Old-World Ricotta Cheesecake

Here's a delicious recipe for Old-World Ricotta Cheesecake. This type of cheesecake is known for its lighter texture and slightly tangy flavour due to the ricotta cheese. It's a classic dessert that is sure to impress with its simplicity and rich taste.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crackers)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 pound (about 2 cups) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 pound (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Serving (Optional):

• Fresh berries, for garnish
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

2. Make the Crust:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
2. Add the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, forming an even crust.
4. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the flour, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.

4. Bake the Cheesecake:

1. Pour the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the centre.
4. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour.
5. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill and set.

5. Serve the Cheesecake:

• When ready to serve, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
• Slice the cheesecake into wedges and place on serving plates.
• Garnish with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
• Enjoy this Old-World Ricotta Cheesecake as a delightful dessert!

Notes:

• For a variation, you can add a tablespoon or two of amaretto or rum to the filling for added flavour.
• This cheesecake is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it for the specified time for optimal texture.
• Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

This Old-World Ricotta Cheesecake is a classic dessert that is creamy, luscious, and perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself. Enjoy every rich and delightful bite!

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model