# Components:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
→ Ricotta Layer
05 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Apple Cinnamon Filling
10 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
14 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
→ Crumb Topping
15 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
16 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 12 minutes until lightly golden.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, egg, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth. Spread evenly over the baked crust.
04 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy. Cool slightly, then spread over ricotta layer.
05 - In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until large crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over apples.
06 - Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until crumb topping is golden and the center is set. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
