Delicious Ricotta Cannoli Squares – A Creamy Italian-Inspired Dessert Made Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cannoli squares are easy to prepare, perfect for sharing, and capture the authentic flavors of classic cannoli in a convenient bar form. They are ideal for entertaining and can be made ahead of time.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour forms the structure of the crust and creates a firm base that supports the creamy filling.

Granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and filling while helping achieve a balanced dessert flavor.

Unsalted butter adds richness to the crust and helps create a tender, slightly crisp texture.

Eggs provide structure and stability to the filling while maintaining a smooth consistency.

Ricotta cheese is the key ingredient that delivers the signature creamy texture associated with cannoli desserts.

Cream cheese enhances the filling’s richness and ensures a smooth, thick consistency.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and aromatic depth to the ricotta mixture.

Mini chocolate chips provide bursts of chocolate throughout the dessert and reflect the traditional cannoli filling.

Orange zest adds a subtle citrus brightness that complements the creamy ricotta.

Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the filling and dust the top for the classic cannoli-style finish.

Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor of the dessert.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removal easier.

Prepare the crust by combining flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a firm base.

Bake the crust for about 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together ricotta cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth and creamy. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Pour the ricotta filling over the partially cooled crust and spread evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges.

Allow the dessert to cool completely before refrigerating for at least one hour. Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares for serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 squares
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store ricotta cannoli squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the ricotta filling, refrigeration is recommended. These squares are best served chilled or slightly cool. Freezing is possible for up to 1 month, though the texture may soften slightly after thawing.

Variations and Customizations

For a more traditional cannoli flavor, add a small amount of cinnamon to the ricotta filling. This spice enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to the dessert.

If you enjoy a nutty texture, incorporate finely chopped pistachios into the filling or sprinkle them on top before serving. Pistachios pair beautifully with ricotta and chocolate.

Another option is to substitute part of the ricotta with mascarpone cheese. I once tested this variation, and the filling became even creamier with a slightly richer flavor.

For extra chocolate flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the finished squares before slicing. This adds a decorative touch and deepens the dessert’s sweetness.

You can also experiment with citrus flavors. Lemon zest can replace orange zest for a brighter, slightly sharper taste.

If preparing these squares for special occasions, serve them with whipped cream or a light dusting of cocoa powder to enhance presentation.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Approximate values per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	9 g
Carbs	36 g
Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	22 g
Sodium	180 mg

Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Yes, though whole milk ricotta provides a richer and creamier texture.

Why is my filling too soft?

This can happen if the dessert has not chilled long enough. Refrigeration helps it fully set.

Can I make these squares ahead of time?

Yes, they can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Do I need to drain the ricotta cheese?

If the ricotta appears very watery, draining it slightly can help achieve a thicker filling.

Can I freeze cannoli squares?

Yes, they can be frozen for up to one month, though the texture may soften slightly after thawing.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Yes, you can increase the amount if you prefer a more chocolate-forward dessert.

Conclusion

Delicious Ricotta Cannoli Squares offer a convenient way to enjoy the beloved flavors of classic cannoli without the complexity of traditional pastry shells. With a buttery crust, creamy ricotta filling, and bursts of chocolate, these dessert bars are perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Their balanced sweetness and rich texture make them an elegant yet approachable Italian-inspired treat.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!