RICOTTA CITRUS CHEESECAKE

Ricotta Citrus Cheesecake image

Lemon, lime and orange zest perk up this ricotta-based cheesecake. A graham cracker crust provides crunch while a dusting of confectioners' sugar adds a pretty finish.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 6h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

Previous Next

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs (about 18 crackers)
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
Zest of 1 orange
6 large eggs, lightly beaten
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Steps:

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Wrap foil around the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Spoon the ricotta into a fine mesh strainer set over a large bowl and set aside until well drained.
Meanwhile, brush the inside of the a 9-inch springform pan with a little of the melted butter. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, remaining melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar and salt together in a medium bowl until well moistened. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and all the way up the sides of the pan. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Raise the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and bring a large pot of water to a boil and keep hot.
Beat the drained ricotta, remaining 1 cup granulated sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, almond extract, lime zest and orange zest in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add the eggs and beat until just combined, taking care not to over beat the mixture. Pour into the cooled crust. Place the springform pan in a deep roasting pan and transfer to the oven rack and carefully pour the hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the pan.
Bake until the cheesecake is slightly jiggly in the center and very lightly browned on top, about 1 hour and 35 minutes. Careful of splashing the hot water, remove the roasting pan from the oven and immediately transfer the cheesecake to a rack to cool completely. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours up to overnight.
At least thirty minutes before serving, run a knife along the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, release the pan and carefully lift the ring off. Dust the top with confectioners? sugar.