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Home » Recipe Type » Tarts & Pies » Italian Pistachio Ricotta Crostata

Italian Pistachio Ricotta Crostata

By: Rosemary Published: May 17, 2021 Updated on: June 30, 2021

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This Italian Pistachio Ricotta Crostata is creamy and delicious. A ricotta cheese filling with the addition of chopped pistachios makes it the perfect snack or dessert pie!

pistachio crostata on a black cake stand.

Everytime I make something sweet the Italian is always there wondering if pistachios might be a good idea to add in. And to tell the truth he was right in this case. Rather than the usual chocolate chips I substituted with chopped pistachios. It turned out perfectly delicious, and I hope for you too!

Table of Contents

  • How to make it
      • Never Miss a Recipe!
  • What are the ingredients in Italian Pastry Dough?
  • Making Homemade Italian Pie Dough
  • Are pistachios good for you?
  • How to roast pistachios
  • How to chop pistachios
  • Can I substitute the Pistachios?
  • How to tell if the Ricotta Cheese has gone bad
  • How to store the Crostata
  • How to freeze it
  • More Delicious Pistachio Recipes
  • Italian Pistachio Ricotta Crostata
    • Ingredients  1x2x3x
      • *If you can't find coarsely chopped pistachios then you can chop your own, using a sharp knife or food processor. Instructions in the post.
    • Instructions 
      • PUTTING IT TOGETHER
    • Notes
    • Nutrition

How to make it

Prepare the crostata dough, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

While the dough is chilling make the ricotta filling. In a large bowl beat until smooth the ricotta, vanilla, egg, sugar and cream, fold in the coarsely chopped pistachios.

the ricotta cream filling in a red bowl before & after adding the pistachios.

Remove the dough from fridge and knead the dough a couple of times to soften it up, divide the dough into 2 parts, place one part on a floured flat surface. Roll out to 1/8″ thickness round circle. Be sure to lightly flour the rolling pin also.

Transfer the circle to the prepared pie plate, trim the dish of any extra dough. Prick the dough with the tongs of a fork, then sprinkle with some chopped pistachios and top with the Ricotta cream mixture.

pie crust sprinkled with chopped pistachios & ricotta cream spread on top.

With the extra dough make strips to create a lattice finish.

making the strips for the lattice top.

Line them criss cross on the top of the crostata. Any excess dough can be frozen in a freezer safe bag.

Crisscrossing the strands on top of the crostata.
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    Brush top lightly with milk and bake until golden. Let cool before enjoying. To make it even more delicious, once the crostata has cooled, refrigerate for an hour before serving. This crostata is even better the day after!

    What are the ingredients in Italian Pastry Dough?

    Italian Pastry Dough consists of flour, sugar, baking powder, butter (usually room temperature) and an egg and an egg yolk. The egg makes the dough even flakier.

    Making Homemade Italian Pie Dough

    Making your own homemade dough is not as difficult as it seems. Especially if you use a food processor. Although making it with your hands is fine too. Place the dry ingredients in the bowl of the machine, whisk them together then add the butter and eggs, pulse to combine.

    Move the dough to a lightly floured flat surface and gently knead into a smooth ball. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

    Are pistachios good for you?

    Healthline has this to say about Pistachios, they are a great source of healthy fats, fibre, protein, antioxidants, and various nutrients, including vitamin B6 and thiamine. Their health effects may also help with weight loss, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and improved gut, eye, and blood vessel health.

    Crostata on a black cake plate with a slice on a black plate with a fork.

    How to roast pistachios

    If you can’t find the pistachios already coarsely chopped then you will have to chop them yourself, you may want to roast them first. Although I used un roasted chopped pistachios. Pre-heat the oven and spread the nuts on a cookie sheet. Bake for about 6-8 minutes, check to make sure they don’t burn.

    Remove from the oven and place the pistachios on a clean towel. Rub them to remove the skins. Let cool before chopping. They are done when they turn light brown and they will start to give off a nutty, fragrant smell. You can also check by cutting one in half, if they are done it should be an even pale brown colour.

    How to chop pistachios

    They can be coarsely chopped using a food processor or blender, pulse quickly in short spurts, until the correct size is done. Or you can use a sharp knife, moving the knife up and down until chopped to size.

    Crostata on a black cake plate with a silver spatula.

    Can I substitute the Pistachios?

    Yes you can, you can substitute with chocolate chips, either white, milk or dark or use your choice of coarsely chopped nuts or even raisins soaked in rum.

    How to tell if the Ricotta Cheese has gone bad

    The best way to tell is by the smell and appearance. If it has turned yellow or has an off odour or flavour, or if any mould appears it should be thrown away.

    How to store the Crostata

    Any leftovers should be covered in plastic and refrigerated. It will keep for up to 2-3 days in the fridge.

    How to freeze it

    Cool the crostata completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Place in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator.

    More Delicious Pistachio Recipes

    • Easy Italian Pistachio Cookies
    • Pistachio Tiramisu
    • Homemade Pistachio Cream

    I would love if you tried this recipe and of course let me know what you think. Enjoy!

    a slice of crostata on a black plate with a fork.
    Crostata on a black plate stand with a slice on a black plate with a fork.

    Italian Pistachio Ricotta Crostata

    Rosemary Molloy
    This Italian Pistachio Ricotta Crostata is creamy and delicious. A ricotta cheese filling & pistachios makes it the perfect dessert!
    5 from 14 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    Prep Time 1 hr 30 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Chilling Time 30 mins
    Total Time 2 hrs 35 mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 248 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 crostata recipe
    • 1 cup ricotta cheese (room temperature) (250 grams)
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 large egg
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1½ tablespoons whole/whipping/heavy cream
    • 6-7 tablespoons chopped pistachios (divided)*

    *If you can't find coarsely chopped pistachios then you can chop your own, using a sharp knife or food processor. Instructions in the post.

      Instructions
       

      • Prepare the Crostata Dough, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
      • While the dough is chilling make the ricotta filling. In a medium – large bowl beat until smooth the ricotta, vanilla, egg, sugar and cream, fold in the 4 tablespoons of the coarsely chopped pistachios.

      PUTTING IT TOGETHER

      • Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C). Grease and flour an 8 or 9 inch (20-22 cm) pie plate.
      • Remove the dough from fridge and knead the dough a couple of times to soften it up, divide the dough into 2 parts, place one part on a floured flat surface. Roll out to 1/8″ thickness round circle. Be sure to lightly flour the rolling pin also.
      • Transfer the dough circle to the prepared pie plate, trim the dish of any extra dough. Prick the dough with the tongs of a fork, then sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the chopped pistachios on top. Spread the Ricotta cream mixture evenly over the nuts.
      • Roll out the 2nd part and cut to make 10 strips to create a lattice finish. Place 5 of the strips across the pie and the other 5 over in a criss cross form (see photos).
      • Brush the top of the crostata lightly with milk and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until golden. Let cool before enjoying.

      Notes

      To make it even more delicious, once the crostata has cooled, refrigerate for an hour or 2 before serving. This crostata is even better the day after!
      For room temperature remove from the fridge about 45-60 minutes before using.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 167mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 207IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 1mg
      Keyword Italian Dessert, pistachio crostata, pistachio ricotta crostata, ricotta crostata, ricotta pie
      Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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        1. Rose Maccari says

          January 19, 2023 at 1:54 am

          Love your recipes, I made this one changed a little I used almond flavor gave it a nice taste, my next one to make is the apple one.

          Reply
          • Rosemary says

            January 21, 2023 at 7:36 pm

            Hi Rose, thanks so much so glad you like the recipes. Good idea with the almond flavouring. Take care and have a great weekend!

            Reply
        2. L says

          July 8, 2021 at 6:56 pm

          You say to use 6-7 tbsp pistachios but then when chopped , to use 2-3 tbsps of the nuts.. what do we do with the rest?

          You mention in your recipe
          *Divided*
          What does that mean?

          Reply
          • Rosemary says

            July 8, 2021 at 8:47 pm

            Hi L, well 4 tablespoons is folded into the ricotta filling and 2-3 tablespoons are sprinkled on the dough before adding the filling. So that would be 6-7 tablespoons. Hope that helps. Let me know how it goes.

            Reply
            • L says

              July 10, 2021 at 3:19 am

              Thank you!, I read that in the directions, pie is so delish! Wow!
              Also I have a hard time rolling out the dough, is there a trick to rolling it out?
              I get so frustrated because it’s so buttery and hard fo handle, I got my husband to assemble the pie, I have to say he’s got more patience than me.. lol
              He did a great job.
              Thanks again

            • Rosemary says

              July 10, 2021 at 7:34 am

              Hi L thanks so much, so glad you enjoy it. I know, making pastry is not my favourite part of baking although I always love the outcome. Make sure to flour the flat surface well and the rolling pin and dough, although try not to overdo it because then the dough isn’t as flaky and buttery, so basically I guess patience is also needed 🙂 . Have a great weekend.

        3. Rose says

          May 21, 2021 at 11:55 am

          Jello Rosemary,
          Sounds delicious!
          What size pan do you recommend?
          Thanks
          R

          Reply
          • Rosemary says

            May 21, 2021 at 1:53 pm

            Hi Rose, thanks, 8 or 9 inch pie plate will work. Let me know how it goes.

            Reply
        4. Sonia says

          May 20, 2021 at 1:46 am

          5 stars
          Can’t wait to try this. Love your jam crostata recipe. There are so many different types of Ricotta textures in the store, which should I buy ?

          Reply
          • Rosemary says

            May 20, 2021 at 12:16 pm

            Hi Sonia, you should look for a creamy whole milk ricotta, extra smooth which is apparently for desserts. Hope that helps. Let me know.

            Reply
            • Sonia says

              May 20, 2021 at 9:01 pm

              Thanks so much for the quick reply

        Hi, I'm Rosemary.

        Living in Italy I learned to cook authentic Italian dishes using whole ingredients, fresh veggies and delicious spices. So take a seat and have a taste! Read More

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