Description
Delightful bars combining crisp pastry with smooth ricotta cheesecake, infused with citrus and subtle spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, toasted
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 16 oz ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup toasted pistachios, chopped (optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
- Candied orange strips or fresh orange segments for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment, extending the paper for easy removal.
- Combine graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture holds when pressed. Press into the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Remove and cool slightly.
- Reduce oven to 325°F (160°C). Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add ricotta and mix gently.
- Add powdered sugar, egg, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon. Mix until homogeneous.
- Fold in half the chocolate chips by hand. Pour the mixture over the crust.
- Scatter remaining chocolate chips and pistachios on top.
- Bake for 22-28 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
- Cool on a wire rack to room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into 12 bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
Notes
For a creamy texture, serve bars chilled but not icy. Tips for serving include dusting with confectioners’ sugar and garnishing with candied orange or toasted pistachios.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg