A Simple No-Bake Treat with Fresh Flavor
If you’re looking for a light and elegant way to end a meal, this Strawberry Ricotta Dessert is the perfect choice. Made with just four wholesome ingredients, it’s creamy, fruity, and naturally sweet — no baking required.
Ricotta cheese, yogurt, and honey come together to form a silky, luscious base that pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is simple enough to make any day of the week.
I’m a huge fan of fruit-forward desserts, especially when the market is overflowing with bright, juicy berries. After a weekend trip to my local farmer’s market, I came home with baskets of strawberries that were simply too good to resist. That’s when I decided to revisit one of my favorite summer desserts — and give this ricotta and strawberry recipe a fresh update.
There’s something so satisfying about how creamy ricotta complements the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. It’s not overly rich or heavy, just light, refreshing, and full of real flavor. With a few quick steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks beautiful layered in a glass and tastes like sunshine.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- No baking required: The perfect sweet treat for warm days.
- Healthy and light: Naturally sweetened with honey and full of protein from ricotta and yogurt.
- Beautiful presentation: Layered in glasses or small jars, it looks as good as it tastes.
- Quick and easy: You can prepare it in under 15 minutes, plus a short chill time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dessert so effortlessly delicious:
- Ricotta Cheese: The star of the show! Its soft texture and mild flavor make it the perfect base. You can use store-bought or homemade ricotta.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey adds just the right touch of sweetness. Feel free to swap it for maple syrup or agave if you prefer.
- Vanilla Yogurt: This adds smoothness and a hint of vanilla. Greek yogurt works beautifully here — just add a splash of vanilla extract if you’re using plain.
- Fresh Strawberries: The fresher, the better! Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the most vibrant flavor.
- Optional Garnishes: Mint leaves, lemon zest, or a few chopped nuts can elevate the presentation.
Preparing the Ricotta
To achieve that dreamy, creamy consistency, start by draining your ricotta. Place it in a fine sieve or coffee filter set over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight if possible). This step removes excess liquid and gives you a richer, smoother texture.
Once drained, add the ricotta to a small food processor or use a hand blender. Mix it with honey and yogurt, and blend until the mixture becomes silky and airy — about 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the whipped ricotta for at least one hour to let the flavors blend. You can even prepare it a day ahead for easy entertaining.
Preparing the Strawberries
Rinse and hull about 2 cups of strawberries. Dice them into small pieces and pat dry with a clean towel. If your strawberries aren’t super sweet, you can toss them with a teaspoon of honey or sugar and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to release their natural juices.
Assembling the Dessert
This is the fun part — layering!
- Spoon a generous tablespoon of whipped ricotta into the bottom of a glass or dessert cup.
- Add a spoonful of strawberries on top.
- Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the glass.
- Finish with a garnish of mint leaves, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts.
Serve right away or chill for about 30 minutes before serving. The layers look gorgeous, and the contrast between creamy ricotta and juicy strawberries is irresistible.
Garnish Ideas
A little garnish can turn this simple dessert into something special:
- Mint Leaves: Fresh and fragrant, they add color and brightness.
- Chopped Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for crunch.
- Cookies: A crisp biscotti or pizzelle on the side makes a charming touch.
- Granola or Seeds: Add texture and a healthy boost with chia seeds or granola.
- Drizzle: Try balsamic glaze or melted dark chocolate for a hint of indulgence.
Easy Strawberry Ricotta Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese, drained
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
2 tablespoons vanilla yogurt (Greek or regular)
2 cups (320 g / 11.3 oz) fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
Mint leaves and lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Drain the Ricotta:
Place the ricotta in a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter over a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to remove excess moisture. -
Whip the Mixture:
In a food processor or with a hand blender, combine the drained ricotta, honey, and yogurt. Blend for 3–5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. -
Prepare the Strawberries:
Rinse, hull, and dice the strawberries. Pat dry. If you prefer sweeter berries, toss them with 1 teaspoon of honey and let sit for 10 minutes. -
Assemble:
Spoon a layer of whipped ricotta into a serving glass, followed by a layer of strawberries. Repeat the layers until the glass is full. -
Garnish & Serve:
Top with mint leaves, lemon zest, or chopped nuts. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer version, add a splash of vanilla extract or a dollop of whipped cream.
- To make it extra refreshing, chill the serving glasses before assembling.
- Serve this dessert in small jars for a charming presentation at dinner parties or picnics.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 1 hr
