Ricotta Crumb Bars Recipe

If you love rich, creamy desserts that perfectly balance sweet and subtly tangy flavors, you are going to adore these Ricotta Crumb Bars. This delightful treat is all about the luscious ricotta filling nestled between layers of buttery, crumbly dough that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated snack or a stunning dessert to impress friends, Ricotta Crumb Bars blend simple ingredients into something truly special. Trust me, once you try them, these bars will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing brings a recipe together like a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one in this list plays a vital role—from the tender crumbly crust to the creamy, sweet ricotta filling—ensuring these bars have incredible texture, flavor, and just the right touch of richness.

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of the crust and crumb layers, providing structure and that irresistible crumbly bite.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the crust rise subtly, giving it a perfect tenderness.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the crust.
• Butter (¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon): The star of the crust, delivers richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture; remember to keep it at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Ricotta cheese (2 cups): Creates that heavenly creamy filling with a slight tang that lifts the whole bar.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the delicate ricotta flavor.
• Eggs (4): Bind everything together and give the filling a silky, custard-like finish.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and aromatic notes that make every bite feel comforting and indulgent.

How to Make Ricotta Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a 13 by 9 inch baking dish and grease it thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of butter. This step ensures your bars lift out easily after baking, and it adds a subtle buttery flavor that complements the crust perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Mixture

Grab your food processor and combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a few pulses just to mix them well. Then add the butter in small chunks, pulsing until you get a crumbly texture with small butter pieces about the size of peas. This technique is the secret to that perfect buttery, tender crumble that contrasts so beautifully with the creamy filling.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, blend together your ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and silky smooth. This mixture will become the luscious heart of your Ricotta Crumb Bars, offering a lightly sweet and creamy center that bakes into pure perfection.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Press two-thirds of your crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust base. Be gentle but firm—you want an even layer that holds together but stays delicate. Pour your ricotta filling evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly on top. This layering creates a lovely textural contrast in every bite.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is set. Once out of the oven, let your Ricotta Crumb Bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. They are quite tender, so handle with care when cutting into squares. The cooling helps them firm up just enough for perfectly cohesive slices.

How to Serve Ricotta Crumb Bars

Garnishes

These bars shine spectacularly on their own but can be elevated with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. Fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries also provide fresh color and a tangy bite that complements the creamy ricotta wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Ricotta Crumb Bars with a cup of rich coffee or a warm cup of tea to balance the richness with comforting warmth. For a brunch spread, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or a citrusy sorbet to add bright, refreshing notes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at your next gathering, cut the bars into mini bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty serving platter with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. Another idea is to serve each bar with a small scoop of vanilla gelato or whipped cream on the side. These little touches make your homemade bars look like they belong in a high-end bakery display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Ricotta Crumb Bars at room temperature, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil, for up to two days. This keeps the crumb crust from drying out while maintaining the luscious texture of the ricotta filling. Just be sure to store them away from warm or humid spots to preserve their delicate structure.

Freezing

Ricotta Crumb Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars warm, reheat them gently in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Microwaving works too—just zap for 20 to 30 seconds. Be mindful not to overheat, as that can dry out the crumb topping or change the texture of the ricotta layer.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Absolutely! Using part-skim ricotta will reduce the fat content slightly but still give you the creamy consistency needed for the filling. Just be sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Can I add flavor variations to these bars?

Yes! A bit of lemon zest or orange zest stirred into the ricotta mixture adds a bright citrus twist. You can also toss in some mini chocolate chips or swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a new flavor profile.

How do I prevent the crust from getting too hard?

The key is using room temperature butter and pulsing just enough to keep pea-sized butter pieces in the flour. This ensures a tender, crumbly texture instead of a dense, hard crust.

Are Ricotta Crumb Bars suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! Their elegant look and delectable taste make them perfect for holidays, brunches, or dinner parties. They are impressive yet easy to make, so you can enjoy the event without stress.

What should I do if my filling seems too runny?

Make sure your ricotta is well-drained before mixing. If needed, gently press it through a fine sieve or wrap it in cheesecloth to remove excess liquid. This will help your filling set beautifully without weeping.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about homemade Ricotta Crumb Bars that brings joy with every bite. The balance of buttery crumbs and creamy ricotta filling feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I encourage you to try this recipe—it may just become your new favorite go-to dessert or snack that brightens your kitchen and your day.

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