Ricotta Cheesecake
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
This Ricotta Cheesecake is a refreshing and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delicate ricotta base, a crunchy digestive biscuit crust, and a gorgeous fruit garnish, this cheesecake promises to be a hit with anyone who tries it. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity while still offering a sophisticated flavor profile. Follow these steps for a flawless cheesecake experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Digestive biscuits | 300g |
| Butter | 100g |
| Fresh ricotta cheese | 500g |
| Heavy cream (liquid) | 230g |
| Powdered sugar | 200g |
| Gelatin sheets | 8g |
| Fresh strawberries | To taste |
| Fresh mint leaves | To taste |
Instructions
Preparing the Biscuit Base
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Crush the Digestive Biscuits: Begin by placing the digestive biscuits into a food processor and pulsing until they turn into fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can use a rolling pin and a plastic bag to crush the biscuits manually.
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Melt the Butter: In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or over low heat on the stove until it’s completely liquid.
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Mix the Biscuit Crumbs and Butter: Combine the melted butter with the crushed biscuits and mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated.
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Press into the Pan: Line a 22cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with butter. Pour the biscuit mixture into the pan, then press it down evenly using the back of a spoon. You should aim to form a smooth, compact base, making sure some of the crumbs line the sides for a more defined edge.
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Chill the Base: Place the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set the base while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Ricotta Cream Filling
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Soak the Gelatin Sheets: Place the gelatin sheets in a small bowl of cold water to soak for about 5–10 minutes until they become soft and pliable.
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Whip the Cream: Pour 200g of heavy cream into a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can turn into butter.
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Prepare the Gelatin: While the cream is whipping, heat the remaining 30g of cream in a small saucepan over low heat. As soon as it begins to simmer, remove it from the heat. Squeeze the excess water from the softened gelatin sheets and add them to the warm cream. Stir until the gelatin completely dissolves. Let it cool for a few minutes.
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Combine Ricotta and Cream: In a large bowl, add the ricotta cheese. Gradually spoon in the whipped cream, folding it gently into the ricotta. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
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Add Gelatin Mixture: Once the gelatin mixture has cooled slightly but is still liquid, pour it into the ricotta cream mixture, mixing well until completely incorporated.
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Sweeten the Cream: Sift the powdered sugar into the ricotta mixture and stir until the mixture becomes sweet and smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed.
Assembling the Cheesecake
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Fill the Pan: Retrieve the chilled biscuit base from the freezer. Pour the ricotta cream mixture over the biscuit crust. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth the surface, making sure it’s level and evenly distributed.
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Set the Cheesecake: Place the assembled cheesecake in the fridge and allow it to set for at least 1 hour or until the cream has firmed up and become fully set.
Decorating and Serving
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Garnish the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is set, it’s time to decorate. Slice fresh strawberries and arrange them on top of the cheesecake. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and a refreshing aroma.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cheesecake into generous portions and serve chilled. This cheesecake can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
This Ricotta Cheesecake is the perfect balance of creamy, smooth filling and crunchy, buttery crust. The combination of the sweet ricotta with the slight tang of the cream and the refreshing strawberry topping makes each bite heavenly. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.
For more delightful recipes like this one, visit Love With Recipes!
