Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake

Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake is a delightful and creamy dessert that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the sweetness of cherries. This recipe is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself.

History

The origins of Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Italian cheesecake recipes. The addition of cherries adds a burst of flavor and color to the classic dessert.

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
16 oz (454 g) part-skim ricotta cheese
0.5 cup reduced fat sour cream
4 oz (113 g) Neufchâtel cheese (reduced fat cream cheese), softened
3 large eggs
0.75 cup sugar
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
0.25 tsp salt
2 cup fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp unflavored gelatin
1 tbsp warm water

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 9" springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the ricotta in a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, cream cheese, eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt. Process until well blended. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until the center is just set, about 50 - 55 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then cover and chill for 3 or more hours.
Put the cherries, honey, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat. In a small bowl, stir the gelatin into the water until dissolved, then stir the dissolved gelatin into the cherry mixture. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours, stirring occasionally until the mixture is thickened, but is not sticking to the pan.
After 3 hours of chilling, top the cheesecake with the cherry mixture and serve immediately or keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Variations

Substitute the cherries with other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries.
Add a swirl of chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to blend the ricotta cheese until smooth to ensure a creamy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the cherry topping to prevent it from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated lemon zest for a refreshing finish.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to blend the ricotta cheese until smooth.

- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to prevent cracking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use full-fat ricotta cheese for a richer flavor.

- Replace Neufchâtel cream cheese with regular cream cheese if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cheesecake with fresh cherries and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, eggs) and gluten (all-purpose flour).

Summary

Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying treat.

Summary

Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake is a luscious and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a smooth ricotta filling and a sweet cherry topping, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy a slice of this decadent treat today!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake. It was a hot summer day, and I was browsing through a cookbook at the local library when I came across a worn, tattered page with the title "Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake." Intrigued by the combination of flavors, I decided to give it a try.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me of all the different recipes I had learned over the years. Some were passed down from my own grandmother, while others were shared with me by friends and neighbors. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, and I knew that this Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake would soon become one of my favorites.

I gathered the ingredients I needed and set to work in my kitchen, following the recipe step by step. The scent of cherries and ricotta filled the air as the cheesecake baked in the oven, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the cheesecake was finally ready, I pulled it out of the oven and let it cool before taking a slice. The first bite was pure bliss - the creamy ricotta cheese paired perfectly with the sweet cherries, and the buttery graham cracker crust added a delicious crunch.

I knew that this recipe was a keeper, and I made a mental note to share it with my family and friends. As I savored each bite of the Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I had learned over the years and the joy they had brought to my kitchen.

Over the years, I continued to make the Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake for special occasions and gatherings, and it became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. Each time I whipped up a batch, I thought back to that fateful day in the library when I had stumbled upon the recipe that would bring so much joy to my loved ones.

As I grew older, I began to pass down the recipe for Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake to my own grandchildren, along with the stories of how I had discovered it and the memories it held for me. I watched with pride as they learned to make the cheesecake themselves, carrying on the tradition of cooking and sharing recipes that had been a cornerstone of our family for generations.

Now, as I reflect back on my life and all the recipes I have collected and shared, I realize that cooking has always been more than just a way to nourish our bodies - it has been a way to connect with others, to create memories, and to pass down traditions from one generation to the next.

So as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake baking in the oven, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I have learned over the years and the joy they have brought to my life. And I look forward to sharing them with others for many years to come.