Authentic Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake

Last Updated on October 17, 2021 by

The authentic Sicilian ricotta cheesecake is definitely one of my favorites! In this post, I am about to give you the ultimate and totally homemade recipe to enjoy with your loved ones anytime.

Starting by saying that the type of cheesecake we’re about to talk about is delicious and quite different from the most common ones. Keep reading to know the reasons and to get the tasty recipe we brought for you.

Sicilian Cheesecake

Also known as Sicilian Cannolo Cheesecake. Is a dessert that is being depopulated from Italian tables lately. Its preparation is almost similar to pistachio cheesecake or ordinary Nutella, although here the real protagonist is the ricotta cheese.

In ancient Greece, the primitive form of cheesecake was made with a soft cheese called mizithra, mixed with honey and fruits, baked or unbaked. However, later it was replaced by ricotta.

This cheesecake was prepared for special occasions or as an offering to the gods. Nowadays, this cheesecake is also made for special events, and thanks to globalization, this recipe is available for us to make it anywhere!

Here you have this wonderful and full of history recipe.

 sicilian cheesecake

Authentic Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe

Let me tell you that with this easy and decadent cheesecake recipe, the surprise effect is assured, but also its gluttony. It will seem to eat Sicily with every bite. Taste to believe!

Ingredients

For the base:

  • 250g of cannoli shells -made crumbs-
  • 125g of butter

For the filling

  • 500g of ricotta cheese – whole milk
  • 2 eggs – at room temperature
  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/2 tbsp of baking powder
  • 1 lemon or orange zest
  • 1 vanilla rod – the seeds – or 1/2 tbsp of vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 tbsp of coconut flour
  • 3/4 cups of sugar
  • powdered sugar to garnish – optional
  • chopped pistachios to garnish – optional
  • whipped cream – optional

For an optional topping

  • 1 or 2 cannoli shells -crushed-
  • 20g of pistachios -chopped-

Step-by-Step

Make your base

Step #1: Making your cannoli base

First, melt the butter. Meanwhile, put the cannolis in a food processor and make them crumbs. Then mix these two ingredients until they form an earthy paste.

Step #2: Store your base

Store the mixture in a springform pan already lined with parchment paper. Next, press with a mold or flat glass until compacted. Refrigerate your base for about ten minutes.

Make your filling

Step #1: Drain your ricotta

Do this within 2 hours in advance. Place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl, allow it to drain in the refrigerator. Don’t forget to cover it with plastic film.

Step #2: Preheat the oven

Once your ricotta has drained, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step #3: Mix, mix, mix

In your mixer bowl, pour the eggs and sugar, beat them well. Add the melted butter, the lemon zest, and the vanilla seeds -or extract-. Remove from the mixer and add the coconut flour and the baking powder using a spatula. Once these are all mixed well, add the ricotta cheese and gently incorporate.

Step #4: Pour your mixture

Remove cheesecake’s base from the fridge, pour your cheesecake mixture.

Step #5: Bake

Bake your cheesecake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Step #6: Cool it down

Allow your cheesecake to cool down completely at room temperature before unfolding from the springform pan.

Step #7: Garnish

Once the cheesecake has been cool, proceed to decorate the surface with whipped cream, crushed cannoli, and chopped pistachios. But, please feel free to decorate it however you want to, this is just an idea that goes perfect with this type of cheesecake.

Step #8: Enjoy!

Cut a slice and enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee, reading a book, with your family, or friends.

Print the Recipe!

Final Words

Ricotta cheesecakes will always be a thank you to the universe!

Take a look at the history of ricotta cheese here.

Read more about Can you Freeze Store Bought Cheesecake?

Authentic Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake

It will seem to eat Sicily with every bite. Taste to believe!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Authentic Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake, Ricotta Cheesecake, Sicilian Cheesecake, Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake, sicilian ricotta cheesecake recipe

Ingredients
  

Fo the base

  • 250 g cannoli shells made crumbs
  • 125 g butter

For the filling

  • 500 g ricotta cheese whole milk
  • 2 eggs at room temperature
  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/2 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 lemon or orange zest
  • 1 vanilla stick the seeds - or 1/2 tbsp of vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 tbsp coconut flour
  • 3/4 cups sugar
  • powdered sugar to garnish optional
  • chopped pistachios to garnish optional
  • whipped cream optional

For the topping

  • 1 or 2 cannoli shells crushed
  • 20 g pistachios chopped

Instructions

Make the base

  • First, melt the butter. Meanwhile, put the cannolis in a food processor and make them crumbs. Then mix these two ingredients until they form an earthy paste.
  • Store the mixture in a springform pan already lined with parchment paper. Next, press with a mold or flat glass until compacted. Refrigerate your base for about ten minutes.

Make your filling

  • Do this within 2 hours in advance. Place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl, allow it to drain in the refrigerator. Don't forget to cover it with plastic film.
  • Once your ricotta has drained, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In your mixer bowl, pour the eggs and sugar, beat them well. Add the melted butter, the lemon zest, and the vanilla seeds -or extract-. Remove from the mixer and add the coconut flour and the baking powder using a spatula. Once these are all mixed well, add the ricotta cheese and gently incorporate.
  • Remove cheesecake's base from the fridge, pour your cheesecake mixture.
  • Bake your cheesecake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  • Allow your cheesecake to cool down completely at room temperature before unfolding from the springform pan.
  • Once the cheesecake has been cool, proceed to decorate the surface with whipped cream, crushed cannoli, and chopped pistachios. But, please feel free to decorate it however you want to, this is just an idea that goes perfect with this type of cheesecake.
  • Cut a slice and enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee, reading a book, with your family, or friends.

Notes

A tip: you can enrich the flavor of ricotta cheesecake by adding 2 tablespoons of chips or pieces of chocolate.

Leave a Comment