Ricotta Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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This wonderful ricotta cheesecake has a delicate, airy texture and a pleasant lemon-vanilla flavor.

It's not as heavy and dense as cream cheese-based cheesecake, providing a different eating experience.

Ricotta Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts. I regularly make several cheesecake recipes, such as keto cheesecake, cheesecake-stuffed strawberries, and microwave cheesecake.

This ricotta cheesecake is especially good. Just like this ricotta dessert, it's wonderfully light and has a pleasant vanilla flavor. Plus, it's such an easy recipe! You simply mix all the ingredients in one bowl, pour them into a baking dish, and bake.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Ricotta Cheesecake Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Cheesecake Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

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You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this cake. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Butter: I use it for greasing the pan.
  • Ricotta cheese: You should definitely use whole-milk cheese in this recipe.
  • Sweetener: Granulated white sugar if you don't mind the carbs; I use stevia.
  • Vanilla extract: Try to use the real thing - pure vanilla extract - and not the artificially flavored stuff.
  • Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the cake and absorb liquid. You can also use coconut flour.
  • Lemon zest adds wonderful flavor, so I wouldn't skip it.
  • Eggs: I use large eggs in most of my recipes, this one included.

Variations

  • You can use orange zest instead of lemon zest. Both are excellent.
  • Try using different flavor extracts instead of vanilla. I like to add coconut extract, lemon extract, or orange extract. If using an extract other than vanilla, use just one teaspoon.
  • Sweeteners that work in this recipe are granulated sugar, erythritol, or stevia. I don't recommend using honey (or any other liquid sweetener) or coconut sugar.

Ricotta Cheesecake Instructions

The detailed instructions for making this recipe are included in the recipe card below. Here are the basic steps:

  • Mix the ingredients in the order listed in one bowl. (Photo 1).
  • Pour the mixture into a greased pan. (Photo 2).
  • Bake the cake until set, about 45 minutes at 350°F. (Photos 3,4).
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. Cut and serve! (Photos 5,6).
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Expert Tips

  • The lemon zest is a must. Sometimes it’s optional, but not in this recipe.
  • Add the eggs at the end, and don’t over-mix the batter. You don't want to introduce too much air into the batter.
  • The batter will reach the top of the baking dish, so make sure to grease the sides all the way to the top.
  • All the ingredients should be at room temperature, so remove them from the fridge 2 hours before you start making the cake.
  • Plan ahead: Like all cheesecakes, this cake needs time to chill and set after it's baked, so plan accordingly. If you need it by the evening, you'll need to start making it in the morning. Or make it the day before.

Recipe FAQs

Are cream cheese and ricotta interchangeable?

Not exactly. Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese made from the whey that’s leftover from the production of cheese.

It's lighter than cream cheese, And it produces a less creamy but more airy and delicate cake than a cheesecake made with cream cheese.

This ricotta cheesecake is excellent, but I prefer my classic recipe for creamy keto cheesecake.

My husband, on the other hand, prefers this cake. He loves its airy texture and delicate flavor. He asks for it every week!

Why do you add cornstarch?

Ricotta cheese has a lot of moisture, so we need to add something to absorb some moisture – cornstarch or coconut flour.

Adding cornstarch also helps stabilize the cake, making it more sturdy and easier to slice.

What sweetener should I use?

You can use granulated white sugar in this recipe. Or you can replace the sugar with a granulated sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.

I tried making this cake with honey, and it wasn't as good. I also don't recommend using coconut sugar. It won't dissolve well, and the cake will have a grainy mouthfeel.

Can I use reduced-fat ricotta cheese?

No. I strongly recommend using whole milk ricotta cheese in this recipe. I tried making it with reduced-fat ricotta, and it wasn't very good.

Whole-milk ricotta makes the cake creamy and flavorful. Rduced-fat ricotta lacks both flavor and texture.

How do I know when the cake is done?

When done, the sides will be puffed and browned. The center will be firm to the touch but jiggly underneath.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is excellent as is. If you'd like to top it, here are a few ideas:

  • Keto whipped cream
  • Chocolate whipped cream
  • Blueberry compote
  • Strawberry compote
  • A drizzle of warmed chocolate hazelnut spread
  • Fresh berries

Storing Leftovers

You can store the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Place them on paper towels to absorb moisture and replace them daily.

This cake actually improves after a day or two in the fridge. The paper towels soak up the extra liquid, and it becomes creamier.

Remove the cake from the fridge about an hour before serving it to allow it to reach room temperature.

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More Cheesecake Recipes

  • Keto Cheesecake
  • Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
  • Microwave Cheesecake
  • Keto Cheesecake Bites

Recipe Card

Ricotta Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

4.99 from 457 votes

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Ricotta Cheesecake

This ricotta cheesecake has a delicate, airy texture and a pleasant lemon-vanilla flavor.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Rest time4 hours hrs

Total Time5 hours hrs

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: 8 slices

Calories: 261kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter melted, for the baking dish
  • 2 (15 oz) containers whole milk ricotta cheese (room temperature; 30 oz total; not low fat)
  • 1 teaspoon stevia glycerite (or ⅔ cup white sugar)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or coconut flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 4 large eggs room temperature

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush a 9-inch pie plate with half of the butter. Cover the bottom with a parchment paper circle and brush it with the remaining butter.

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the ricotta, sweetener, vanilla, cornstarch, and lemon zest.

  • Add the eggs and whisk just until combined. Don't overmix.

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pie plate. Bake until the cake is set, about 45 minutes. When done, the sides will be puffed and browned. The center will be firm to the touch but jiggly underneath.

  • Cool the cake for 2 hours in the pan on a cooling rack, then cover and refrigerate it for at least 2 more hours, preferably overnight.

  • Slice the cake. Place the slices on paper towels to absorb any extra moisture.

  • Store the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days on paper towels to absorb moisture. Replace the paper towels at least once a day - they will become soaked.

Video

Notes

  • The lemon zest is a must. Sometimes it’s optional, but not in this recipe.
  • Add the eggs at the end, and don’t over-mix the batter. You don't want to introduce too much air into the batter.
  • All ingredients should be at room temperature, so remove them from the fridge 2 hours before you start making the cake.
  • The batter will reach the top of the baking dish, so make sure to grease the sides all the way to the top.
  • Please use whole-milk cheese in this recipe, not reduced fat.
  • The nutrition info assumes that stevia and cornstarch were used.
  • This cake actually improves after a day or two in the fridge. The paper towels soak up extra liquid, and it becomes creamier.
  • Sweeteners that work in this recipe are granulated sugar, erythritol, or stevia. I don't recommend using honey (or any liquid sweetener other than stevia) or coconut sugar.
  • Plan ahead: Like all cheesecakes, this cake needs time to chill and set after it's baked, so plan accordingly. If you need it by the evening, you'll need to start making it in the morning. Or make it the day before.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 139mg

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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More Low-Carb Desserts

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About the Author

Ricotta Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (20) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Mary Ann

    Does this form a crust? Could I add a graham cracker crust?

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi Mary Ann,
      This cake is crustless, but you can add a crust.

      Reply

  2. Cathy

    Can I freeze this cheesecake?

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi Cathy,
      Yes. Wrap the chilled cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil and freeze it for up to three months. You can also wrap and freeze individual slices. Thaw the cake in the fridge for 24 hours.

      Reply

  3. Monica

    Followed the recipe. Cheesecake rose all the way to the top of the baking tin. Then got flatter and flatter as it was cooling off. After 2 hours in fridge, it was less than an inch thick. Flavor was good though.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi Monica,
      A cheesecake that rises so high and then deflates is caused by overbeating. Try mixing the ingredients less vigorously next time (if using an electric mixer, use the lowest speed) and stop as soon as they are incorporated.

      Reply

Ricotta Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between cream cheesecake and ricotta cheesecake? ›

The main difference between what we would consider typical New York American cheesecake and Italian cheesecake is that in Italy, cheesecake is made with ricotta rather than cream cheese. It is also a bit lighter and dryer, more cakelike and less cloying.

Can I use ricotta instead of cream cheese in a cheesecake? ›

Ricotta works well within the full spectrum of baked goods, so as long as you're using your imagination, you'll never run out of ideas for putting it to use. The bottom line is: If a baked good calls for cream cheese, then it can be substituted for ricotta.

How long does ricotta cheesecake last in the fridge? ›

Prepared cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, per USDA food safety recommendations. We suggest storage in an airtight container, so it doesnt absorb any fridge odors.

What is healthier, cream cheese or ricotta? ›

Compared to most cheeses, ricotta is a healthier choice because it contains less salt and fat - 10 per cent fat, of which 6 per cent is saturated.

Is cottage cheese healthier than ricotta? ›

Though cottage cheese has a lower fat content, ricotta cheese is higher in calcium and selenium, as well as vitamins A, E, D, and B2. Ricotta is also more suitable for a low-carb diet, as it has fewer carbohydrates than cottage cheese.

What is a healthy substitute for cream cheese in cheesecake? ›

If you're looking for a healthier substitute for cream cheese in cheesecake, greek yogurt is the best choice. Greek yogurt has a thicker and more smooth texture than plain yogurt and a sour taste. It also has more protein and less fat, which makes it a good choice if you are trying to cut down on your fat intake.

Why did my ricotta cheesecake crack? ›

Don't overbake your cake.

It may crack if it's too dry. Many people overbake their recipes to “play it safe”. The golden rule is if it no longer trembles in the center, it will set firmly in the refrigerator. Tap the pan on the sides and if the center has firmed up like jello, remove the cake from the oven.

What's a healthy alternative to cream cheese? ›

Cream Cheese Substitutes:
  • Sour Cream. Sour cream replicates cream cheese's taste but isn't quite as caloric, making it a good choice for a lower-calorie substitute. ...
  • Greek Yogurt. ...
  • Neufchâtel. ...
  • Mascarpone. ...
  • Silken Tofu. ...
  • Cottage Cheese. ...
  • Hummus. ...
  • Quark.
Oct 18, 2023

How to know when ricotta is bad? ›

To start with, look out for any sort of odor. Ricotta doesn't have much of a smell to it, so if it smells foul or off in any way, then it's time to throw it out. Additionally, look for any change in the ricotta's appearance. If it's growing mold, you'll have to throw the whole thing out.

Can I eat 9 day old cheesecake? ›

According to the USDA's Food Keeper App, cheesecake should be consumed within 5 to 7 days of refrigeration.

What does ricotta cheese pair well with? ›

Ricotta also makes a delicious dip for crunchy bell peppers or fresh veggies, especially when paired with chives and garlic. This fresh cheese isn't just for tomato-based pasta and pizza dishes. It's also a delightful pair to many of your favorite bottles of wine!

What does adding egg to ricotta do? ›

For extra creamy ricotta, add in an extra egg, a handful of grated parmesan, and a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella. Eggs help prevent the ricotta from drying out and serve to bind the ricotta so it doesn't become runny. One or more eggs are recommended whether you add the other ingredients mentioned here or not.

Is ricotta healthy? ›

Ricotta lovers will be happy to know that ricotta cheese is a healthy food and belongs to the dairy food group. It can be enjoyed every day as part of a balanced diet. Ricotta is an Italian word that means 'recooked'.

What's the difference between ricotta cheesecake and regular cheesecake? ›

Ricotta cheesecakes are drier and a bit less creamy, even a little granular. When it comes to ricotta, there's no mass-produced analogue to the bricks of Philadelphia cream cheese that are so ideal for “regular” (and New York-style) cheesecakes.

What are the three types of cheesecake? ›

New York style cheesecake, classic cheesecake, and no bake cheesecake are the most popular types of cheesecakes, but the best cheesecake flavor is the one that you find irresistible — and that may be different for everyone.

Can I use ricotta instead of cream cheese? ›

But it will work as an effective, low-fat substitute for cream cheese with a bit of manipulation. Simply blend the ricotta in a blender or food processor until smooth, add a bit of lemon juice to mimic the tang of cream cheese, and use in any baking or cooking project.

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