Ricotta Cannoli Squares

If you love cannoli but want a faster, easier way to enjoy this classic Italian dessert, then Ricotta Cannoli Squares are your new best friend. Imagine all the creamy, dreamy goodness of a traditional cannoli, but in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-serve square. These squares are made with a rich, velvety ricotta filling nestled on a buttery, crisp crust, and then sprinkled with chocolate chips and pistachios for that irresistible cannoli vibe. Trust me, this dessert will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Simple & Delicious: Get all the delicious flavors of cannoli, but in a no-fuss, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion.
• Make-Ahead: This dessert actually gets better the longer it sits in the fridge, so it’s the perfect make-ahead treat to prepare the night before your gathering.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra decadence.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving this at a holiday dinner, a potluck, or just for family dessert night, it’s a guaranteed hit. Cannoli lovers will go wild for this version!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Ricotta Cannoli Squares:

• Crust: A buttery, sweet crust that forms the perfect base for the ricotta filling. You can use store-bought shortbread or graham cracker crumbs, or make your own from scratch.
• Ricotta Cheese: The creamy filling is made with ricotta cheese, which provides that signature light, smooth texture.
• Mascarpone Cheese: For extra creaminess and richness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without making it gritty.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the ricotta filling.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon in the filling is key to that classic cannoli flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are stirred into the filling and sprinkled on top for a sweet touch.
• Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add a nutty crunch, just like the classic cannoli finish.
• Lemon Zest: A little fresh lemon zest brightens up the filling and gives it that extra pop of flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how easy it is to make these dreamy Ricotta Cannoli Squares:

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the crushed shortbread or graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a little sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form the crust. Bake for about 10 minutes, until it’s golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

2. Make the Filling:

In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Stir until smooth and creamy. For an extra smooth filling, you can even use a hand mixer to beat it until fluffy. Once it’s well combined, fold in the mini chocolate chips.

3. Assemble the Squares:

Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to make sure it’s even and well-packed.

4. Chill:

Cover the pan and refrigerate the cannoli squares for at least 3 hours, or overnight. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and allows the dessert to firm up.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Once chilled, top with chopped pistachios and extra chocolate chips. If you want an extra special touch, you can also dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

How to Serve Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Perfect for Gatherings: These squares are easy to cut into portions, making them perfect for serving at parties or holiday dinners. Pair with a cup of espresso or a dessert wine for an extra touch of Italian flair.
• After Dinner Treat: Serve these squares after a hearty meal to satisfy that sweet tooth without being too heavy. They’re a perfect end to any Italian-themed dinner.
• Picnics & Potlucks: Since they’re easy to slice and serve, these cannoli squares are a great option to take to a picnic or potluck. Everyone will love them!

Additional Tips

• Make It Dairy-Free: You can use dairy-free ricotta and mascarpone for a dairy-free version. Just make sure the flavor and texture of the substitutes work well for your taste.
• Add Flavor Variations: Want to switch it up a bit? Try adding some finely chopped candied ginger, orange zest, or even a splash of amaretto to the filling for a fun twist.
• Top with More Toppings: If you’re a fan of extra texture, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the top or add crushed cannoli shells for an extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: If you’re making these gluten-free, just use gluten-free graham crackers or another suitable gluten-free option for the crust.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular ricotta cheese?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to drain the ricotta well to remove any excess liquid, so your filling doesn’t become too watery.

Q2: How long can I store these squares?
A2: These cannoli squares can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll keep their flavor and texture when chilled!

Q3: Can I make these squares the day before?
A3: Absolutely! In fact, making them the day before allows the flavors to meld and gives the dessert more time to set.

Q4: Can I freeze Ricotta Cannoli Squares?
A4: You can freeze the squares, but it’s best to freeze them before adding the toppings like pistachios and chocolate chips. Wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Q5: Can I substitute mascarpone cheese?
A5: If you don’t have mascarpone, you can use cream cheese or ricotta, but mascarpone does give the filling a creamy, rich texture that’s hard to beat.

Q6: How can I make these squares more crunchy?
A6: If you like a crunchier crust, try adding some chopped nuts (like pistachios or almonds) to the crust mixture. You can also crush up cannoli shells and sprinkle them on top for extra texture.

Q7: Can I make these squares gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Simply swap out the regular shortbread or graham crackers with gluten-free versions, and you’ll have a completely gluten-free dessert.

Q8: Can I add a fruit topping?
A8: Yes! Fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices would pair beautifully with these squares for a fresh, summery twist.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Definitely! If you’re serving a crowd, double the ingredients and use a larger pan. Just keep an eye on the chilling time, as it may need a bit more time to set.

Q10: How do I make these squares less sweet?
A10: If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the filling or skip the extra sugar topping. You can also use a lower-sugar sweetener for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Ricotta Cannoli Squares are an incredibly easy, fun, and delicious twist on the classic cannoli. With that perfect balance of creamy ricotta filling, buttery crust, and crunchy toppings, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a party, for a family gathering, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself, these squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, grab those ingredients, make these cannoli squares, and get ready for a little slice of heaven!

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