Ricotta Cheese:
Grams to Cups
One cup of ricotta cheese weighs 246 grams. Soft, creamy, and mildly sweet, ricotta is a cornerstone of Italian baking — essential in cannoli filling, sfogliatelle, cheesecake, and light, pillowy ricotta pancakes.
Convert Ricotta Cheese
1 cup = 246 grams
= — grams
= — cups
Quick reference
Measurement Table
| Cups | Grams | Ounces |
|---|---|---|
| ⅛ cup | 31 g | 1.09 oz |
| ¼ cup | 62 g | 2.19 oz |
| ⅓ cup | 82 g | 2.89 oz |
| ½ cup | 123 g | 4.34 oz |
| ⅔ cup | 164 g | 5.78 oz |
| ¾ cup | 185 g | 6.53 oz |
| 1 cup | 246 g | 8.68 oz |
| 1¼ cups | 308 g | 10.86 oz |
| 1½ cups | 369 g | 13.02 oz |
| 2 cups | 492 g | 17.35 oz |
| 3 cups | 738 g | 26.03 oz |
About Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is a whey cheese made by re-curdling the whey left over from other cheese-making processes. Its delicate, slightly grainy texture and mild dairy flavor make it one of the most versatile cheeses in baking. At 246 g per cup, it's similar in density to sour cream and slightly lighter than cream cheese.
Whole-milk ricotta is the standard for baking, providing a rich, creamy texture. Part-skim ricotta has a drier, grainier consistency and less fat, which can make baked goods like cheesecake less smooth and lush. Low-fat or fat-free ricotta is not recommended for baking as it adds too much moisture without the fat needed for structure.
The moisture content of ricotta varies considerably between brands and types. When using ricotta in a filling (such as cannoli or cheesecake), draining excess moisture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for 30–60 minutes prevents a watery final result. For ricotta pancakes or muffins (where moisture is welcome), use it straight from the container.
Fresh ricotta has a shorter shelf life than aged cheeses. Use within 2–3 days of opening. For baking, choose ricotta with the most days remaining before its best-before date to ensure the freshest flavor and safest results.
Tips for measuring Ricotta Cheese
- Drain in a strainer for 30–60 min when using in fillings to prevent watery results.
- Use whole-milk ricotta for baking — part-skim creates a drier, grainier texture.
- Bring to room temperature before mixing for smoother incorporation.
- Check the moisture level: drain if watery, use as-is for moist pancake batters.
Common mistakes
- Using part-skim or fat-free ricotta in cheesecake — it lacks fat for smooth, rich texture.
- Not draining when making fillings — excess moisture makes cannoli and pie fillings watery.
- Measuring cold, dense ricotta without checking if it has separated — stir first.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many grams in a cup of Ricotta Cheese?
- 1 cup of Ricotta Cheese weighs 246 grams. This is the standard measurement used in most American recipes.
- How many cups is 246 grams of Ricotta Cheese?
- 246 grams of Ricotta Cheese equals exactly 1 cup. For partial amounts, use the converter above or the measurement table.
- Is 246 g per cup accurate for all brands?
- 246 g/cup is the widely accepted standard. Minor brand-to-brand variation exists (±5–10%), but for most baking purposes this figure is reliable.