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Easy Italian ricotta honey dessert recipe served in glass cups with berries, pistachios, and honey drizzle
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No-Bake Italian Ricotta and Honey Dessert Cups

A quick, creamy Italian-inspired dessert of lightly sweetened ricotta layered in cups and finished with honey, berries, and pistachios. It is an easy make-ahead option for casual family meals or warm-weather gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese 16 ounces / 454 grams
  • 1/3 cup honey plus more for drizzling (4 fluid ounces / 80 milliliters)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 milliliters
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest about 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 15 milliliters
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine salt 0.75 gram
  • 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries (about 8 ounces / 225 grams)
  • 1/4 cup chopped unsalted pistachios optional (1 ounce / 28 grams)
  • 6 small mint leaves optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • If the ricotta looks very wet, spoon it into a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl and let it drain for 10 minutes. This helps the dessert cups stay thick and creamy.
  • Add the ricotta, 1/3 cup honey, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt to a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. For an extra-silky texture, blend the mixture briefly with an immersion blender or food processor.
  • Taste the ricotta mixture. Add a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter dessert, then stir again.
  • Divide the ricotta mixture among 6 small dessert glasses or bowls. Spoon the berries over the top.
  • Finish each cup with a light drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of pistachios, if using. Add mint just before serving. Serve right away, or cover and chill until cold.