Description
Deliciously simple and cozy, these Ricotta Crumb Bars feature a buttery crumb topping that harmonizes perfectly with a creamy ricotta filling, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup All purpose flour (Can be substituted with gluten free baking blend.)
- 1/2 cup Sugar (granulated) (Can replace part with light brown sugar.)
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt (Reduce if using salted butter.)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Use cold for a crumbly texture.)
Filling
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese (Whole milk ricotta is preferred.)
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Lemon zest (Optional but recommended.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Crumb Mixture
- In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles sandy pebbles.
Assembly
- Press a little more than half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the lined pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the ricotta filling over the base and sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
Baking
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
To enhance flavor, cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts. These bars can be made ahead of time and are best served at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: Italian