Buddy Valastro's Italian Ricotta Cheesecake

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: mascarpone

Cottage cheese is lower in calories, while mascarpone adds richness.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar is healthier, while white sugar is more affordable.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

In a mixing bowl, combine 3 lbs of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of sugar.

Add 3-4 egg yolks to the mixture.

Zest a lemon and add it to the bowl.

Optionally, add orange zest for additional flavor.

Add a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture.

Mix the ingredients together until fully incorporated, about a couple of minutes.

Set the ricotta mixture aside.

In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until light and fluffy.

Fold the whipped egg whites into the ricotta mixture to lighten it up.

Grease a springform pan with butter to prevent sticking.

Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared springform pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, until the top is lightly browned.

After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open with a wine cork to let the heat out slowly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens