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  • My Ricotta Cheese Dessert Recipe Is A Creamy, High Protein Treat In 10 Minutes
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Ricotta Dessert
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Ricotta Dessert Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

My Ricotta Cheese Dessert Recipe Is A Creamy, High Protein Treat In 10 Minutes

Maya with ricotta dessert and a bag of Besti. - 1

I first made this ricotta dessert recipe when I wanted something light after Italian dinners , but since then, I’ve found several more reasons to make it — some of them unexpected:

  • Rich, creamy, and so pretty – The texture reminds me of a richer, creamier yogurt or mousse, and the presentation with colorful berries makes me enjoy it that much more.
  • High protein treat with no added sugar – Over 20 grams of protein each! And unlike many ricotta cheese dessert recipes, this one is gluten-free with no refined sugar. I’ve even had it as a healthy breakfast .
  • Red, white, and blue – With the festive colors, this has become one of my favorite 4th of July recipes ! It’s great for Memorial Day and Labor Day, too.
  • Fast and easy – You only need 10 minutes and a few simple ingredients to throw together this ricotta cheese dessert. Much easier than baking anything! It’s perfect for last-minute guests, sweet cravings, or when it’s too hot to turn on the oven.

If you’re looking for a red, white, and blue dessert, or just want a sweet fix fast today, grab some ricotta and make this ricotta dessert with me!

Maya's signature. - 2

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my ricotta cheese dessert recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Ricotta Cheese – The main, creamy ingredient, and a great source of protein! I prefer whole milk ricotta cheese, but 2% works, too. You can also swap in cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese .
  • Heavy Cream – This helps the ricotta blend into a silky, mousse-like texture. You can use half and half or milk instead, but they aren’t as thick, so I’d start with less.
  • Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – The only sweetener I recommend here! It’s natural, tastes great with no aftertaste, has zero calories, and most importantly, dissolves just like powdered sugar . Most sugar alternatives will leave a gritty texture or can crystallize, and liquid sweeteners will make the ricotta dessert too runny. The only other option that I’ve found works well is plain powdered allulose , but you’ll need more, about 2/3 cup.
  • Flavor Boosters – Including lemon zest and vanilla extract . Feel free to double the zest, or even add a splash of lemon juice (but not too much or the texture gets runny).
  • Berries – I layered in raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries to get that red, white, and blue look… perfect for summer holidays! Any fruit you like is great.
  • Optional Toppings – I like a swirl of my sugar-free whipped cream and a sprinkle of sliced almonds . You can also opt for chocolate chips, other nuts, seeds, a shake of cinnamon, sprigs of mint leaves, or a drizzle of my sugar-free honey .
Labeled recipe ingredients: Ricotta cheese, berries, powdered Besti, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and almonds. - 3

How To Make Ricotta Dessert

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Blend the ricotta whip. Combine the ricotta, cream, lemon zest, Besti, and vanilla in a blender , and blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cream. If it’s too thin, you can add more ricotta. Taste and sweeten more if needed.
  2. Layer it up. Spoon the ricotta into bowls, layering with the berries. I used these clear mini trifle bowls , pictured here. I usually do two layers of each, then top with whipped cream and almonds if I’m feeling fancy.
Blended ricotta whip in a blender. - 4 Ricotta whip and berries layered into bowls. - 5 Ricotta cheese dessert scooped with a spoon. - 6 My Recipe Tips - 7

My Recipe Tips

  • Make sure your ricotta is cold straight from the fridge. Not only does it taste better, it has a firmer texture. I once let it sit out for a while by accident, and the result was more runny.
  • A high-speed blender works best to make the ricotta smooth and airy. Weaker blenders can still work, but the result won’t be as smooth.
  • The texture can vary depending on your ricotta. Sometimes I get a thicker, creamier ricotta cheese dessert, other times it’s a bit more like yogurt. So if you want it thicker…
  • For a thicker texture, blend in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone . Make sure it’s at room temperature, so it mixes in smoothly.
  • Adjust the sweetness to your taste. This recipe is mildly sweet, not super sweet, so feel free to add more powdered Besti if you like it sweeter. If you go overboard and it turns out too sweet, you can cut the sweetness with a small splash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt.
  • Want to lighten it up? Half and half or milk will work instead of heavy cream, but it will be less rich. I recommend starting with less if you use these, since they aren’t as thick.
  • If you want to see the berry layers on the sides, it helps to place the berries tightly against the edge of your container. Otherwise the creamy ricotta mixture will run down the sides and cover them up. Your ricotta dessert will be delicious either way, I just think it’s prettier when the berries are peeking out!
  • These are quite filling, so make them smaller for a lighter treat. You can choose smaller serving cups and make 8 from this recipe instead of 4.
  • Chocolate flavor variation: Add several teaspoons of cocoa power to the ricotta cheese mixture, blending after each addition until it’s as chocolaty as you like. Or just use sugar free chocolate chips as topping!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

  • 24 oz Whole milk ricotta cheese (or 2%) ▢
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream (or more as needed) ▢
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest (or 2 tbsp for more lemony flavor) ▢
  • 1/2 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (or more to taste) ▢
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 cup Raspberries ▢
  • 1 cup Blueberries ▢
  • 1 cup Blackberries ▢
  • Sliced almonds (optional, for topping) ▢
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping — I make sugar-free whipped cream ) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. In a high-power blender , combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, powdered Besti, and vanilla. Blend for about 1 minute , until smooth and creamy.
  2. If the mixture has trouble blending or is too thick, add more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, to get the consistency you like. Adjust sweetener to your taste if needed.
  3. In 4 parfait cups , build alternating layers of ricotta whip and berries. (I do 2 layers of each.)
  4. If you like, garnish with whipped cream and sliced almonds.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 large ricotta dessert cup

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the perfect texture, ways to adjust the flavor, and how to get those picture-perfect berry layers.
  • Storage & meal prep: Cover the ricotta desserts with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Sometimes I meal prep them for breakfast!
  • Freeze: You can freeze these, but the texture gets a little grainy. I still like them half-frozen, as they remind me of ice cream.
  • Note on nutrition info: The optional almonds and whipped cream are not included. Some of you have asked where the sugar comes from — it’s from the ricotta and berries.
  • Note on serving size: These are pretty big desserts. When I want smaller, lighter ones, I divide this ricotta cheese dessert recipe into 8 servings instead of 4, and use smaller cups.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Ricotta Dessert

Ricotta cheese dessert recipe pin. - 8

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • The Basic Keto Meal Formula
  • Understanding Macros
  • Keto Food Swaps
  • Keto Food List
  • Electrolyte Basics
  • Keto Diet Types
  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 9

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Pick A ProteinPick A VeggieAdd Fat
Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder VenisonCauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama CeleryButter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Instead Of This…Eat This
PancakesAlmond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes
OatmealKeto oatmeal with hemp seeds
Cinnamon rollsFathead cinnamon rolls
CerealKeto nut granola
MuffinsAlmond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins
DonutsAlmond flour donuts
SconesAlmond flour scones
High-sugar smoothiesSmoothie with berries or avocado
Hash brownsCauliflower hash browns
Breakfast casseroleBreakfast casserole with no potatoes
Egg whitesWhole eggs
Turkey baconBacon
WafflesChaffles
Keto food swaps - breakfast - 10

Keto Swaps For Bread

Instead Of This…Eat This
BagelsFathead bagels
English muffinAlmond flour English muffin
White breadKeto white bread
Multigrain breadCoconut flour bread with seeds
Tortillas for wrapsCoconut flour tortillas
Corn taco shellsCheddar cheese taco shells
Burger bunsOopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps
BreadsticksCauliflower breadsticks
BiscuitsAlmond flour biscuits
CornbreadAlmond flour cornbread
CroutonsParmesan crisps
RiceCauliflower rice , konjac rice
Keto food swaps - bread and grains - 11

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Instead Of This…Eat This
Breaded wingsCrispy air fryer wings (unbreaded)
Low-fat meat & poultryHigh-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat
Mashed potatoesMashed cauliflower
Roasted potatoesRoasted or fried radishes
TacosTaco salad
PizzaFathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza
LasagnaEggplant lasagna
Potato saladCauliflower “potato” salad
French friesJicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries
Tater totsCauliflower tots
WrapsLettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas
SushiNaruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi
Breaded chicken or fishBreaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds
SpaghettiZoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles
Keto food swaps - meals and sides - 12

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Instead Of This…Eat This
NachosCheese crisps
High-sugar fruitBerries & other keto fruits
CrackersAlmond flour crackers
HummusCauliflower hummus
Soft pretzelsFathead pretzels
PopcornPuffed cheese
Granola barsGrain-free granola bars
JamSugar-free berry chia jam
Sweet fruity yogurtFull-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries
Sweet salad dressingRanch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette
KetchupMustard and/or sugar-free ketchup
BBQ sauceSugar-free BBQ sauce
Sweetened peanut butterNatural, sugar-free nut butters
Light mayoAvocado oil mayo
Maple syrupSugar-free, maple flavored syrup
Potato chipsZucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds
Keto food swaps - snacks and sauces - 13

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Instead Of This…Eat This
SugarMonk fruit or allulose
Powdered sugarPowdered monk fruit or allulose
White flourAlmond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes)
Making baked goods soft/chewyXanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder
BreadcrumbsPork rinds or almond flour
MargarineButter, coconut oil, or ghee
Vegetable oilOlive or avocado oil
BananasBanana extract
Chocolate chipsSugar-free chocolate chips
Cornstarch or flour rouxXanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end)
Simple syrupDissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat
Keto food swaps - baking and cooking - 14

Keto Swaps For Drinks

Instead Of This…Eat This
LemonadeWater with lemon
SodaFlavored sparkling water
MilkAlmond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream
LatteButter coffee
Coffee creamerHeavy cream
Sweet wineDry wine
BeerUltra light beer
Mixed drinksHard liquor with soda + lemon

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto food swaps - drinks - 15

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Keto foods to eat and avoid summary - 16

Foods To Eat On Keto

  • Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
  • Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
  • Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
  • Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
  • Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
  • Avocados
  • Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
  • Almond flour and coconut flour
  • Eggs
  • Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

  • White flour & sugar
  • Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
  • Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
  • Cereal
  • Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
  • Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
  • Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
  • Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
  • Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
  • Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 17

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

SodiumMagnesiumPotassium
Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts PicklesSeaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greensPotassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

  • Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
  • Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
  • Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
  • Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 18

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Ricotta Dessert

Ricotta dessert in a glass dish. - 19

Whip up my easy ricotta dessert in just 10 minutes! This ricotta cheese recipe has layers of sweet, creamy whip and fresh berries.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/ricotta-dessert/

Ricotta Dessert - 20 Ricotta Dessert - 21 Ricotta Dessert - 22

Ingredients

  • 24 oz Whole milk ricotta cheese (or 2%)
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream (or more as needed)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest (or 2 tbsp for more lemony flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (or more to taste)
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Raspberries
  • 1 cup Blueberries
  • 1 cup Blackberries
  • Sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping – I make sugar-free whipped cream )

Instructions

  1. In a high-power blender , combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, powdered Besti, and vanilla. Blend for about 1 minute , until smooth and creamy.
  2. If the mixture has trouble blending or is too thick, add more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, to get the consistency you like. Adjust sweetener to your taste if needed.
  3. In 4 parfait cups , build alternating layers of ricotta whip and berries. (I do 2 layers of each.)
  4. If you like, garnish with whipped cream and sliced almonds.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 large ricotta dessert cup

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the perfect texture, ways to adjust the flavor, and how to get those picture-perfect berry layers.
  • Storage & meal prep: Cover the ricotta desserts with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Sometimes I meal prep them for breakfast!
  • Freeze: You can freeze these, but the texture gets a little grainy. I still like them half-frozen, as they remind me of ice cream.
  • Note on nutrition info: The optional almonds and whipped cream are not included. Some of you have asked where the sugar comes from – it’s from the ricotta and berries.
  • Note on serving size: These are pretty big desserts. When I want smaller, lighter ones, I divide this ricotta cheese dessert recipe into 8 servings instead of 4, and use smaller cups.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • My Ricotta Cheese Dessert Recipe Is A Creamy, High Protein Treat In 10 Minutes
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Ricotta Dessert
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Ricotta Dessert Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

My Ricotta Cheese Dessert Recipe Is A Creamy, High Protein Treat In 10 Minutes

Maya with ricotta dessert and a bag of Besti. - 23

I first made this ricotta dessert recipe when I wanted something light after Italian dinners , but since then, I’ve found several more reasons to make it — some of them unexpected:

  • Rich, creamy, and so pretty – The texture reminds me of a richer, creamier yogurt or mousse, and the presentation with colorful berries makes me enjoy it that much more.
  • High protein treat with no added sugar – Over 20 grams of protein each! And unlike many ricotta cheese dessert recipes, this one is gluten-free with no refined sugar. I’ve even had it as a healthy breakfast .
  • Red, white, and blue – With the festive colors, this has become one of my favorite 4th of July recipes ! It’s great for Memorial Day and Labor Day, too.
  • Fast and easy – You only need 10 minutes and a few simple ingredients to throw together this ricotta cheese dessert. Much easier than baking anything! It’s perfect for last-minute guests, sweet cravings, or when it’s too hot to turn on the oven.

If you’re looking for a red, white, and blue dessert, or just want a sweet fix fast today, grab some ricotta and make this ricotta dessert with me!

Maya's signature. - 24

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my ricotta cheese dessert recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Ricotta Cheese – The main, creamy ingredient, and a great source of protein! I prefer whole milk ricotta cheese, but 2% works, too. You can also swap in cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese .
  • Heavy Cream – This helps the ricotta blend into a silky, mousse-like texture. You can use half and half or milk instead, but they aren’t as thick, so I’d start with less.
  • Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – The only sweetener I recommend here! It’s natural, tastes great with no aftertaste, has zero calories, and most importantly, dissolves just like powdered sugar . Most sugar alternatives will leave a gritty texture or can crystallize, and liquid sweeteners will make the ricotta dessert too runny. The only other option that I’ve found works well is plain powdered allulose , but you’ll need more, about 2/3 cup.
  • Flavor Boosters – Including lemon zest and vanilla extract . Feel free to double the zest, or even add a splash of lemon juice (but not too much or the texture gets runny).
  • Berries – I layered in raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries to get that red, white, and blue look… perfect for summer holidays! Any fruit you like is great.
  • Optional Toppings – I like a swirl of my sugar-free whipped cream and a sprinkle of sliced almonds . You can also opt for chocolate chips, other nuts, seeds, a shake of cinnamon, sprigs of mint leaves, or a drizzle of my sugar-free honey .
Labeled recipe ingredients: Ricotta cheese, berries, powdered Besti, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and almonds. - 25

How To Make Ricotta Dessert

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Blend the ricotta whip. Combine the ricotta, cream, lemon zest, Besti, and vanilla in a blender , and blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cream. If it’s too thin, you can add more ricotta. Taste and sweeten more if needed.
  2. Layer it up. Spoon the ricotta into bowls, layering with the berries. I used these clear mini trifle bowls , pictured here. I usually do two layers of each, then top with whipped cream and almonds if I’m feeling fancy.
Blended ricotta whip in a blender. - 26 Ricotta whip and berries layered into bowls. - 27 Ricotta cheese dessert scooped with a spoon. - 28 My Recipe Tips - 29

My Recipe Tips

  • Make sure your ricotta is cold straight from the fridge. Not only does it taste better, it has a firmer texture. I once let it sit out for a while by accident, and the result was more runny.
  • A high-speed blender works best to make the ricotta smooth and airy. Weaker blenders can still work, but the result won’t be as smooth.
  • The texture can vary depending on your ricotta. Sometimes I get a thicker, creamier ricotta cheese dessert, other times it’s a bit more like yogurt. So if you want it thicker…
  • For a thicker texture, blend in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone . Make sure it’s at room temperature, so it mixes in smoothly.
  • Adjust the sweetness to your taste. This recipe is mildly sweet, not super sweet, so feel free to add more powdered Besti if you like it sweeter. If you go overboard and it turns out too sweet, you can cut the sweetness with a small splash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt.
  • Want to lighten it up? Half and half or milk will work instead of heavy cream, but it will be less rich. I recommend starting with less if you use these, since they aren’t as thick.
  • If you want to see the berry layers on the sides, it helps to place the berries tightly against the edge of your container. Otherwise the creamy ricotta mixture will run down the sides and cover them up. Your ricotta dessert will be delicious either way, I just think it’s prettier when the berries are peeking out!
  • These are quite filling, so make them smaller for a lighter treat. You can choose smaller serving cups and make 8 from this recipe instead of 4.
  • Chocolate flavor variation: Add several teaspoons of cocoa power to the ricotta cheese mixture, blending after each addition until it’s as chocolaty as you like. Or just use sugar free chocolate chips as topping!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

  • 24 oz Whole milk ricotta cheese (or 2%) ▢
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream (or more as needed) ▢
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest (or 2 tbsp for more lemony flavor) ▢
  • 1/2 cup Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (or more to taste) ▢
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
  • 1 cup Raspberries ▢
  • 1 cup Blueberries ▢
  • 1 cup Blackberries ▢
  • Sliced almonds (optional, for topping) ▢
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping — I make sugar-free whipped cream ) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. In a high-power blender , combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, powdered Besti, and vanilla. Blend for about 1 minute , until smooth and creamy.
  2. If the mixture has trouble blending or is too thick, add more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, to get the consistency you like. Adjust sweetener to your taste if needed.
  3. In 4 parfait cups , build alternating layers of ricotta whip and berries. (I do 2 layers of each.)
  4. If you like, garnish with whipped cream and sliced almonds.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 large ricotta dessert cup

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the perfect texture, ways to adjust the flavor, and how to get those picture-perfect berry layers.
  • Storage & meal prep: Cover the ricotta desserts with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Sometimes I meal prep them for breakfast!
  • Freeze: You can freeze these, but the texture gets a little grainy. I still like them half-frozen, as they remind me of ice cream.
  • Note on nutrition info: The optional almonds and whipped cream are not included. Some of you have asked where the sugar comes from — it’s from the ricotta and berries.
  • Note on serving size: These are pretty big desserts. When I want smaller, lighter ones, I divide this ricotta cheese dessert recipe into 8 servings instead of 4, and use smaller cups.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

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Ricotta Dessert

Ricotta cheese dessert recipe pin. - 30