Introducing a divine twist on the classic cheesecake that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This Citrus and Cinnamon Infused Ricotta Cheesecake is a lighter, fluffier alternative to the traditional cream cheese version, enriched with the zest of lemon and orange and a hint of cinnamon. This unique combination brings a delightful freshness and warmth to each bite, creating a dessert that's as invigorating as it is comforting. Accompanied by cinnamon-flavored whipped cream, this cheesecake is not just a treat; it's an experience.
Why You'll Love This: If you're a fan of cheesecake, this ricotta version offers a deliciously different texture and taste that's both refreshing and rich. The addition of citrus zest and cinnamon introduces a layer of flavor complexity that elevates the cheesecake to new culinary heights. The innovative cinnamon-flavored whipped cream adds a spicy sweetness that complements the cheesecake perfectly, making it a combination you'll want to revisit time and again.
Perfect Occasion: This cheesecake is perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests or treat yourself to something special. It's ideal for holiday dinners, special family gatherings, or as a show-stopping dessert at a brunch. The elegant presentation and unique flavor profile make it a memorable addition to any meal.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, garnish the cheesecake with additional grated lemon and orange zest right before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar over the top adds a touch of elegance, while fresh berries or citrus slices can introduce a pop of color and freshness. Serve each slice with a dollop of the cinnamon-flavored whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup icing sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup (8 tbsp) cold butter, diced
- 1 egg
- Vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Ricotta Cheesecake Batter Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup confectioners' sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 15-ounce packages whole milk ricotta cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
For Topping:
- Cream for brushing
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
- Cinnamon-flavored whipped cream and powdered sugar for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a springform pan.
- For the crust, sift flour, icing sugar, salt, and baking powder. Blend in butter until sandy, then mix in the egg, vanilla, and lemon zest to form a dough. Roll out and fit into the pan base. Prick and bake for 12 minutes.
- Prepare the batter by reducing the oven temperature to 325°F. Whisk eggs, sugar, and salt. Strain ricotta for smoothness, mix with mascarpone, then combine with the egg mixture, citrus zests, juice, flour, and cinnamon. Pour over baked crust, top with dough triangles, brush with cream, sprinkle sugar, and bake for 50 minutes. Allow cooling in the oven with the door ajar, then refrigerate.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon-flavored whipped cream on the side.
Enjoy this Citrus and Cinnamon Infused Ricotta Cheesecake, a delightful twist on a beloved dessert that promises a refreshing burst of flavors with every creamy bite.