Description
These Ricotta Cannoli Squares are a fun, easy twist on the classic cannoli. With a creamy ricotta filling, a crunchy pastry crust, and a dusting of powdered sugar, these squares offer all the delicious flavors of cannoli in a simpler form. Perfect for dessert, parties, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
For the filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained if using fresh ricotta)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
-
For the crust:
- Prepare the puff pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into squares (about 9 squares, depending on the size of your sheet).
- Bake the crust: Transfer the squares to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each square with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
For the filling:
- Make the ricotta filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and orange zest (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the squares: Once the pastry squares have cooled, spoon a generous amount of the ricotta filling onto the center of each square. Spread it gently, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios (if using) over the ricotta filling for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Dust the ricotta-filled squares with powdered sugar just before serving.
Notes
- You can use homemade cannoli shells for the crust if you prefer, but puff pastry is an easy and quick alternative.
- For a chocolatey twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the squares before serving.
- These can be made ahead of time by storing the baked pastry squares in an airtight container and filling them with the ricotta mixture just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg