These bread cups with ricotta filling and homemade applesauce are a deliciously simple treat that looks far fancier than it is.
Whether you’re making a light dessert, an afternoon snack, or something sweet-yet-healthy to bring to a gathering, this recipe delivers all the charm.
The golden wholemeal cups are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with a creamy ricotta blend and chunky, cinnamon-scented applesauce. They’re naturally sweetened, made with pantry staples, and easy to dress up with a swirl of whipped cream for a festive touch.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is built on a few simple components: wholemeal bread slices, a whipped ricotta filling made with Greek yogurt and a hint of vanilla, and a homemade applesauce that’s lightly sweetened and spiced with cinnamon. You’ll also need a muffin tin to shape your bread cups, and a little oil for brushing.
How to Make Bread Cups With Ricotta & Applesauce
Start by preparing the base: the bread cups. Trim the crusts off your slices of wholemeal bread, then use a rolling pin to flatten them out, rolling both horizontally and vertically. This softens the bread and makes it pliable. Gently press each slice into a muffin tin, shaping it to form little cups. Brush the tops lightly with oil to help them crisp up as they bake, then pop them in the oven until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
While the bread cups bake and cool, whip up the creamy ricotta filling. In a bowl, mix together ricotta, Greek yogurt, honey, a dash of vanilla, and a bit of sweetener if you like it sweeter. The result is a light, velvety mixture that balances the tartness of the yogurt with the subtle sweetness of honey.
Next, make the homemade applesauce. Dice your apples (peeled if you prefer) and simmer them with a splash of water, a sprinkle of coconut sugar, cinnamon, and sweetener if needed. The key is to cook it down just enough that the apples soften but still hold some texture. A chunky applesauce adds richness and contrast to the creamy filling.
Once the bread cups are ready and cool to the touch, spoon the ricotta mixture into each cup, spreading it evenly. Then top with a generous spoonful of your warm or cooled applesauce. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes them pop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy but satisfying: It’s naturally sweetened, uses whole grains, and includes real fruit and protein-packed dairy.
- Quick & easy: With just a few steps and common ingredients, this recipe comes together fast.
- Budget-friendly: Bread, apples, and dairy—you probably already have most of these at home.
- Visually impressive: These little cups look like something you’d buy at a bakery.
- Festive-ready: Dress them up with patriotic colors for the 4th of July, sprinkle on some cinnamon for fall vibes, or top with star-shaped apple slices for a holiday twist.
Tips for Success
- Roll the bread thoroughly to make it pliable enough to shape into cups without tearing.
- Don’t overbake the bread cups—they should be golden and crisp but not too dry.
- Use sweet apples like Gala or Fuji for a naturally sweeter applesauce.
- Let everything cool slightly before assembling if you want your cups to stay crisp.
- Add toppings last minute if using whipped cream to avoid melting.
📌 Bread Cups With Ricotta Filling & Homemade Applesauce (Recipe Card)
Bread Cups With Ricotta Filling & Homemade Applesauce
Makes 4
Ingredients
Bread Cups:
- 4 slices wholemeal bread
- 1–2 teaspoons neutral oil (for brushing)
Ricotta Filling:
- ½ cup ricotta
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2–4 teaspoons sweetener (optional, to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract or a small dash of vanilla paste
Chunky Applesauce:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1–2 tablespoons water
- 1–2 teaspoons coconut sugar (or to taste)
- Sweetener (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Rolling pin
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Spoon or small spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the bread cups: Trim crusts off the bread slices and roll them flat. Press into a muffin tin to form cups.
- Brush with oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Make the ricotta filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla, and sweetener if desired. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the applesauce: In a small saucepan, simmer the diced apples with water, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and sweetener if needed. Cook until soft but still slightly chunky. Let cool.
- Assemble: Spoon the ricotta mixture into the cooled bread cups, then top with applesauce. Add whipped cream if desired.
