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Ricotta tart

⏱ 30 min🍳 30 min👤 8 pp★★★☆☆

Ricotta tart is a classic Italian pastry which is loved and imitated worldwide. The fragrance of the pastry, combined with the fabulous and delicate creaminess of the filling made with ricotta cheese, make this a dessert suitable for all occasions. Whether as a snack, a party dish for children, or just at the end of a meal, the ricotta tart always impresses. Even those who do not particularly like the desserts will enjoy it as it is not excessively sweet; on the contrary, it offers a delicate lightness on the palate. Try it in its classic, simple form, or do as we did, adding candied fruit and chocolate chips. The outcome will be delicious. Don’t forget, after making the pastry, to allow it to rest in the fridge before you roll it out, and to choose only top quality fresh ricotta, made with cow’s milk or mixed cow and sheep’s milk.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving
Protein
8g
Carbohydrates
54g
Fat
18g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
30 minutes Active time
Serves 8 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

With the flour, butter and eggs, prepare a sweet shortcrust pastry to which you add a pinch of salt and the finely grated zest of half a lemon. Let it rest for a while wrapped in aluminium foil. In a bowl, prepare a mixture with the sieved ricotta, sugar, egg yolks and the whole egg, the finely grated zest of half a lemon and an orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a glass of rum, to form a smooth, well-combined mixture. Lay some of the pastry dough on the bottom of a greased, round baking tray, leaving the edges a little higher, and pour in the ricotta mixture. With the remaining dough, arrange them in strips to form a circular, latticed edge on the outer edge of the base above the ricotta mixture. Brush these strips with the beaten egg and bake in a moderate oven (180 °C) until the strips are well browned. Allow to cool before serving and sprinkle with vanilla sugar.

Tips
If you like, you can add some pine nuts and a little orange essence to the filling. Moreover, if you make it in advance, store it in the fridge: it will last longer and will still be excellent.
Trivia
Probably all sweet shortcrust tarts, and specifically the ricotta tart along with its close Neapolitan cousins, is native to the area of the Gulf of Naples. There are even some legends that link the origin of these desserts to the myth of the mermaid Partenope.

Step by step

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

Additional information

Ricotta Tart with Chocolate and Candied Fruits

One of the most indulgent variations of the classic ricotta tart is undoubtedly the one with the addition of chocolate and candied fruits. This preparation enriches the ricotta filling with pieces of dark or milk chocolate, which will melt during baking, creating a delicious contrast of textures. The candied fruits, with their sweet and fruity flavor, complete the mix of flavors making every bite a true delight. To make this version, simply add 100 grams of chopped chocolate and a handful of candied fruits to the ricotta mixture. The tart prepared this way will be perfect for an afternoon snack or as a dessert for a dinner with friends.

Lazio-Style Ricotta Tart

The ricotta tart is a typical dessert of the Lazio tradition, often prepared during holidays and special occasions. The Lazio variant uses fresh and genuine ingredients, such as sheep ricotta, which gives the filling an intense and creamy flavor. To create a Lazio-style ricotta tart, it is important to choose high-quality ricotta, perhaps from a local producer. The process remains the same, but using fresh and traditional ingredients will make a difference in the final taste. This recipe represents a piece of gastronomic history from Lazio, bringing the authentic flavors of the region to the table.

Light Ricotta Tart without Sugar

For those who want a lighter dessert, the light ricotta tart is a valid alternative. This version uses natural sweeteners instead of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup. Additionally, it is possible to replace butter with Greek yogurt, thus maintaining the lightness and creaminess of the filling. By using a wholemeal shortcrust pastry base, you will achieve a healthier dessert rich in fiber. The light ricotta tart is perfect for those following a balanced diet, without sacrificing flavor. This preparation is also ideal for those who need to keep their caloric intake in check, allowing them to enjoy a dessert without guilt.

Ricotta Tart: Benefits and Nutritional Values

The ricotta tart is a dessert that, in addition to its delicious flavor, carries several nutritional benefits. Ricotta, the main ingredient, is an excellent source of protein and calcium, essential for bone and muscle health. Furthermore, it is a relatively low-fat food, especially if you opt for the light version. A serving of ricotta tart provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a dessert that can be enjoyed on special occasions, but it can also be moderately included in a balanced diet, helping to satisfy sweet cravings without exceeding calorie limits.

Can Ricotta Tart be Frozen?

The answer is yes, ricotta tart can be frozen without any problems. It is advisable to do so before baking it, in order to preserve the freshness of the ingredients. After assembling it, wrap it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it as per the recipe. If you have already baked the tart, you can freeze it in slices, wrapping them individually. This way, you will always have a delicious slice of ricotta tart ready to enjoy, perfect for an afternoon snack or an impromptu dessert.