If you're looking for the best ricotta cheese dessert recipes, this collection of 17 ricotta desserts is full of sweet inspiration, from soft lemon ricotta cookies and fluffy muffins to creamy cheesecakes, cannoli-inspired desserts, and simple Italian cakes.
I have to admit, I was a little late to discover how magical ricotta cheese is in dessert recipes. The first time I baked with it was this Lemon Olive Oil Ricotta Cake Recipe. I couldn't believe how tender and moist it was, with an almost cheesecake-like creaminess. So I quickly made three more flavors (all linked below).
Besides making killer cakes, ricotta also makes cookies and muffins that bake up soft and tender, and light, creamy fillings for cannoli, pies, and cheesecakes.
How to Use Ricotta in Desserts
Ricotta is a fresh Italian cheese that adds moisture, richness, and a soft, tender crumb to desserts. But before you start baking with it, I have a few simple tips that can make a big difference in your desserts.
- Drain excess moisture, if needed. Some ricotta is quite watery, which can make batters too loose. If your ricotta looks wet, spoon it into a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth and let it drain for 30-60 minutes.
- Choose good-quality whole milk ricotta. Whole milk ricotta is creamier and smoother than part-skim ricotta, which can sometimes have a gritty texture. Also, less-expensive store brands can be chalky and grainy, even after blending. I recommend using the best-quality ricotta you can find. I like Bel Gioioso ricotta con latte.
- Blend it for ultra-smooth texture. For cheesecakes, whipped ricotta, dips, or fillings, briefly blending the ricotta in a food processor or high-speed blender can make it extra smooth and silky.
- Let ricotta come to room temperature. Room-temperature ricotta mixes more easily into batters and fillings, helping create a smoother texture and more even baking.
Easy Ricotta Desserts
In this roundup, you’ll find a mix of classic Italian favorites and other easy sweet recipes, including ricotta pies, cannoli-inspired treats, simple snack cakes, and no-bake desserts perfect for holidays, brunch, or the next time you want something a little special.
Italian Ricotta Cookies
Italian Ricotta Cookies are tender, moist cookies with a soft, cake-like texture made with ricotta in the dough. Finished with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, they’re perfect for holiday cookie platters or everyday baking.
cannoli icebox cake!
Cannoli Icebox Cake layers creamy ricotta cannoli filling with chocolate chips and cinnamon between crisp cinnamon-sugar wonton wrappers. This fun no-bake dessert is great for making ahead for holidays or dinner parties.
Cannoli Pie
No Bake Cannoli Pie is a creamy, no-bake dessert inspired by classic cannoli, with a graham cracker crust and a sweet ricotta filling flavored with chocolate and orange zest. Easy ricotta dessert recipe that looks impressive but only takes a few minutes to make.
Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie
Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie is a classic Italian dessert with a creamy ricotta filling flavored with citrus and vanilla in a tender pastry crust. Top with fresh berries for a delicious dessert for holidays and special occasions.
Chocolate Ricotta Cake
Chocolate Ricotta Cake is a rich chocolate cake with ricotta folded into the batter for a slightly dense, creamy texture -- like a cross between cake and cheesecake The ricotta adds subtle creaminess without making the cake heavy, and cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips add rich decadence. Perfect treat for Valentine's Day, a family gathering, or to satisfy your sweet tooth anytime.
Mini Cannoli Tarts
Mini Cannoli are bite-sized versions of the classic Italian pastry. Mini phyllo shells are filled with a mixture of whole milk ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and almond and vanilla extract combined with whipped heavy cream. Topped with mini chocolate chips and toasted pistachios, these little treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or dessert trays.
Walnut Ricotta Cake
Walnut Ricotta Cake layers cocoa and walnut cake with a light, creamy ricotta filling sweetened with honey. The combination of the chocolate-nut cake and fluffy ricotta cream contrasts dense, creamy textures with bright, rich flavors, creating a delicious, beautiful cake.
Strawberry Ricotta Cake
Strawberry Ricotta Cake is a soft, creamy ricotta cake studded with fresh strawberries. It’s a simple, beautiful cake that highlights fresh fruit, perfect for spring and summer holidays.
Joanna Gaines’ Cannoli Dip
Joanna Gaines Cannoli Dip turns the flavors of classic cannoli filling into a creamy, scoopable dessert dip with sweetened ricotta, chocolate chips, and warm spices. It’s quick to make and perfect with fruit, graham crackers, or pretzels for dipping.
Pistachio Ricotta Cake
Pistachio Ricotta Cake is a soft, moist cake flavored with the perfect combination of pistachios, orange zest, and creamy, fresh ricotta. This delicious cake has a nutty flavor and tender crumb for a beautiful rustic dessert that's delicious as-is or topped with orange whipped cream.
Lemon Ricotta Pie (Italian Easter Pie)
Lemon Ricotta Pie (Italian Easter Pie) is a traditional Italian dessert with a silky ricotta mixture brightened with lemon in a tender crust. Lightly sweet and citrusy, it’s a classic spring and holiday pie.
Moist & Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Muffins with Lemon Glaze
Lemon Ricotta Muffins are light, fluffy muffins bursting with bright citrusy flavor, thanks to lemon juice and lemon zest in the muffins and glaze. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Lemon Ricotta Cookies
Lemon Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies made with ricotta cheese and fresh lemon, finished with a sweet lemon glaze and festive sprinkles. They bake up tender and bright for a sweet treat anytime.
Cannoli Filling Recipe (How to Make)
Cannoli Filling is the sweet ricotta cream flavored with citrus, cinnamon, and chocolate chips that makes classic cannoli irresistible. Use it to fill cannoli shells or pie shells, layer into cakes, or spoon into dessert cups for a sweet, simple dessert.
Lemon Ricotta Ramekin Cheesecakes
Lemon Ricotta Ramekin Cheesecake is an Italian-style classic cheesecake recipe made with ricotta, mascarpone, and Greek yogurt for a light, creamy texture. They bake in individual ramekins, so no need to mess around with a springform pan or water bath. Fresh lemon adds bright flavor, and it’s delicious topped with berries, jam, or homemade cranberry sauce for a delicious holiday dessert.
5-Minute Whipped Ricotta Recipe
This Whipped Ricotta is smooth, airy ricotta blended with a little orange juice and honey until light and creamy, and always gets rave reviews. Serve as a healthy dessert topping, fruit dip, layered with fresh fruit and granola, or spread on toast. This sweet ricotta recipe is a simple treat that comes together in minutes.
Lemon Ricotta Cake
Lemon Ricotta Cake is a bright, tender cake made with olive oil, fresh lemon, and ricotta for a soft and creamy texture. It’s a simple, elegant cake that's not too sweet and works just as well for brunch as it does for dessert.
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