Lemon Ricotta Tart Recipe
A delicate and aromatic dessert, the Lemon Ricotta Tart combines the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the fresh tang of lemon, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration, this tart is sure to impress with its refined yet simple flavors.
Servings: 8
Category: Desserts
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 300g |
| Fresh ricotta cheese | 150g |
| Granulated sugar | 150g |
| Egg yolks | 60g |
| Egg whites | 25g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Fresh ricotta cheese | 500g |
| Eggs | 160g |
| Powdered sugar | 125g |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
| Whole egg | 1 |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ricotta
Before starting, ensure the ricotta is well-drained to remove excess whey. Place it in a fine-mesh strainer to allow the liquid to drain off. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture for the tart filling. Once the ricotta is drained, proceed with the following steps. -
Make the Ricotta Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, fresh ricotta (150g), granulated sugar (150g), egg yolks (60g), egg whites (25g), and a pinch of fine salt. Begin kneading the mixture with your hands until a homogeneous dough forms. Once it is well-combined, transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured work surface. Continue kneading for a few more minutes to ensure the dough is smooth and elastic. Set the dough aside. -
Prepare the Ricotta Filling
While the dough is resting, it’s time to make the filling. Sift the remaining ricotta (500g) into a large mixing bowl. Add the grated lemon zest and powdered sugar (125g) to the ricotta and stir to combine. Next, crack in the eggs (160g), one at a time, mixing gently with a spatula after each addition to avoid deflating the mixture. Be sure to handle the filling with care to maintain its light texture. -
Roll the Dough
Take the dough and roll it out on a floured surface using a rolling pin. Roll it into a circle, ensuring it is large enough to fit into your tart pan. If you have a perforated tart pan, use that for a crispier crust, but a standard round tart pan will work perfectly as well. If you don’t have a perforated pan, be sure to grease and flour your tart pan to prevent sticking. -
Shape the Tart Crust
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into the prepared tart pan, pressing it gently into the edges and up the sides. Trim any excess dough, and re-roll any scraps. With the leftover dough, roll it out again and cut it into 1.5 cm wide strips using a fluted pastry cutter. -
Fill the Tart
Pour the ricotta mixture into the prepared tart shell, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. -
Create the Decorative Lattice
Now for the fun part—creating the beautiful lattice design! Start by placing the first strip of dough horizontally across the center of the tart. Next, fold over every other strip of dough. Then, carefully place the second strip vertically over the horizontal one. Fold back the strips you previously laid down to create a criss-cross pattern. Continue this process, overlapping the strips as you go, until the entire tart is covered in a woven lattice. Once finished, trim the excess dough around the edges with a sharp knife. -
Brush with Egg Wash
To give the crust a golden, glossy finish, brush the lattice with a beaten egg (1 egg). This will help the dough achieve a rich color as it bakes. -
Bake the Tart
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the tart on the middle rack and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the ricotta filling has set. You can check if the tart is done by gently shaking the pan—it should feel firm and not wobbly in the center. -
Cool and Serve
Once the tart is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. The tart can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled for a firmer texture. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh lemon zest for an extra touch of elegance.
This Lemon Ricotta Tart is the ideal dessert for any occasion. With its rich, creamy filling and a crisp, buttery crust, it offers the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus freshness. Whether served at a holiday gathering or as a refreshing end to a meal, it’s sure to leave your guests impressed and satisfied. Enjoy!
