Desserts

Ricotta tart

⏱ 90 min🍳 40 min👤 6 pp★★★☆☆

The lightness of the cheese goes perfectly with the fragrance of homemade pastry for a decidedly luxurious and delicious result: ricotta tart. A simple and inexpensive dessert made with genuine ingredients and not too many calories. Ricotta tart is a dessert that suits any occasion: it’s perfect eaten for breakfast as way of starting the day with all the lovely flavour of a tart, as a snack, to be eaten during a break with friends and a nice cup of tea or coffee, or as a conclusion to a lunch or dinner party. Try it and see! To make this simple dessert all you have to do is follow the recipe, pictures and videos that illustrate each step, and which have been prepared for us by our chef. And can we remind you that chef also teaches you how to make the pastry!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
9g
Carbohydrates
68g
Fat
24g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
90 minutes Total time
40 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Prepare the sweet shortcrust pastry by using our basic recipe and refrigerate wrapped in cling film. Prepare the filling for the tart by combining the eggs with the sugar and beating well with a whisk. Then add the vanilla, orange and lemon zest, cinnamon and ricotta. Mix everything well until you get a soft creamy mixture. In a springform cake tin, roll out a base of pastry. With other pieces of the pastry line the sides, which should be fairly high. Pour into the pastry base the creamy cheese mixture and cut the pastry edges so as to be level with the filling. Roll out the rest of the pastry onto a sheet of baking parchment. Using this sheet cover the tart and cut off the excess. Bake for 40 minutes at 180°C; once cooked allow it to cool.

Tips
To give an extra aesthetic touch to your ricotta tart sprinkle over some icing sugar, and to give a touch of extra flavour you can add to the cheese some chocolate chips or raisins, spices like cinnamon, or some aromatics such as vanilla, orange or almond essences.
Trivia
You can cover the tart with a solid topping of pastry and make it more of a pie, as we did, or make classic criss-cross stripes, but the important thing is to make the edges reasonably high so that the filling does not spill out. In addition, line the cake tin with greaseproof paper so as to turn out the tart easily when cooked.

Step by step

Ricotta tart
Ricotta tart
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Ricotta Tart with Fresh Fruit

One of the tastiest variations of the Ricotta Tart is certainly the one with fresh fruit. To prepare this version, simply add a layer of seasonal fruit, such as strawberries, peaches, or blueberries, on top of the ricotta cream before baking. The fruit not only adds a touch of color and freshness but also contributes to a more intense and aromatic flavor. The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the ricotta, creating a delicious balance of flavors. This variation is perfect for special occasions, such as birthdays or parties, where you want to impress guests with a dessert that is both beautiful to look at and good to eat.

Umbrian Ricotta Tart

The Ricotta Tart has deep roots in Umbrian culinary tradition. In this regional variation, the ricotta used is often sheep's milk, which gives the dessert a richer and more distinctive flavor. Additionally, the filling can be enriched with typical local ingredients, such as chestnut honey, which adds a touch of sweetness and aroma. Preparing the Ricotta Tart this way means bringing a piece of Umbrian tradition to the table, combining artisanal pastry techniques with local ingredients. This dessert is perfect for celebrating the beauty of regional cuisine and sharing a taste of Umbria with friends and family.

Light Ricotta Tart without Sugar

For those who desire a lighter version of the Ricotta Tart, it can be made without sugar, substituting it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, one can opt for whole wheat pastry, which makes the dessert more nutritious and rich in fiber. This light variation still maintains the delicious taste of ricotta but significantly reduces calories, making it suitable for those following a low-calorie diet. It is ideal for those who want to indulge in a dessert without sacrificing health, allowing them to enjoy a treat that is both good and lighter.

Ricotta Tart: Benefits of Ricotta and Calories

Ricotta, the main ingredient of the Ricotta Tart, is a fresh cheese rich in protein and low in fat. This characteristic makes it an excellent source of nutrients, ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. It also contains calcium, essential for bone health, and B vitamins, important for energy metabolism. On average, a serving of Ricotta Tart provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Choosing to prepare the tart with fresh, quality ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a healthy and balanced diet.

Can the Ricotta Tart be Frozen?

The answer is yes, the Ricotta Tart can be frozen. However, it is important to follow some simple rules to ensure that the dessert retains its consistency and flavor. It is advisable to freeze the tart before adding any decorations or fresh fruit. Once cooled, wrap the tart in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer odors. When you wish to consume it, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours and then serve it at room temperature. This way, you can always have a dessert ready for any occasion without compromising quality.