These flourless ricotta and chocolate squares are perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a more formal gathering. The contrast of the rich, creamy ricotta, the smooth chocolate, and the citrusy zest will captivate your taste buds and leave everyone craving more. They are wonderfully indulgent, but with the added bonus of being gluten-free, making them a versatile treat for a variety of dietary needs.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 2 cups (500 g) ricotta cheese (sheepโs or cowโs, very dry)
- 4 large eggs
- ยพ cup (150 g) sugar
- ยฝ cup (60 g) dark chocolate chips
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- Powdered sugar, for decoration
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the squares from sticking. This ensures easy removal after baking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly until smooth. Add the ricotta cheese and sugar to the eggs, mixing until everything is fully combined. You want the mixture to be silky and smooth, so make sure the ricotta is very dry and well-drained to avoid any excess moisture.
- Add the Flavorings: Stir in the orange zest and orange juice into the ricotta and egg mixture. The citrus will add a refreshing, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the chocolate. Be sure to mix well until the zest is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Incorporate the Chocolate: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt slightly as the mixture bakes, creating little pockets of gooey chocolate goodness that contrast wonderfully with the creamy texture of the ricotta.
- Bake the Squares: Pour the prepared batter into the greased or lined baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The texture should be firm but slightly soft in the middle, giving it a custard-like consistency.
- Cool and Set: Once the squares are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, transfer the squares to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to allow the squares to firm up and set perfectly.
- Serve and Decorate: When the squares have cooled completely, cut them into neat squares or bars. Dust the top with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. The powdered sugar enhances the visual appeal of the dish and adds a delicate sweetness to every bite.
