Must-make Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe with Graham Cracher Crust (2024)

by Garlic Girl 136 Comments

This past weekend we celebrated my brother’s birthday at a delightful, surprise summer celebration at a private wooded area in Napa Valley. My contribution to the spread was this Sicilian Ricotta Cake. If you are a cheesecake fan, I thinkyou will especially appreciate this Italian version.

It was nice to celebrate Ross, who holds a very special place in my heart as my loving, older brother. As the eldest of the four siblings, he has sort of morphed into the patriarch of the family despite only being a couple years older than me and my other two brothers. Like many oldest siblings, he naturally carries that authoritative, leader kind of character which makes him a perfect and protective big brother. It is also what contributes to him being one of the best pastors and teachers I’ve ever met. Ross also goes by Pastor Ross as senior pastor of Calvary The Rock in Santa Rosa California. His sermons can be accessed online if you ever feel like a refreshing and relevant (for today) look at the bible.

The celebration included family members and close friends from his church who have grown to love Ross as a person, and a pastor. A few people talked about how he has positively impacted their lives, including heart-warming words from his daughter Jordan, who recently discovered in her twenties that she has a rare disease called Kabuki Syndrome. Jordan has had lifelong physical struggles including issues with speech, hearing, muscles and joints – and was relieved to learn there was a reason with this diagnosis. She’s been sharing her discovery, struggles, and even blessings with other in recent years. The girl who struggled with social anxiety, hearing and speech is now becoming a spokesperson for families with Kabuki kids, sharing publicly and even speaking at conferences. Isn’t God amazing?

A Brother’s Love

I can write a book about the love I have for my brother Ross, and my other brothers Darien and Judd, but I’ll share one memory of Ross that goes back 34 years when I was struggling as a single teenage mother. I was living alone, trying to navigate my way around both becoming an adult and being a mother – not an easy feat to accomplish at the same time. Although Ross was only 20 at the time, he had the wisdom and nurturing to assign himself as my “secret pal” who regularly sent me cards with words of encouragement that sometimes included hand-written scripture quotes. I recall one day being completely broke, only to find $20 tucked in a card in my mailbox which was just enough to buy a couple bags of groceries. After some time I learned my secret pal was my very own brother, which confirmed in my heart that he would always play the role of protective brother to me throughout my life. And that is true to this day.

Two nights ago, he stopped what he was doing at a pastor’s conference to take the time to talk me through something I was going through at the time. I thank God for him and can only hope that everyone can find a Ross in their life.

Must-Make Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake

About the Ricotta Cheesecake? It’s the easiest cheese cake you’ll ever make – and people will love it!

Update: I posted this recipe back in 2014 and have since made a couple minor tweaks. It’s actually become the most popular recipe on my blog and many have shared how much they’ve enjoyed making it (and eating it!).

I hope you try and have the same success that many other readers have!

Must-make Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe with Graham Cracher Crust (4)

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Sicilian Ricotta Cheese Cake

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 8

Equipment

  • 9-inch spingform pan

Ingredients

  • 32 ounces ricotta cheese drained
  • 1 orange for 2 teaspoons orange zest/grated rind
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 18 graham crackers 2 packets from a 14 ounce box
  • 1 stick or 4 ounces butter
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter.

  • For graham cracker crust, crush graham crackers in food processor until consistency of bread crumbs; stir with melted butter until mixture holds shape when squeezed. If needed, add a little more melted butter.

  • Firmly press graham cracker “crust” into bottom and along bottom sides of spring form pan; set aside.

  • Sift together flour and sugar in small mixing bowl.

  • In medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese and orange zest. Slowly fold in flour mixture with spatula until well blended and smooth.

  • Add eggs, one at a time, continuing to carefully fold with spatula. Stir in vanilla extract.

  • Pour batter into springform pan and gently smooth top with spatula.

  • Bake for 55-60 minutes at 350° F until cake is firm all the way to top center. Begin checking at 50 minutes. Cool completely and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to set. Begin checking at 50 minutes.

  • Dust top of cake with powdered sugar.

Must-make Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe with Graham Cracher Crust (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Sicilian and regular cheesecake? ›

Sicilian cheesecake differs from traditional cheesecake in that it is made with ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. This gives it a lighter, slightly grainy texture compared to the smooth and dense texture of traditional cheesecake.

What is the difference between NY style cheesecake and Italian cheesecake? ›

The main difference between what we would consider typical New York American cheesecake and Italian cheesecake is that in Italy, cheesecake is made with ricotta rather than cream cheese. It is also a bit lighter and dryer, more cakelike and less cloying.

Can I use ricotta instead of cream cheese in a cheesecake? ›

Ricotta works well within the full spectrum of baked goods, so as long as you're using your imagination, you'll never run out of ideas for putting it to use. The bottom line is: If a baked good calls for cream cheese, then it can be substituted for ricotta.

Is sour cream or heavy cream better for cheesecake? ›

Sour cream supports the underlying tang of the cream cheese, but, if overdone, it takes over as the dominant flavor. You need a little of each -- cream for texture and sour cream for flavor. With our ingredients settled, we focused in on how to keep the cheesecake from baking up grainy and cracked.

What is the difference between New York cheesecake and ricotta cheesecake? ›

Italian cheesecake is made with ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. It's lighter and airier than traditional and New York-style cheesecakes.

What are 3 styles of cheesecake? ›

Traditional, Basque, New York, Vegan, No Bake – There are so many different types of cheesecakes, each with their own unique set of ingredients and methods, but what exactly makes them different?

What is a Biltmore cheesecake? ›

Description:Creamy vanilla cheesecake baked in a graham crust. Also available in a base and dome format for in-store bakeries (Item #107290)

Which cream cheese is better for cheesecake? ›

If your soft cheese is the same then it will taste fine but won't be as rich as if full fat cream cheese were used so the texture will be slightly lighter. Don't worry: a home made cheesecake is always a treat! Stick to Philadelphia. The own-brand cream cheeses are far too wet once mixed in, in my bitter experience.

Why did my ricotta cheesecake crack? ›

Don't overbake your cake.

It may crack if it's too dry. Many people overbake their recipes to “play it safe”. The golden rule is if it no longer trembles in the center, it will set firmly in the refrigerator. Tap the pan on the sides and if the center has firmed up like jello, remove the cake from the oven.

What do Italians use instead of ricotta? ›

Mascarpone: Another Italian cheese, mascarpone makes a great ricotta substitute. However, since mascarpone is more tart and flavorful, you should only use it in dishes with other strong flavors.

Is ricotta or mascarpone better for cheesecake? ›

Mascarpone cheese is similar to cream cheese but more rich. And the ricotta creates a light and fluffy texture and offsets the richness. It's the perfect combination of cheeses to elevate your cheesecake. To further level-up this cheesecake, this recipe incorporates a crust made with granola bars!

What is Olive Garden cheesecake made of? ›

Ricotta cheesecake with a shortbread cookie crust, topped with seasonal strawberry sauce. Available in a whole cake (serves 12) and half cake (serves 6).

What cheese is Sicily known for? ›

Pecorino. Made from sheep's milk, pecorino cheese is made throughout Sicily. In fact, it's considered the most widely produced aged cheese product from that part of the world. Its sharp, distinct flavor is perfectly shredded over pasta, pizza, and salad.

What is the special cheese from Sicily? ›

Sicily produces three main types of cheese - pecorino, Ragusano, and ricotta. Each of these types have variations as well, often distinguished by how the wheels are treated, and how long they are aged.

What is the difference between Italian and regular cheesecake? ›

However, there are some types of cheesecake that aren't made using cream cheese. One of these is Italian cheesecake. Traditional Italian cheesecake uses ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. The result is a slightly lighter, more cake-like dessert.

What are the two main types of cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake is a classic dessert that can be served for any occasion. There is even a Greek cheesecake recipe that dates all the way back to 5th Century BCE! While there are an endless amount of cheesecake recipes available today, they can be sorted into two easy categories - baked and unbaked cheesecakes.

What is the difference between Sicilian and regular slice? ›

It is common for people to ask what the difference between a Sicilian pizza and a regular pizza is, which is evident in the pizza texture. A Sicilian pizza is thicker and usually much crispier than a regular pizza. Also, regular pizzas are circular-shaped, similar to Neapolitan pizzas.

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