Say hello to your new favorite treat – Sweet Baked Ricotta with Orange Zest. It’s creamy but not too sweet, and the perfect addition to a cheese course or dessert board. Hint – it’s particularly delicious paired with our friend Meg’s Olive Oil Cake with Polenta and Roasted Red Grapes.

This recipe only calls for a few ingredients, so quality is truly key.  Make sure that your ricotta is made with 100% real California Milk. When you choose products with the Real California Milk seal, you’ll feel good knowing not only that you’ve selected a premium product, but also that you’re supporting California dairy families! 

We used honey to sweeten our Baked Sweet Ricotta. Everyone knows that bees make honey, but did you know that bees are a vital part of California agriculture? Bees gather pollen and nectar, and are responsible for the pollination of over 130 fruit and vegetable crops! That nectar is then passed between bees until its moisture content is sufficiently reduced, at which point, it becomes honey. 

If you’re a fan of California Wines, try pairing Sweet Baked Ricotta with your favorite Muscat wine (also known as Moscato). The light, subtly sweet notes of this classic dessert wine are the perfect complement to the dish.  If you just happen to have a bottle of bubbly on hand, a Citrus Sparkling Wine Cocktail is another amazing option. 

Now that you’ve discovered sweet ricotta, you’re probably craving more! Try our Berry Crostini with Sweet Lemon Ricotta recipe, or Summer Fruit Bruschetta.

Sweet Baked Ricotta with Orange Zest

KC Cornwell

You'll want to spread this delicious sweet baked ricotta on just about everything! It's particularly delicious with a slice of homemade Roasted Grape Cake. Serve with a glass California Muscat to enhance this dish's subtle sweetness.

4.12 from 9 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Cooling Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Calories 66 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 ounces CA whole-milk ricotta cheese such as Belfiore
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 large egg
• 1 TBSP honey
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• butter for greasing baking dish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 325F. Grease a 5-6 inch round baking dish or pan liberally with butter.
• Either by hand or in a food processor, blend all ricotta ingredients together until fully incorporated.
• Smooth the ricotta mixture into the prepared baking dish, and bake for 50 minutes -1 hour, until edges are slightly golden.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.

Notes

Serve warm or room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 104mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 157IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1mg

Keyword appetizers, baked ricotta, happy hour, healthy snacks, real california dairy, ricotta

Tried this recipe?Mention @cagrownofficial or tag #CAGROWN!

Like what you see? Be sure to check out our Pinterest page for more delicious ways to enjoy California Grown seasonal produce. 

Do you have a favorite recipe starring CA Grown fruits and vegetables? We love discovering new ideas! Snap a pic and share it on social using #CAGROWN.