Italian Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (110g) butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (450g) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with butter.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and ricotta cheese until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cheesecake cool completely before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Italian cheesecake is a traditional Italian dessert that is typically served at weddings and special occasions.
• Ricotta cheese is the traditional cheese used in Italian cheesecake, but other types of cheese can be used.
• The texture of Italian cheesecake is light and fluffy, unlike the dense texture of American cheesecake.