Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it lightly and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the torta once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, flour, and salt. Using a whisk or a hand mixer, blend everything until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps in the ricotta.
Step 3: Pour into the Pan
Once the mixture is well combined, pour it into the prepared springform pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure an even surface.
Step 4: Bake
Place the torta in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. It might still jiggle slightly in the center—this is normal!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
After baking, turn off the oven and let the torta cool in the oven for about 10 minutes with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracking. Remove it from the oven, let it cool completely at room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and add fresh fruit or a drizzle of sauce on top if desired.
Variations
Chocolate Torta di Ricotta: Add 50g of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolate-flavored version.
Fruit-Infused: Fold in fresh berries or chopped dried fruits into the ricotta mixture for added flavor and texture.
Lemon or Orange Ricotta: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a citrusy twist.