Sicilian Cheesecake

Wonderfully soft and delicious cheesecake that uses ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. Very, very easy to make!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 282 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped candied lemon and orange peel
• 2 tablespoons creme de cacao liqueur
• 2 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate, grated
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix together the crushed cookies and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Stir in candied peel and 2 ounces of grated chocolate by hand. Spoon the filling over the chilled crust, and smooth out the top surface. Refrigerate for 6 hours, or overnight.

Step 3

Just before serving, whip cream with 1 tablespoon of confectioners' sugar until stiff in a small bowl using an electric mixer. Run a knife around the outside edge of the cake, and remove the sides of the pan. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake, and sprinkle with remaining grated chocolate. Serve immediately.