Silky Lemon Ricotta Tart (8 Elegant Reasons This Citrus Beauty Steals the Spotlight)

Thank you so much for being here — I’m genuinely excited to share this one with you. This Lemon Ricotta Tart is sunshine baked into a pan: creamy yet light, delicately sweet, and kissed with bright lemon in every bite. Nestled in a tender, buttery crust, the ricotta filling bakes up silky-smooth with a gentle citrus tang that feels refined and comforting all at once.

This is the tart I bring out when I want something that looks impressive but feels effortless to eat. Before we jump in, don’t forget to subscribe by email so you never miss a classic-meets-modern dessert from my kitchen

Overview of Lemon Ricotta Tart

This tart combines a simple shortcrust-style base with a rich ricotta custard flavored with lemon zest (and a splash of limoncello if you’re feeling festive). It’s perfect for spring gatherings, brunch tables, or a not-too-sweet finish to dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cloud-like ricotta filling
• Bright lemon flavor without sharpness
• Simple crust made right in minutes
• Elegant dessert that slices beautifully

What It Tastes Like

Lightly sweet, softly tangy, and luxuriously creamy. Think cheesecake-adjacent, but lighter and fresher, with lemon zest lifting every forkful.

Ingredients

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Lemon Tart Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Lemon Ricotta Filling

• 1 (15 oz) container whole milk ricotta
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon limoncello (optional)
• 4 large eggs, room temperature

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or fork
• 9-inch tart pan (or pie dish)
• Zester
• Whisk

Substitutions & Additions

• No limoncello? Use lemon juice or skip entirely
• Extra citrus: add orange zest for warmth
• Gluten-free: use a 1:1 GF flour blend
• Finish: dust with powdered sugar or top with berries

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Tart

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Mix in beaten egg until dough forms.

Step 2: Press & Prebake

Press dough evenly into tart pan. Prick with a fork and bake for 12–15 minutes, just until lightly set. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a bowl, whisk ricotta, sugar, lemon zest, limoncello (if using), and eggs until smooth.

Step 4: Fill & Bake

Pour filling into warm crust. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until center is just set with a gentle jiggle.

Step 5: Cool

Cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean cuts and best texture.

What to Serve with Lemon Ricotta Tart

• Fresh berries or berry compote
• Espresso or cappuccino
• Light whipped cream
• A drizzle of honey

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess
• Don’t overbake — slight jiggle is ideal
• Chill before slicing for neat wedges
• Zest lemons directly over the bowl for max aroma

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: up to 4 days, covered
• Freezer: freeze slices up to 1 month (thaw overnight)

General Information

Ricotta-based tarts are a staple in Italian baking, prized for their light texture and subtle richness. Lemon brings balance and brightness, making this tart perfect for warm-weather desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this like cheesecake?
Similar, but lighter and less sweet.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes — it’s even better chilled overnight.

Can I use part-skim ricotta?
You can, but whole milk gives the best texture.

More Relevant Recipes You’ll Love

• Lemon Velvet Cake – A Lusciously Soft Dessert
  https://poulef.com/lemon-velvet-cake
• Moist Lemon Cake with Perfect Frosting
  https://poulef.com/moist-lemon-cake-with-perfect-frosting

Pinterest inspiration https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Conclusion

This Lemon Ricotta Tart is simple, elegant, and quietly luxurious. Creamy without heaviness, bright without bite — it’s the kind of dessert that makes people pause after the first bite and smile.

Interactive Elements

Leave a review if you bake it
Share your tart on Pinterest or Instagram and tag @poulefrecipe

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280
Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	24g
Sugar	14g
Protein	9g

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