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Ricotta Crumb Bars Recipe

3.9 from 43 reviews

These Ricotta Crumb Bars are a delicate and tender dessert featuring a buttery crumb crust and a creamy ricotta cheese filling. Perfect for a sweet treat, they are easy to prepare and yield 36 servings, making them ideal for gatherings or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust and Topping

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (12 Tablespoons) butter, room temperature, plus 1 Tablespoon for greasing the baking dish

For the Filling

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese (1 lb)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Crumb Mixture: In a food processor, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix. Add the butter in 1 tablespoon pieces and pulse until the mixture has a crumbly texture with pea-sized butter pieces dispersed evenly.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Form the Crust: Pour two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish and firmly press it down evenly to form a solid base.
  5. Add the Filling and Crumb Topping: Pour the ricotta filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the filling for a crumbly topping.
  6. Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is set.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool for 10 minutes to set before cutting into 36 pieces. Handle gently as the bars are delicate. Store covered at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make sure butter is at room temperature before mixing for easier blending and better crumb texture.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for best creaminess in filling.
  • These bars are best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
  • Handle the bars gently when cutting to avoid crumbling due to the delicate texture.
  • You can add lemon zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for extra flavor.

Keywords: ricotta bars, crumb bars, dessert bars, ricotta cheese dessert, crumb crust dessert, ricotta dessert bars, easy baked bars