Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares: Creamy Centers with a Crisp Edge

A Cozy Bake to Share with a Hungry Friend

On a weekend afternoon, the kitchen whispers with the scent of vanilla and melted butter, and you know something good is about to happen. These Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares come together in a flash, giving you a panful of soft, custardy centers and a lightly crisp crust that begs to be sliced into perfect squares. They’re the kind of treat you reach for with a mug of coffee or a cold glass of milk, no fuss required.

The secret is the ricotta—moist but not heavy, it keeps every bite tender and almost creamy. Add a splash of vanilla and a spark of citrus zest if you like, and you’ve got a snack that tastes indulgent without feeling overly rich. Bake a batch, share a few, and save the rest for your next brownie-and-coffee-alliance moment.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour — 1 1/2 cups (190 g). Provides structure; gluten-free option: try a 1-to-1 GF blend with 1/4 tsp xanthan gum per cup.
• Granulated sugar — 2/3 cup (133 g). Sweetens and helps browning; you can swap in part coconut sugar for a tropical note.
• Light brown sugar — 1/4 cup (50 g). Adds moisture and a mild caramel flavor; substitute with extra granulated sugar if you prefer a crisper finish.
• Baking powder — 1 teaspoon. Leavening to lift the batter; whisk it into the dry ingredients for even distribution.
• Salt — 1/4 teaspoon. Balances sweetness and deepens flavor; if using salted butter, reduce slightly.
• Ricotta cheese — 1 cup (250 g). Creates a moist, creamy crumb; choose full-fat for richness; drain briefly if very watery.
• Eggs — 2 large. Bind the mixture and help set the squares; room temperature helps emulsification.
• Vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon. Aroma enhancer; pure vanilla gives the best flavor.
• Unsalted butter — 1/2 cup (115 g), melted and cooled. Adds tenderness and a gentle butter flavor.
• Mini chocolate chips — 3/4 cup (120 g). Fiiill pockets of melted goodness; toss with a teaspoon of flour if they tend to sink.
• Lemon zest — 1 small (optional). Brightens the batter; orange zest also works beautifully.
• Powdered sugar — for dusting (optional).
• Milk for glaze — 1–2 tablespoons (optional). Mix into powdered sugar for a light drizzle after baking.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the ricotta, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle in the melted butter and whisk until glossy and fully incorporated.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. A few streaks of flour are okay—overmixing makes the squares tougher.
5. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and the lemon zest, if using. Don’t overwork the batter; you want a thick, creamy consistency.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. A little batter around the edges bakes into a delicate crusty edge.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
8. Cool completely in the pan on a rack. If you’d like, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze before slicing into squares.
9. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang, then cut into 9 equal squares. Serve room temperature for the creamiest bite.

Tips & Variations

Gluten-Free Version

Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum per cup if your blend doesn’t already include it. Expect a slightly denser crumb and shorter bake time; start checking at 22 minutes.

Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly

Prepare the batter through step 4, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the squares, cool completely, and freeze them in airtight bags for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 8–12 minutes or warm briefly in the microwave for a softer texture.

Flavor Twists

Try adding 1/2 teaspoon almond extract in place of part of the vanilla, or fold in 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest for a brighter bar. Sub in chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different melt-in-your-mouth moment. A pinch of espresso powder enhances the chocolate.

Storage & Reheating

Store baked squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to revive the soft centers.

Serving Suggestions

These squares shine as a coffee-break treat or a casual dessert. Pair with a cup of espresso, a glass of cold milk, or a dollop of vanilla yogurt for extra creaminess. For a lighter option, plate with a simple berry salad and a citrusy drizzle.

Presentation tips: dust with a fine veil of powdered sugar, add a light lemon zest ribbon on top, or drizzle a thin chocolate glaze in a zigzag pattern for a finished look. Arrange on a small serving board with fresh fruit for a pretty, shareable platter.

FAQs

Will these squares hold their shape if I bake them in a larger or smaller pan?

Using a different pan size affects bake time and thickness. For a thinner bar, use a 9×13-inch pan and bake 18–22 minutes. For a deeper, fudgier center, stick with the 8×8-inch pan and bake toward the upper end of the time range, watching for a just-set center.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can mix the batter through step 4, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake as directed. The chilling helps develop flavors and makes slicing even easier. You can also bake and refrigerate, then rewarm before serving.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore the soft centers. You can also warm individual squares in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Can I swap in a different filling or add nuts?

Yes. Try chopped toasted almonds or pecans for a nutty crunch, or fold in a tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy note. If you’re using a different filling (like ricotta-alternative cheeses), ensure the texture remains thick enough to hold together during baking.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can experiment with dairy-free ricotta alternatives and a plant-based butter, but keep in mind dairy-free cheeses may behave differently in baking. Start with 3/4 cup non-dairy ricotta and 1/2 cup dairy-free butter, and adjust the batter’s moisture with a splash of non-dairy milk as needed.

What if my chocolate chips sink?

Tlink chips with a tablespoon of flour before folding to help them stay suspended. Alternatively, press some extra chips on top after spreading the batter to ensure chocolatey pockets on top.

Final Thoughts

Simple ingredients, a creamy interior, and a crisp edge—that’s what these Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pastry Squares deliver in every bite. They’re easy to mix, delicious to share, and wonderfully forgiving for weeknight baking or lazy Sunday breakfasts. Grab a cup of coffee, slice a square, and let the cozy flavors do the talking.