Ricotta Pie (Old Italian Recipe)

This old-fashioned ricotta pie recipe is rich, creamy, and tastes just like it came from an Italian bakery.

Ricotta Pie Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this absolutely irresistible ricotta pie recipe:

· Eggs: This Italian ricotta pie calls for a whopping 16 eggs (12 for the filling and four for the crust).
· Sugar: You'll need three cups of white sugar (two for the filling and one for the crust).
· Vanilla: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the ricotta filling and the sweet crust.
· Ricotta: The dense, creamy filling calls for three pounds of ricotta cheese.
· Chocolate: Semisweet chocolate chips take the decadent filling up a notch, but you can leave them out if you like.
· Flour: The sweet crust starts with four cups of all-purpose flour.
· Baking powder: Baking powder guarantees a tender and flaky pie crust.
· Shortening: Shortening (instead of butter) makes the pie crust easy to roll out and it holds its shape well.
· Milk: Brush the pie crust with milk to give it a matte finish.

How to Make Ricotta Pie

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make ricotta pie at home:

1. Make the filling: Beat the eggs, then add sugar and vanilla. Beat in the ricotta and the chocolate chips.
2. Make the crust: Combine the dry ingredients, cut in the shortening, then beat in the egg mixture. Divide the dough into balls, wrap in plastic, and chill.
3. Roll and cut the crust: Roll out the dough balls and use them to line two prepared pie plates. Roll out the remaining two balls and cut into strips.
4. Assemble the pies: Fill each of the pies then top each pie with a lattice pattern. Brush the crust with milk.
5. Bake the pies: Bake the pies in the preheated oven until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks, then refrigerate.

Tips from recipe creator Misty:

· Instead of chocolate chips, you can use 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest.
· Instead of a lattice top, you can use cookie cutters and place the cutouts on the top of the pies.

How to Store Ricotta Pie

Allow the pie to cool completely before storing. Cover the leftovers tightly with storage wrap or foil, then store for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Ricotta Pie?

Freezing may change the texture of the ricotta pie, but it will preserve it for up to three months. Wrap the pie tightly in storage wrap, then wrap it again in a layer of aluminum foil. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This pie was delicious and exactly what I remember from my childhood," according to Elaine Lienhart. "The family loved it and requested that I make one for Thanksgiving. Next time I will cut the recipe in half and only make one pie."

"This recipe is almost perfect," says Cookin' With Lukie. "My grandmother used to make this at Easter time. It's a delicious treat, but a very small piece goes a long way. Would I make it again? Of course I would...my Grandmother's recipe is lost to us, so this one will make up for that loss and bring smiles to my family as they enjoy this springtime treat!"

"Amazing, delicious, easy to make," raves bldrdgirl. "I'd give it 10 stars if I could! The tip to getting the crust to stay in one piece is to FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS. You must let it chill in the fridge."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams