Ricotta Pie (Old Italian Recipe)

This Italian ricotta pie has a rich, sweetened homemade crust and mini chocolate chips in the silky ricotta filling — perfect for special occasions.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 352 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 5 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 pounds ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon shortening, chilled
• 12 large eggs
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 0.25 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips, or to taste
• 0.5 cup shortening, chilled

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Pour ricotta filling evenly into pie crusts. Start with the longest strips of dough and lay the first 2 in an X in the center of the pie. Alternate horizontal and vertical strips, weaving them in an over-and-under pattern. Use the shortest strips for the edges of the lattice. Fold the ends of the lattice strips under the edge of the bottom crust and flute the crust; brush lattice top with milk. Arrange foil on edges of crust.

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes; remove foil. Rotate pies on the rack so they will bake evenly. Continue to bake until a knife inserted in the center of each pie comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes more. Cool completely on wire racks. Refrigerate until serving.

Step 3

Make the filling: Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla together in a large bowl. Stir in ricotta cheese and chocolate chips; set aside.

Step 4

Make the crust: Combine flour, sugar, and baking powder together in a large bowl; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in beaten eggs and vanilla. Divide dough into 4 balls, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease two 9-inch, deep-dish pie plates.

Step 6

Roll out two dough balls and line the bottom and sides of each prepared pie plate. Try not to make the crust too thick, as it will expand during cooking. Roll the remaining two dough balls out into 10-inch circles. Cut into 1/2-inch strips with a sharp paring knife or pastry wheel.