Lemon desserts have long been a favorite for many, offering a refreshing burst of citrus that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. When combined with the richness of ricotta cheese, the result is an extraordinary treat that tantalizes the taste buds and delivers a refreshing indulgence. Among these, Lemon Ricotta Bars stand out as a uniquely delicious dessert, with a velvety filling sitting atop a buttery, crumbly crust. This recipe is ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.
What Are Lemon Ricotta Bars?
Lemon Ricotta Bars are an irresistible dessert made with a combination of lemon, ricotta cheese, and a crumbly, buttery crust. The rich ricotta filling gives the bars a creamy texture, which is perfectly balanced with the tartness of lemon. These bars have a zesty lemon flavor that is complemented by the softness and smoothness of the ricotta. Whether served for a summer picnic or a holiday gathering, these bars offer a fresh and light dessert option with a touch of indulgence.
The Origin of Lemon Ricotta Bars
Lemon Ricotta Bars are a modern twist on traditional Italian ricotta-based desserts, which have been part of Italy’s rich culinary history for centuries. Ricotta cheese, a staple in Italian cooking, has been used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including pies, cakes, and pastries. The introduction of lemon into ricotta desserts offers a fresh and lively contrast to the creamy texture of ricotta, making these bars a popular choice among dessert lovers worldwide. While not rooted in a single specific Italian region, this dessert reflects the traditional approach of balancing rich ingredients with vibrant flavors.
The pairing of lemon with ricotta, although a newer concept in many homes, has gained popularity because of its light, refreshing flavor and creamy texture that appeals to a wide audience. It’s now a beloved dessert in many households, perfect for sharing at gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients for Lemon Ricotta Bars
To make these Lemon Ricotta Bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Here’s the full list:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained if using fresh)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Lemon Ricotta Bars
Creating the perfect Lemon Ricotta Bars is a straightforward process, but the result is a decadent treat. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a fresh batch ready in no time.
1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they’re cooled.
2: Make the Crust
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and use your hands or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly and starts coming together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use a flat spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden around the edges. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
3: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth and creamy. Ensure that the mixture is free of lumps, especially from the ricotta.
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the ricotta mixture over it. Use a spatula to evenly spread the filling to cover the entire crust.
4: Bake the Bars
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. The center should be slightly firm when you gently shake the pan.
- Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This cooling process is crucial as it allows the filling to firm up and become easy to slice.
5: Cut and Serve
- Once cooled, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer them to a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.
- For an extra touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving.
Tips & Variations for Lemon Ricotta Bars
To elevate your Lemon Ricotta Bars, here are a few helpful tips and variations:
1. Add Lemon Extract:
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling. This will intensify the lemony taste and make the bars even more refreshing.
2. Chill for a Firmer Texture:
If you prefer your bars to have a firmer texture, try chilling them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the filling to set even more, resulting in a thicker, more compact bar.
3. Thicker Crust Option:
If you like a thicker crust, you can increase the crust ingredients by 1.5 times. This will create a more substantial base. You can also press the crust slightly up the sides of the pan to form a thicker outer edge.
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Lemon Ricotta Bars Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Tartness and Creaminess
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Ricotta Bars are a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and buttery flavors that will captivate your taste buds. Their smooth, velvety filling and slightly crumbly crust make them a crowd-pleasing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving a refreshing treat, these bars will surely be a hit.
Ingredients
For the crust:
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the filling:
-
2 cups ricotta cheese (drained if using fresh)
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
3 large eggs
-
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
-
Zest of 2 lemons
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they’re cooled.
Step 2: Make the Crust
-
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
-
Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and use your hands or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly and starts coming together.
-
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use a flat spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly.
-
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden around the edges. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth and creamy. Ensure that the mixture is free of lumps, especially from the ricotta.
-
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the ricotta mixture over it. Use a spatula to evenly spread the filling to cover the entire crust.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
-
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. The center should be slightly firm when you gently shake the pan.
-
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This cooling process is crucial as it allows the filling to firm up and become easy to slice.
Step 5: Cut and Serve
-
Once cooled, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer them to a cutting board.
-
Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.
-
For an extra touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving.
Notes
These Lemon Ricotta Bars are best served chilled for a refreshing treat. Perfect for spring brunches, afternoon tea, or anytime you crave something sweet and citrusy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—if they last that long!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Lemon Ricotta Bars Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these Lemon Ricotta Bars can be made ahead of time. In fact, chilling them for a few hours or overnight can enhance their texture. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
While ricotta cheese provides the signature creamy texture for this recipe, you can substitute it with cream cheese or mascarpone for a different flavor profile. However, these alternatives will change the taste and texture slightly.
3. Can I freeze these Lemon Ricotta Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to preserve freshness. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge for several hours before serving.
4. Can I use store-bought lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always the best for this recipe as it provides a more vibrant flavor. However, store-bought lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though it may not have the same fresh citrus zing.
Conclusion
Lemon Ricotta Bars are a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and buttery flavors that will captivate your taste buds. Their smooth, velvety filling and slightly crumbly crust make them a crowd-pleasing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving a refreshing treat, these bars will surely be a hit.
The simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and adaptable variations make this recipe a go-to for anyone looking to add a bit of zest to their dessert lineup. Try it today and enjoy a fresh, indulgent treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds!