Pin It Ricotta Berry Blondie Cups are my answer to when you want the comfort of blondies but crave something just a little more festive. With a buttery, chewy base, creamy ricotta center, and bursts of tart-sweet berries, these cups turn dessert or brunch into a small celebration. They are simple enough for a weeknight bake yet impressive enough for gatherings or a cozy Sunday treat.
I first baked these for a family picnic, and my friends now race to the dessert table whenever they know I am bringing them. The combination of creamy ricotta and juicy berries always disappears fast.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Gives richness and keeps these blondies ultra moist. Choose high-quality European-style butter if available.
- Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and chewy texture. Pack it firmly when measuring for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and helps the blondie structure.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and creates a tender crumb. Use room temperature eggs for even mixing.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic background flavor. Pure vanilla is worth the splurge.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base and gives just the right amount of chew. Spoon and level for accuracy.
- Baking powder: Ensures lift and prevents the cups from being too dense.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides the creamy, luscious filling. Look for whole milk ricotta and drain off excess liquid to avoid soggy cups.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens the ricotta and adds floral notes. Local honey brings nuanced flavor.
- Lemon zest: Brightens the whole dessert with fresh citrus aroma. Choose unwaxed lemons if possible.
- Mixed fresh berries: Add color, juicy texture, and tartness. Pick ripe, firm berries for best results. I love the mix of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 175 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place paper liners in a 12-cup muffin tin or lightly grease each cavity so the blondies release easily.
- Make the Blondie Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk for about a minute until the mixture looks glossy and uniform. This step helps develop chewiness and blends the sugars fully.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla:
- Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Beat until completely combined and smooth. Mixing well now ensures your blondies are tender and evenly flavored.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt directly over the wet mixture. Gently fold until you see no visible dry streaks but stop as soon as it comes together to avoid a tough texture. The batter will be somewhat thick.
- Portion the Blondie Base:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, divide the blondie batter evenly among all twelve muffin cups. Each cavity will take about two tablespoons. Press the batter down slightly to create a well for the ricotta.
- Prepare Ricotta Filling:
- In a separate medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, honey, and lemon zest until silky smooth. Make sure your ricotta is thoroughly drained so your blondie base stays moist rather than soggy.
- Add the Ricotta Center:
- Spoon about one tablespoon of ricotta filling onto the center of each blondie cup. Try not to spread it all the way to the edges so the filling stays nice and creamy.
- Top with Berries:
- Arrange your fresh berries on top of each ricotta-topped cup. Lightly press them so they are settled into the ricotta but still visible on top. Use a mix for the prettiest results.
- Bake and Cool:
- Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. The edges will turn golden and the center should look just set: do not overbake so the texture stays moist. Cool the blondies in the tin for 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up a little. Then remove and let cool fully on a wire rack.
Pin It Ricotta is absolutely my favorite part of these cups. Its smooth texture and mild flavor balance the sweetness and add a touch of sophistication. I have fond memories of my daughter sneaking a taste of the filling before I even finish assembling them: even she cannot resist.
Storage Tips
Let the blondie cups cool completely before storing. I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature if serving within a day or two. For longer freshness, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving. They stay moist for about four days. If freezing, wrap each in wax paper and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping honey in the ricotta with maple syrup for a deeper flavor. If you are out of lemon zest, a little orange zest works beautifully. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can be used for a wheat-free version. For a dairy-free adaptation, use a plant-based butter and vegan ricotta, though the flavor will shift.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these blondie cups as a fun brunch treat alongside Greek yogurt and extra fresh berries. I love to sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar or add a tiny drizzle of honey before serving. They also shine as a sweet finish to any meal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cultural and Seasonal Inspirations
Blondies have their roots as a brown sugar: rich cousin to brownies while ricotta brings an Italian flair inspired by cannoli or cheesecake. Swapping berries with what is in season (think cranberries in winter or peaches in summer) brings the best flavors to your kitchen.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in stone fruits like peaches or cherries during summer months. Try diced apples and a hint of cinnamon for a fall twist. Use frozen berries when fresh are out of season.
Success Stories
A friend once made these for a potluck and came home with only an empty tray. Another time, a neighbor requested the recipe and delivered a thank you batch the next week. These blondie cups win new fans every time.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prepare and bake as directed. Once completely cooled, freeze each cup individually wrapped. To serve, thaw on the counter for an hour or warm gently in the oven. It is a lifesaver for surprise guests or lunchbox treats.
Pin It Ricotta Berry Blondie Cups are always a favorite for family gatherings and Sunday brunch. Their mix of creamy filling and fresh berries brings a celebratory touch to any meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the blondie cups.
- → Is it necessary to drain the ricotta cheese?
Draining ricotta prevents the filling from becoming watery and helps maintain a creamy consistency.
- → Can I substitute maple syrup for honey in the ricotta filling?
Absolutely! Maple syrup adds a different depth of sweetness to the creamy ricotta layer.
- → What’s the best way to serve these blondie cups?
Serve them slightly warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for extra flair.
- → Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, they contain no meat or gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarians.
- → How should these be stored after baking?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.