Baked over a thick buttery shortbread crust and topped with a sour cherry topping, this ricotta cheesecake will become your new favorite.
I owe you an explanation.
By now you are probably wondering, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH ALL THESE DESSERTS??!
Well, we ate them. ALL. ...Ha! No, not even.
Honestly, we froze them including this luscious cheesecake. That killed me- wrapping this beauty up and then storing her in a dark, cold ice box. Until Easter dear cheesecake!
That's right. All you Easter guests better come hungry and save room for dessert. Chances are, you will probably be going home with dessert too. Hey, if any of you wonderful blogger friends want to stop over and come help me cleanse the freezer of fudge, truffles, brownies and cheesecake, this is an open invite so hop on a bus, train, plane or what have you, and come celebrate! I kid you not, our freezer is packed.
Now that we have that squared away, let me explain to you the story behind this cheesecake.
Camilla of Culinary Adventures called upon several bloggers to help her celebrate her 15th Wedding Anniversary.
Well, if you yell 'cheesecake' to a bunch of bloggers this is what will happen- you'll get a whole lot more than just 15 bloggers with 15 different cheesecakes. Today, we are now celebrating and sharing 26 amazing cheesecakes. These are my kind of party people 😉
If you have been a long time reader of #LTG, then you know we LOVE our cheesecake, and while I have probably said this before about other cheesecakes I have made, I will say this one is by far the best.
I wanted to deviate a bit from the expected, and so I opted for a thick shortbread crust as opposed to a graham cracker crust. The filling is a combo of ricotta and cream cheese with notes of citrus. To top it off, I made a sour cherry topping, which is not too sour at all, so don't let the word 'sour' scare you.
Congratulations to Camilla and Jake. Cheers to you both and here is to many happy, beautiful and blessed years to come!
It has been such a pleasure celebrating with you.
xo,
Tammy & Catherine
Ricotta Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust:
- 2 cups plain flour
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup shortening
Ricotta Cheesecake:
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 11/4 cup Ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Sour Cherry Topping:
- 1 cup jarred sour cherries in syrup
- 2 tablespoons cherry syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar and salt. Made a well in the center and add the egg, vanilla and fat.
- Using a pastry blender of your fingers, mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fit to the bottom of a springform pan. Blind bake for about 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
Ricotta Cheesecake:
- In the same bowl you used to mix your shortbread crust, whisk together ricotta and cream cheese until smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Add sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, vanilla, orange zest and orange juice. Mix until all is incorporated.
- Pour over the prepared shortbread crust. Bake cheesecake in a water bath (be sure to wrap the pan with tinfoil before placing into water bath) for about 40 minutes, or until golden and slightly firm. Remove and let cool and set before refrigerating.
Sour Cherry Topping:
- Place sour cherries in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons syrup over medium low heat.
- Whisk together sugar and cornstarch, then add to cherries. Stir until the mixture becomes thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove let cool to room temperature before topping the cheesecake.
- Best when served chilled. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Today we are helping Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla celebrate her 15th wedding anniversary with waaaayy more than #fifteencheesecakes.
Here's what everyone brought to the cheesecake table, listed in alphabetical order. Enjoy!
Cheesecake Bars by Baking and Creating with Avril
Cheesecake Bites by Cookaholic Wife
Veggies
Cheesecake by My Hobbie Lobbie
Cheesecake with Strawberry Puree by Making Miracles
Brulee Cheesecake Bars by Tara's Multicultural Table
Cream Cheesecake by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Layered Cinnamon Streusel Cheesecake Cake by Famished Fish, Finicky Shark
Blackberry Cheesecake by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
Churro Caramel Cheesecake by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Pull up a Chair
Can Cook
Cheesecake by PicNic
Pumpkin Cheesecake by Angels Homestead
Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust by Living the Gourmet
by Goodie Godmother
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars by The Savvy Kitchen
Sopapilla Puff Pastry Cheesecake by Pink Cake Plate
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake by Renee's Kitchen Adventures
Cheesecake Brownie Torte by Making Memories With Your Kids
Linking up to these parties and here.
6
GiGi Eats says
If you can believe it, I have NEVER had cheesecake before in my life!!
★★★★★
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Cheesecake is my favorite dessert and WOW so many great options! Love your contribution 🙂
Living the Gourmet says
Thank you so much!! 😀
Heidy@ The McCallums Shamrock Patch says
Your cheesecake looks amazing, I make a Lemon one with ricotta and can not wait to try yours too!! I bet I am going to love it!!
Nicole Neverman says
This cheesecake is absolutely fantastic! What a wonderful combination of ingredients. Never tried a ricotta cheesecake so I am so excited by this!
Sarah Averett says
Ooo, I'll come help you clean out your freezer! {raises hand} Sounds like you've been busy! I love the shortbread crust idea. Looks delicious! XOXO
Diane says
I LOVE cheesecake. I think I would especially love this one with that interesting shortbread crust and lovely sour cherry topping. Ricotta cheese in a cheesecake is a must try for me. Thanks for the great inspiration! This is one lovely cake. And congrats to Camilla!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
oh this just looks divine- I've never had a cheesecake made with ricotta- I can imagine how well it pairs with the cherries!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
That looks incredible. Cheesecake has to be my favourite indulgent dessert.
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
I am a shortbread junkie.....why did I never think to make a shortbread crust for cheesecake....Genius, just genius!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
That crust! I am so in love with that shortbread crust. The buttery depth it adds would be incredible!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
This would be very hard for me to put in the freezer without a bite for another two weeks. It looks divine. I would totally be the first to dig into this cake on Easter Sunday.
Abigail says
Cream cheese and Cherries are one of my fave classic combo! My hubby will completely love this cheesecake!
Peter @ Feed Your Soul Too says
Love everything about this dessert. The ricotta gives it great texture I am sure.
Del's cooking twist says
This a very beautiful recipe which looks both refreshing and tasty!
★★★★★
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine, I'm not a huge cheesecake fan but the only ones that I really like are the homemade ricotta versions. I especially like that shortbread crust and my wife would love the cherry topping! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Jerusha (@TheDisneyChef) says
Another winning recipe I can't wait to try! Thank you!
★★★★★
Living the Gourmet says
Thank you! I know you will love it! Enjoy.
xo, Tammy<3
ashley@cheesecurdinparadise says
The crust sounds phenomenal! What a beautiful cheesecake!
Living the Gourmet says
Thank you so much!!!
xo, Tammy<3
Tara Noland says
This looks like the best cheesecake EVER!! Amazing!!
★★★★★
[email protected] says
What a beautiful cheesecake Catherine!
Love Keil (MunchkinTime) says
This looks super delicious!Pinning it!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
This looks incredibly delicious!
Ginny Hartzler says
It is stunning. I would never have thought of making a cheesecake with ricotta! But I bet it is healthier than cream cheese.
Living the Gourmet says
It is delicious, Ginny! 😀
Thank you for stopping by.
xo, Tammy<3
Comedy Plus says
There are some mighty fine cheesecakes out there and this one looks and sounds awesome. I'd still rather have ice cream though. I'm a big fan of ice cream.
Have a fabulous day Catherine. Big hugs. ♥♥♥
★★★★★
Amy | Amy's Cooking Adventuresa says
This looks divine! I've never had a ricotta cheesecake before, but I sure want to try!
Nicole says
Yum! This looks so elegant and fancy. You'll have to let us know how the cheesecake held up to the freezer.
Camilla @ Culinary Adventures says
I am in LOVE with this recipe. Thank you for helping me celebrate and for sharing such a delicious looking cheesecake. Yum!
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Dear Catherine and Tammy,
WOW! I think the tow of you have outdone yourselves this time. Just outstanding. It looks so perfect and so creamy. I can't imagine how you both froze that without even a piece to share. Your Easter table of desserts will be filled with the best goodies on Long Island. Great recipe and I like the cherries on top. Cheesecake is one of my favorites....I ,my mom, niece, and nephew will be baking this Saturday for Easter Sunday desserts. I like the graham cracker crust, but my fav I have to say is the shortbread crust. What a wonderful way to celebrate 15 year anniversary of your friends, Camilla and Jake. Congratulations to them. Thanks for sharing this scrumptious cheesecake...Have a blessed week dear friends..
Dottie 🙂
Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
What a delicious contribution to the party! Yum!
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says
just so beautiful. and i love the sour cherry topping which really accents the cake!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
Ooh, I'm sold! The cheesecake looks just divine!
Cherry cheesecake I know I adore, but I've never had one with a shortbread crust before. Definitely would like to give that one a go!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
You had me at sour cherry --- my all time favorite!!
★★★★★
gloria says
I love this !! Look awesome dearies, Just beautiful!!!
★★★★★
nico says
These pictures make me drool! Ingredients that I love!
http://www.frcheap.com
★★★★★
April says
I've never used ricotta in cheesecake before, but it sounds delicious and I cant wait to try it. Interested in finding out how it holds up in the freezer, I've never froze one before.
Erin @ Making Memories says
Shortbread cookies? Best cookie ever! And with a delicious cheesecake? Oh man. Yes, please!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
Oh yum! Ricotta cheesecake! That sounds like a brilliant idea--perfect for Easter!
Trisha says
I love the idea of a shortbread crust - Yum ... that cheesecake sounds like some serious yum. I've never thought of freezing dessert before. Does it thaw well?
Medeja says
Looks gorgeous! Especially sour cherry topping..
Renee says
Wow these looks amazing!!!
Rebekah @ Making Miracles says
This cheesecake looks so beautiful!! That topping is just gorgeous - and I can only imagine how yummy that shortbread crust is!
Julie Mogler says
Shortbread anything is my favorite. I love cheesecakes with different crusts. Fun baking with you in Fifteen Cheesecakes.
Tara says
Such a beautiful cheesecake! Love the shortbread crust
Betty says
I'd love to help you out with all of those desserts in your freezer. 🙂 The cheesecake looks wonderful! 🙂
Richard says
Great recipe, I love cheese cake. I have pinned, I found you through #RecipeOfTheWeek
Carol says
Oh my gosh that looks heavenly. So glad I found your blog through the Bouquet of Talent Linky Party!
Roz @ La Bella Vita Cucina says
I rarely say this term, but "Shut the Front Door!" Catharine! What a superb ricotta cheesecake recipe! Oh my goodness, what a keeper and so many thank you's for sharing!
Buona Pasqua (Happy Easter),
Roz
★★★★★
Kim @ The Baking ChocolaTess says
Looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Becky at Cooking with Vinyl says
Oh my god this sounds amazing! So glad I saw this on a link party. Yum!
Elizabeth says
Oh my! This is simply gorgeous! Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle. Pinned!
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
The texture of your cake looks absolutely perfect!
mila furman says
WOW!!! This cake looks so good I am considering making it this weekend 🙂 It is also one of my features at FoodieFRIDIY this week!!! Come on over and check out the other features!! Thanks for linking with us!
Christine says
Ohmygoodness. My kids may implode with delight when I make this. Never made a cheesecake before.
Miz Helen says
This is a beautiful Cheesecake! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope you have a great week.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
★★★★★
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I'd LOVE a slice of this beauty!
Melissa Falk says
Wow, Catherine! This is making me drool. Such a stunning photo!
★★★★★
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
How absolutely delicious this looks!!! I love a good ricotta cheesecake. A real treat and I hope you enjoyed every single decadent bite. I love to see this sour cherry topping, I am working on something very similar to top some pancakes for an upcoming Mother's Day breakfast post. Delicious!!!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Sour cherry pie is my absolute favorite dessert in the world so I'm all about this cheesecake!
Nicole says
I just made this cheesecake, but used a different crust recipe, and left out the orange. The taste was still delicious and the texture was amazing.
Wren says
What size spring form pan does this recipe call for?
Living the Gourmet says
Hi Wren, Thank you so much for visiting Living the Gourmet. I used a 9-inch springform pan for this recipe. Enjoy!
Kristen says
Where in the directions does it mention the eggs? I just realized it’s in the ingredients list but not directions. I made one without them and it didn’t turn out so I’m trying again and just realized there’s supposed to be eggs in it.
Living the Gourmet says
Dear Kristen, Thank you so much for reaching out! I've just edited the recipe card. You definitely need eggs for your cheesecake, mix them in after you've beaten the cream cheese and ricotta. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy!
Carol says
I made this recipe this evening, it is still cooling....its been in the oven for 60 minutes, and Im still not sure it has set up. If it doesnt Im going to be very upset to ruin so many good ingredients! Ive made alot of cheesecakes in my day, including ricotta and used to make them for a restaurant. My cherries came off my tree...I will get back with end results. I am wondering why almost all comments are refering to how they THINK the item would taste!! Hmmmm curious. No rating as of yet.
Carol says
OK, day after making this: results: crust stuck to pan, didnt cook , tasted terrible, and the texture of the cake was grainy and awful...what a waste of product!! My lesson learned: Never make another recipe off the internet...go to my trusted cook books!!! i bet they wont post this