Easy Strawberry Ricotta Dessert

Made with four simple ingredients, this crowd-pleasing Strawberry Ricotta dessert is the perfect no-bake dessert for your dinner parties.

Ricotta cheese, yogurt, and honey are whipped together to create a creamy, luscious base that is visually stunning when layered with strawberries. Such a healthy and refreshing fruit dessert!

I love light fruit desserts, especially in the summer when fresh local fruit is readily available.

After a recent visit to the farmer’s market, I came home with a few baskets of fresh strawberries. I thought it would be the perfect time to update this strawberry ricotta dessert recipe I first shared with you in 2017.

There’s something magical about the combination of naturally sweet strawberries and whipped ricotta cheese.

This simple dessert is perfect for those who enjoy a light, refreshing treat that’s not overly sweet. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create an elegant dessert that’s quick to prepare and delightful to eat.

Today, I’m sharing my secret to achieving a creamy and light ricotta without adding whipped cream or cream cheese.

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to easily make this summer treat.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Let’s prep our recipe
• Assembling the ricotta and strawberries
• What to use as a garnish
• Exploring Different Strawberry Options
• Tips for making the best ricotta strawberry dessert
• FAQ
• Fresh fruit desserts
• Recipe inspiration
• Recipe

Ingredients

• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese forms the base of our dessert. Its mild flavor and creamy texture make it the perfect complement to fresh strawberries. You can make your own ricotta cheese or use a commercial brand.
• Honey: Honey complements the ricotta beautifully. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
• Vanilla Yogurt: This adds a smooth texture and a hint of vanilla. You can use plain Greek yogurt and add a splash of vanilla extract.
• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries bring a burst of color and flavor. You can also use other berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite seasonal fruits.
• Mint Leaves (optional): This herb provides the perfect garnish for our strawberries and ricotta dessert.

Let’s prep our recipe

• Removing Excess Moisture: Whenever I use store-bought ricotta, I like to drain it to remove excess moisture. Up to 12 hours before I need it, I measure out a heaping cup of ricotta (about 270 grams) and place it in a coffee filter set in a sieve over a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate to allow excess moisture to drain.
• Prepare the Strawberries: Rinse 2 cups of fresh strawberries (320 grams/11.3 ounces) under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Hull the strawberries and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Set them aside for now.

• Whipping the ricotta cheese: Using a small food processor or a handheld immersion blender, combine approximately 250 grams of drained ricotta cheese with 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of vanilla yogurt. Whip the mixture for at least 3-5 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and creamy. Taste for sweetness and adjust for personal taste. Scrape down the bowl a few times during the process. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. It can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time. 

Assembling the ricotta and strawberries

It’s now time to assemble and create this easy summer berry treat!

• Start by placing a heaping tablespoon of whipped ricotta at the bottom of each glass. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of strawberries on top. Repeat at least one more time. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves.
• Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

NOTE: You can increase the number of layers depending on the size of your glass and the number of portions you need to make. I will get 4 portions using a small 4-ounce (125 mL) glass. 

What to use as a garnish

For an elegant presentation, I garnished this ricotta and berry dessert with mint leaves and an edible flower. To elevate the dessert further, consider these garnish options:

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle with chopped roasted hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios for added crunch and flavor.
• Cookies: Add an amaretti or pizzelle cookie on top for a delightful touch.
• Healthy Toppings: Boost the nutritional value with a sprinkle of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds, which can also be added as a layer. Another option is using granola. 
• Additional Options: A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few dark chocolate shavings can also enhance the presentation and taste.

Exploring Different Strawberry Options

I love to use fresh, ripe strawberries when they are in season, but there are also many delicious variations to consider. Here are some creative ways to incorporate strawberries into your ricotta dessert.

• Roasted Strawberries: Roast strawberries in the oven to enhance their sweetness and add a unique depth of flavor.
• Strawberry Compote: Use homemade strawberry compote for a rich, syrupy layer.
• Macerated Strawberries: Macerate strawberries by tossing them with a bit of sugar and letting them sit until they release their natural juices.
• Frozen Strawberries: In the winter, thaw frozen strawberries and use as a convenient alternative to fresh berries.

Tips for making the best ricotta strawberry dessert

• Drain the Ricotta Well: For the best texture, ensure that the ricotta is well-drained. Excess moisture can make the dessert runny. Draining for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator will yield a creamier consistency.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the ricotta mixture before assembling. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if needed, or experiment with a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can easily prepare this dessert a few hours in advance. Chill it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

FAQ

Fresh fruit desserts

Recipe inspiration

I have always enjoyed the simple pleasure of eating fresh fruit with ricotta. The creamy, slightly tangy ricotta perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the fruit, making it a favorite treat of mine.

My love for this combination deepened when I discovered whipped ricotta recipes on Pinterest. The idea of transforming ricotta into a light and airy delight intrigued me, and I was hooked from the moment I tried it.

I include a couple of tablespoons of creamy vanilla yogurt in this recipe to add a little creaminess and flavor.

This quick and easy dessert has become my go-to for summer entertaining. It’s incredibly quick to make and always a hit with guests. Its light, refreshing nature makes it a perfect end to any meal, leaving everyone satisfied without feeling overly full.

I like to make this simple dessert, but I’ve been known to transform it into individual trifles by folding Italian pastry cream with whipped ricotta and layering it with my Italian sponge cake. I also love to throw in some frozen blueberries. This effortless variation turns a simple treat into a stunning presentation for special occasions.

For those who share my love of ricotta, I encourage you to explore more ways to enjoy this versatile cheese. Feel free to check out some of my favorite Ricotta Cheese Recipes for more inspiration and ideas.

Summer entertaining has become much easier with this refreshing dessert in your repertoire!

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★★★★★ If you have made this ricotta strawberry dessert, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Recipe

I originally published this post on July 15, 2017, and republished it on July 19, 2024, with updated content, photos and a video. Thanks for sharing.