If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines creamy richness with melt-in-your-mouth texture, the Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe is here to charm your taste buds. This recipe offers perfectly tender squares with the subtle tang of ricotta cheese balanced by bursts of melting chocolate chips. It’s an irresistible treat that feels fancy enough for guests but is surprisingly simple to make. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and a beautiful golden color in your pastry squares.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides moistness and a creamy texture that sets these squares apart.
- Sugar: Sweetens the batter just right for a decadent bite.
- Butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a soft crumb.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic notes enhancing the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough for the perfect tenderness.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle rise ensuring the squares aren’t dense.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Chocolate chips: Deliver pockets of melty chocolate throughout every square.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Adds a lovely finishing touch and gentle sweetness as a dusting.
How to Make Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the perfect temperature to bake your pastry squares evenly, allowing them to develop a golden top without drying out inside.
Step 2: Cream the Base
In a large bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and softened butter until smooth and luxuriously creamy. This step ensures a silky batter foundation that will translate into tender squares.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into your creamy mixture. Stirring these in thoroughly helps build structure while infusing that classic, comforting vanilla flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl, then slowly mix them into your wet ingredients. Mixing gently until just combined keeps the batter light and prevents toughness.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips with care to distribute them evenly without overmixing. This step is where the promise of gooey, melty chocolate within each square really takes shape.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Pour your batter into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. This helps to create an even layer that will bake uniformly.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your pastry squares for about 25 to 30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is your sign that they are perfectly baked — soft, yet set.
Step 8: Cool Before Cutting
Allow the squares to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely is key to letting them set so the squares cut cleanly without crumbling.
Step 9: Optional Finishing Touch
If you like, add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a pretty presentation and a touch of extra sweetness before slicing into neat squares.
How to Serve Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate these squares for any occasion. Fresh berries also make a lovely, colorful contrast that pairs wonderfully with the creamy ricotta.
Side Dishes
Serve these pastry squares alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea for a perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. They also make a delightful end to a casual brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the squares with layers of whipped cream and fruit for a fancy dessert parfait or cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces to create a charming pastry platter for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover pastry squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer keeping, refrigeration is a good option but can slightly firm the texture.
Freezing
These squares freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftover or thawed squares in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through to recapture their fresh-baked softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta in this recipe?
Yes, low-fat ricotta works fine, but keep in mind it may reduce some richness and moisture. Full-fat ricotta gives the best creamy texture and flavor.
Are these pastry squares gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to accommodate gluten-free diets.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips for another ingredient?
Definitely! You can swap chocolate chips for dried fruit, nuts, or even small chunks of your favorite candy to make the recipe your own.
How long do these pastry squares stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature, they stay fresh for about two days, and a little longer if refrigerated. They are best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Is it necessary to dust with powdered sugar?
Not at all. Powdered sugar is optional and adds a decorative sweetness, but the squares are delicious without it too.
Final Thoughts
This Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe is a wonderful little gem that brings simple ingredients together to create something truly special and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these squares will quickly become a treasured favorite. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself baking it again and again!
Print
Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
Description
Delight in these Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares, a soft and creamy treat combining rich ricotta cheese with sweet chocolate chips. Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack, these squares boast a tender texture and a subtle hint of vanilla, baked to golden perfection and optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Pastry Squares
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pastry squares.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, and softened butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamy mixture and stir well until fully blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning in the batter.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the pastry.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter to evenly disperse the chocolate through the mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the pastry is cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the pastry squares to cool slightly in the baking dish. Then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their texture.
- Optional Finishing: Before serving, dust the top of the squares with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the pastry tender.
- Use full-fat ricotta cheese for the creamiest and richest flavor.
- Chocolate chips can be substituted with chunks or your favorite mix-ins such as nuts or dried fruit.
- Cooling completely before cutting allows the pastry squares to set properly and cut neatly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
