Last Updated on March 13, 2021 by Ellen Christian
You will love this Gluten Free Italian Easter Pie! Pastiera di grano is an Italian dessert served at Easter. Try this gluten free ricotta pie.
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Finding gluten free Easter desserts everyone enjoys is a bit of a challenge. Most of the desserts I see are for cookies, cupcakes, and cakes which just don’t taste like their non-gluten-free counterparts.
If you want to try something different, why not learn how to make cannolis. Or, learn how to make this Easter Bread Wreath Recipe.
Gluten Free Italian Easter Pie – Pastiera di Grano
I also wanted a dessert that didn’t have food coloring which left out most of the pink, yellow, green, and blue colored desserts I’ve seen lately. This Gluten-Free Italian Easter Pie has no food coloring and is made from scratch using healthy ingredients.
I’m part of a group of bloggers that remakes a pin that they find on Pinterest and turns it into something of their own. The original recipe I found was not GF and that wouldn’t have worked for our family.
With a few simple adjustments, I turned this into a gluten free ricotta pie that everyone can enjoy.
Tools / equipment needed
- Pie plate
- Whisk
- Sifter
What is an Italian Easter pie?
An Italian Easter Pie or Pastiera is actually more similar to a cake than a pie and originates from the Naples area of Italy. History says that it was probably a nun who created the modern-day Pastiera di Grano.
She wanted the cake which was to be a symbol of the resurrection to have the perfume of the orange flowers that grew on nearby orange trees in the convent’s gardens. She mixed wheat (Grano), ricotta cheese, and eggs (which are the symbol of new life) and water that had the fragrance of the orange flowers. And, she also added candied citron and spices.
What’s the tradition behind this dessert?
Traditionally, the Italian Easter Pie should be cooked several days in advance of Easter – generally on Good Friday – so that the flavors have a chance to meld. This version doesn’t call for making it that far ahead but you certainly can if you want to.
How do you make Italian Easter pie?
This is a fairly simple recipe but your guests will think you put so much time into making it. It has a light, delicate amount of sweetness that appeals to most adults.
If your kids are used to a super sweet dessert, they may not be as impressed. They may enjoy this Angel Lush.
How do you serve Italian Easter pie?
This traditional gluten free ricotta pie is served cold dusted with confectioners sugar. You can serve a few slices of oranges with this dessert if you like.
But, traditionally, you serve it dusted with sugar.
How can I store a gluten free ricotta pie?
If you have leftovers, cover the top tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for three to five days. Sadly, this cannot be frozen.
So, make sure you eat it all before it goes bad.
Here are a few more Easter ideas you may enjoy. Why not try my three-cheese macaroni and cheese recipe for a side dish.
Or, you may also like Healthier Desserts Chocolate Coconut Bars. It’s one of my father’s favorite treats.
Gluten Free Italian Easter Pie
You will love this Gluten Free Italian Easter Pie! Pastiera di grano is an Italian dessert served at Easter. Try this gluten free ricotta pie.
Ingredients
- 1 gluten free pie crust
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp gluten free flour blend
- 1 tbsp grated orange zest
- 1 tsp orange extract
- 4 eggs
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sugar, flour, orange zest and orange extract.
- In a different bowl, whisk the eggs for 5 minutes.
- Fold eggs into cheese mixture.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust. Sprinkle on the chocolate chips.
- Bake for 50 minutes. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR.
- When the timer goes off, turn off the oven and open the oven door a crack. Allow it to cool completely before you remove it from the oven.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 404Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 180mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 1gSugar: 44gProtein: 11g
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
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