurious ricotta filling. It is a delicious and elegant dessert perfect for any celebration.

    8

    Creamy Sicilian Ricotta Pie

    Photo Credit: www.spatuladesserts.com

    This Sicilian Ricotta pie is both simple and elegant. The creamy ricotta cheese filling is not overly sweet and provides a smooth contrast to the crispy, buttery crust.

    9

    Honey Ricotta Pie

    Photo Credit: www.mychefsapron.com

    This Honey Ricotta Tart with a Rum Crust mixes sweet honey and creamy ricotta mixture inside a buttery crust that tastes like a cookie dipped in rum. This decadent dessert is as delicious as your favorite candy but way more exciting.

    10

    Ricotta & Nutella Tart

    Photo Credit: thebonniefig.com

    This Ricotta and Nutella tart combines creamy ricotta cheese with the best hazelnut chocolate spread in one incredible pie. It's super easy to make, cheesy, and chocolatey, and it's the perfect sweet treat for sharing or just enjoying a huge piece all by yourself!

    11

    Ricotta Pie (Sweet Italian Easter Pie)

    Photo Credit: thesageapron.com

    This Easter Ricotta Pie uses full-fat ricotta cheese in combination with sour cream for an extra smooth texture and fresh lemon zest for a punch of bright lemon flavor. This tasty recipe is one of my favorite desserts with ricotta cheese for Easter.

    Cannolis & Related Desserts

    12

    Classic Cannoli Recipe

    Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com

    Whip up this traditional Italian dessert recipe, the cannoli! Crispy golden brown cannoli shells are filled with ricotta cheese, cream, powdered sugar, and mini chocolate chips. This recipe is one of my absolute favorite Italian desserts.

    13

    Cannoli Dip

    Photo Credit: www.modernhoney.com

    Make this delicious cannoli dip instead of using a fried shell to hold the filling. You have the perfect dip for any occasion using whole milk ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese), two different kinds of sugar, mini chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Pair this dip with fresh berries or cookies for a great recipe to satisfy any sweet tooth.

    14

    Cannoli Cupcakes

    Photo Credit: www.whiskingwolf.com

    Have twice as much fun and enjoy cannolis and cupcakes at the same time with Cannoli Cupcakes! These Italian cupcakes combine two incredible recipes into one because why not? These fluffy cupcakes have a creamy ricotta cheese frosting, with mini chocolate chips for the perfect touch.

    15

    Easy 4 Ingredient Ricotta Cannoli Filling

    Photo Credit: scarlatifamilykitchen.com

    This homemade Italian ricotta cannoli filling has wonderful tips on how to make it in advance. It is best to fill your cannoli shells right before serving. Topped with orange zest and only a handful of ingredients, it is the perfect make-ahead dessert for dinner parties.

    16

    Pumpkin Cannoli - Homemade In The Kitchen

    Photo Credit: www.chocolatemoosey.com

    These pumpkin cannolis combine pumpkin puree and warm fall spices with ricotta cheese and use premade cannoli shells for easy entertaining. This ricotta dessert recipe is as easy as it is delicious.

    17

    Pumpkin Spice Cannoli Dip

    Photo Credit: www.chocolatemoosey.com

    This pumpkin spice cannoli dip is one of my favorite ricotta desserts for fall. For a delicious treat, top it with chocolate chips or whipped cream, and pair it with mixed berries, marshmallows, cookies, or cinnamon sugar chips.

    Ricotta Cookies & Smaller Treats

    18

    Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe

    Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com

    Mixing creamy ricotta cheese into the dough for these ricotta cookies ensures every bite is amazingly soft, fluffy, and delicious! Fresh lemon juice and zest are incorporated into the dough for extra lemony flavor. Topped with a glaze of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and festive sprinkles for an absolutely delicious recipe.

    19

    Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Photo Credit: www.spatuladesserts.com

    These lemon ricotta cookies will melt in your mouth with their incredibly soft texture. Lemon juice and zest are mixed into the cookie dough. Once baked, the cookies are drizzled with a quick glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice. These cookies are a sweet treat packed full of bright, lemony flavor.

    20

    Italian Lemon Cupcakes with Sweet Ricotta Cream

    Photo Credit: www.modernhoney.com

    These lemon Italian cupcakes with ricotta frosting incorporate lemon juice and zest into the cupcake batter and the frosting. Whipped ricotta, cream cheese, and sugar create a luxurious and smooth frosting for an irresistible ricotta dessert.

    Ricotta Pancakes & Doughnuts

    21

    Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts

    Photo Credit: www.everyday-delicious.com

    These lemon ricotta doughnuts whip up quickly because they use baking powder instead of yeast. Ricotta cheese keeps the dough soft and light, and lemon zest adds a subtle brightness. Fried and rolled in sugar, they will be sure to disappear as quickly as you make them.

    22

    Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

    Photo Credit: richanddelish.com

    Lemon Ricotta pancakes are among my favorite summer ricotta recipes. They are light and fluffy, and the addition of lemon juice and lemon zest creates an unforgettable citrus punch.

    23

    Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Syrup

    Photo Credit: www.christinascucina.com

    Lemon, raspberries, and ricotta cheese create the perfect combination of flavors. To take your lemon ricotta pancakes up a notch, try this recipe with an irresistible homemade raspberry syrup to top them with!

    Each of these dessert recipes with ricotta cheese proves it is a superstar ingredient. It can elevate even simple desserts into unforgettable creations.

    Whether you are a beginner baker or a pro in the kitchen, try one of these incredible desserts with ricotta cheese to make your day just a little sweeter! If you loved this collection, don't forget to check out these 23 Incredible Italian Chocolate Desserts!

    What is an Alternative to Ricotta?

    Mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and even sour cream can all be great alternatives to ricotta cheese. Depending on what dish you are making, different alternatives may be best. This post on Ricotta Cheese Substitutes from Spatula Desserts gives a detailed breakdown of alternatives for ricotta cheese and how to use them. 

    More Dessert recipes

    • Chocolate amaretti cookies, chocolate biscotti, tiramisu and baci di dama cookies.
      23 Incredible Italian Chocolate Desserts
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      27 Must-Try Italian Easter Desserts
    • Italian Christmas cookies, anise biscotti, pistachio cookies, and canestrelli cookies.
      27 Delicious Italian Christmas Cookies
    • Seven mini pumpkin cheesecakes topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on an oval serving platter with an orange pumpkin and a piping bag filled with whipped cream on a white counter top.
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