Creamy Custard Tart or Ricotta Pie

Creamy Custard Tart / Ricotta Pie

A Creamy Custard Tart, also called a Ricotta Pie, is a classic dessert that’s rich, smooth, and lightly sweet. With a buttery pastry crust filled with velvety custard or ricotta, this dessert is perfect for afternoon tea, dinner parties, or as a special treat for any occasion. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Silky, creamy filling with a delicate flavor

• Buttery, crisp pastry shell

• Versatile: can be made with custard or ricotta

• Elegant presentation for any occasion

• Simple ingredients for a homemade treat

---

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 egg

• 2–3 tablespoons cold water

For the Custard Filling

• 2 cups whole milk or cream

• ¾ cup sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon

For the Ricotta Version

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• ¾ cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: zest of 1 lemon

---

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. In a food processor, combine flour and sugar. Add chilled butter and pulse until mixture resembles fine crumbs.

2. Add the egg and cold water gradually until a dough forms. Do not overwork.

3. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

---

Step 2: Pre-Bake the Pastry

1. Roll out the dough and line a 9-inch tart pan.

2. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

4. Bake the pastry for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven.

---

Step 3: Make the Filling

Custard Version:

1. Whisk eggs and sugar in a bowl until smooth.

2. Heat milk (or cream) until warm and gradually whisk into the egg mixture.

3. Add vanilla and optional nutmeg.

Ricotta Version:

1. Mix ricotta, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and optional lemon zest until smooth and creamy.

---

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the custard or ricotta mixture into the pre-baked tart shell.

2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly wobbly in the center.

3. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 1–2 hours.

---

Step 5: Serve

• Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa before serving

• Garnish with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate

• Serve chilled or at room temperature

---

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overbake: The filling will continue to set as it cools

• Use fresh eggs for a silky custard

• For a richer custard, substitute half the milk with cream

• Lemon zest enhances ricotta flavor without overpowering sweetness

---

Variations

• Chocolate Custard Tart: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to custard

• Almond Ricotta Pie: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to ricotta filling

• Fruit-Topped Tart: Top with sliced strawberries, kiwi, or peaches before serving

---

Storage

• Keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days in an airtight container

• Best served chilled for a refreshing dessert

• Can be frozen (uncut) for up to 1 month; thaw in fridge before serving

---

A Classic Dessert for Any Occasion

A Creamy Custard Tart or Ricotta Pie is a timeless dessert that combines a tender, buttery pastry with a rich, smooth filling. Elegant enough for dinner parties, yet simple enough for weekday treats, it’s a dessert that will impress family and friends alike.