Ricotta and Lemon Squares

The ricotta and lemon squares are a fresh and easy-to-prepare dessert. Many appreciate them for their delicate flavor and citrusy aroma. Here is the recipe to make these delicious treats.

Ingredients

• 250 g of flour
• 100 g of sugar
• 100 g of butter
• 1 egg
• 1 lemon (grated zest)
• 250 g of ricotta
• 80 g of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix the flour with 100 g of sugar and a pinch of salt.

2. Add the cold butter, cut into small pieces, and start working the dough until it becomes a sandy mixture.

3. Add the egg and knead until it forms a homogeneous ball. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, in another bowl, combine the ricotta, powdered sugar, grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until you get a smooth and homogeneous cream.

5. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.

6. Roll out the dough into a sheet about 5 mm thick and line a previously buttered and floured rectangular baking tray, making sure the edges are raised. Prick the bottom with a fork.

7. Pour the ricotta cream over the rolled-out dough and level the surface.

8. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the surface appears golden and slightly puffed.

9. Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares or rectangles.

10. If desired, you can dust the squares with additional powdered sugar before serving.

Curiosity

Desserts based on ricotta and lemon are typical of Italian cuisine, especially in the South, where citrus fruits are abundant. Ricotta makes the texture of these cakes incredibly soft, and the addition of lemon zest delicately fragrances them, making them perfect to conclude a meal or to accompany an afternoon tea.

I hope you have fun preparing and especially tasting these exquisite squares! If you have any questions or are curious about variations or combinations, I’m here to help.