Ricotta Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars (Print)

Cinnamon apple bars layered with ricotta and buttery crust, finished with a golden crumb topping for autumn flair.

# Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

→ Ricotta Layer

05 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Apple Cinnamon Filling

10 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
14 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Crumb Topping

15 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
16 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, extending edges for easy removal.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12 minutes until lightly golden.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until a smooth mixture forms. Evenly spread over the warm crust.
04 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until apples are tender but retain their shape. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
05 - Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the ricotta layer in the pan.
06 - Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until large crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over apple layer.
07 - Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the center is set. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
  • Layered dessert that looks beautiful and tastes even better
  • Great make-ahead treat for gatherings or school lunches
02 -
  • High in protein thanks to the ricotta cheese
  • Perfect way to use up extra apples during the fall harvest
  • Freezes well for up to two months
03 -
  • For the flakiest crust work quickly with cold butter and do not overmix
  • Always let the bars cool fully before slicing for neat edges
  • Taste your apples before cooking (if they are extra tart you may want to add an extra spoonful of sugar)

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