Ricotta Cheese Cake

Ricotta and Strawberry Cheesecake – An Italian Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Waiting time: 6-7 hours
Total time: 6-7 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Who doesn't love a creamy cheesecake with delicious flavors and a light, fluffy texture? Today, I invite you to discover an amazing recipe for cheesecake with Ricotta cheese, enriched with fresh and fragrant strawberries. This recipe is an excellent choice for special occasions or just to indulge yourself on a weekend day. Ricotta cheese, originating from Italy, provides a delicate flavor and a fine consistency, making this dessert truly special.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g Ricotta cheese
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 100 g vanilla-flavored powdered sugar
- 50 g regular powdered sugar
- 400 ml blueberry Greek yogurt
- 2 packets of gelatin
- 700 g fresh and fragrant strawberries
- 1.5 packages of ladyfingers
- 2 teaspoons of rum essence
- 30 ml water

Useful tips

1. Choosing strawberries: Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries with an intense aroma. They will make a difference in the final taste of the cheesecake.
2. Ricotta cheese: This is a soft cheese with a lower fat content, ideal for a creamy but not heavy dessert. If you can't find Ricotta, you can also use a combination of cottage cheese and sour cream.
3. Gelatin: Follow the instructions on the packets carefully to achieve the perfect texture for the cream.

Preparing the Cheesecake

1. Preparing the cream: Start by whipping the heavy cream until it becomes firm. It is important to keep it chilled in the refrigerator until use to maintain its fluffy texture.

2. Mixing the Ricotta: In a large bowl, combine the Ricotta cheese with the vanilla-flavored powdered sugar and the regular powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth mixture.

3. Adding the yogurt: Gently fold the blueberry Greek yogurt into the Ricotta mixture using a spatula to avoid losing air. This will add a note of freshness and a slightly tangy taste.

4. Preparing the strawberries: Wash and drain the strawberries well. Cut half of them into small cubes to incorporate into the cream. You can leave the other half whole or cut them in half for decoration.

5. Gelatin: In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin according to the instructions on the packet. Add the dissolved gelatin to the Ricotta mixture, mixing well to integrate it.

6. Incorporating the cream and strawberries: Add the whipped cream and the diced strawberries to the Ricotta mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold, so you don't lose the air in the cream. This will make the cheesecake light and creamy.

7. Preparing the base: In a springform cake pan, arrange the ladyfingers and drizzle them with the mixture of rum essence and water. Make sure the ladyfingers are well soaked but not too wet.

8. Assembling the cheesecake: Place the halved strawberries around the edge of the pan. Pour the Ricotta cream over the ladyfingers and level it with a spatula. Ensure you have a smooth surface.

9. Decorating: Decorate the cheesecake with the remaining strawberries, arranging them nicely on top.

10. Chilling: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 6-7 hours, or ideally overnight, to set well.

Serving the cheesecake

Once the cheesecake has chilled, carefully remove the detachable edge of the pan. You can serve the cheesecake with a strawberry sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on top for added flavor. This dessert pairs perfectly with a glass of prosecco or a cup of aromatic coffee.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone, but Ricotta provides a specific texture and taste to this cheesecake.

2. What can I do with gelatin if I don't have any?
If you don't have gelatin, you can opt for an agar-agar substitute, following the usage instructions.

3. Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can easily be adapted. You can use raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Ricotta cheese is rich in protein and calcium, while strawberries are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The Greek yogurt adds probiotics, making this cheesecake not only delicious but also nutritious. Additionally, this dessert has a moderate calorie content, being a lighter option compared to traditional cheesecakes, thanks to the use of Ricotta cheese and Greek yogurt.

In conclusion, the Ricotta and strawberry cheesecake is not just a simple and quick recipe but also an excellent way to celebrate special moments. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this refined and flavorful dessert!