Creamy Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe: Sweet Italian Magic

Sweet and creamy ricotta cannoli squares have been my secret dessert weapon during countless family gatherings.

Memories of Sicily flood back with each delectable bite I take.

Decadent pastry layers mingle with smooth, rich filling that captures traditional Italian dessert magic.

Crisp edges crackle with delightful texture against silky cream center notes.

Powdered sugar dusting adds elegant whispers of sweetness across each square’s surface.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Let’s transform your kitchen into a Palermo-inspired pastry paradise and create something truly memorable.

Storing Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the squares flat to prevent crumbs from falling off.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Transfer frozen squares to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to slowly defrost and maintain their creamy consistency.
• Let chilled or thawed squares sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the ricotta filling and enhance the flavors.

Ricotta Cannoli Squares Pairings

• Sip Sweet Moscato: Light, sweet Italian white wine perfectly complements the creamy ricotta and chocolate chip richness, enhancing dessert's delicate flavor profile.
• Brew Bold Espresso: Strong Italian coffee cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust contrast that cleanses the palate and highlights the dessert's nutty pistachio undertones.
• Serve Amaretto Liqueur: Almond-flavored Italian liqueur adds depth and warmth, harmonizing beautifully with the orange zest and chocolate elements in the cannoli squares.
• Enjoy Cinnamon Tea: Aromatic herbal tea brings subtle spice that enhances the dessert's creamy texture and balances the sweet chocolate chips.

Ricotta Cannoli Squares with Dessert Variants

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the dessert's rich, creamy texture.
• Vegan Cannoli Squares: Substitute ricotta with cashew cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of powdered sugar, and reduce chocolate chips to create a diabetic-friendly dessert with fewer calories.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Eliminate pistachios and replace them with toasted coconut flakes or sunflower seeds for a crunchy topping that works for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought ricotta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought ricotta, but for the best texture and flavor, choose a high-quality, well-drained ricotta cheese. Drain excess moisture using a cheesecloth for a firmer filling.

• How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the ricotta filling. Also, make sure the ricotta is well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the base soggy.

• Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cannoli squares up to 2 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the powdered sugar and toppings just before serving to maintain their fresh appearance and crunch.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some on hand?

You can replace orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus twist. If you don’t have mini chocolate chips, you can use regular chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate as an alternative.

Ricotta Cannoli Squares That Offer a Crunchy, Creamy Delight

• Speedy Dessert Delight: Quick and hassle-free recipe that takes minimal preparation time, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours, allowing busy cooks to prepare it in advance and have a stunning dessert ready when needed, reducing last-minute stress.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with optional orange zest and flexible garnish options like mini chocolate chips and pistachios, making it suitable for various taste preferences and special occasions.
• No-Stress Baking Experience: Straightforward instructions with simple ingredients and basic baking techniques ensure even novice bakers can confidently create this elegant dessert without complicated steps.

What You’ll Need for Making Ricotta Cannoli Squares

Main Ingredients:

• Flour: Foundation of the crust, provides structure and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden browning.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and airy crust texture.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and rich flavor.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweet flavor profile.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for smooth, rich filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and softens ricotta texture.
• Orange Zest: Optional bright, citrusy flavor enhancement.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds chocolate texture and sweetness.

• Powdered Sugar: Decorative dusting with sweet finish.
• Chopped Pistachios: Provides crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Additional chocolate accent for visual appeal.

Ricotta Cannoli Square Assembly in Steps

Step 1: Craft The Buttery Crust

Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder in a spacious mixing bowl.

Slice cold butter into small pieces and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse, crumbly sand.

Pour in egg and vanilla extract, blending until a soft dough forms.

Press the dough smoothly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan, creating an even layer.

Step 2: Bake The Golden Base

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn light golden brown.

Remove and let the crust cool completely at room temperature.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Ricotta Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest

Blend until silky smooth.

Gently fold in mini chocolate chips, creating a delightful speckled mixture.

Step 4: Layer And Chill The Filling

Spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the cooled crust, using a spatula to create a perfect smooth surface.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the filling to set firmly.

Step 5: Create The Crumbly Topping

Roll out remaining dough to 1/4 inch thickness between parchment sheets.

Bake on a separate sheet at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until crisp and golden.

Let cool completely, then crumble into coarse pieces.

Step 6: Assemble And Garnish

Sprinkle the crumbly top layer over the chilled ricotta filling, gently pressing to adhere.

Dust with powdered sugar.

Scatter mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios for extra texture and visual appeal.

Step 7: Slice And Serve

Remove the dessert from the pan using parchment paper overhang.

Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 12 elegant squares.

Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful cannoli-inspired treat.

Ricotta Cannoli Squares: Layering Tricks for a Sweet Finish

• Roll dough between parchment papers for an even, thin base that bakes uniformly and prevents tough edges.
• Drain ricotta cheese beforehand to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick, creamy filling that sets perfectly.
• Add orange zest or almond extract to ricotta mixture for a subtle, sophisticated taste that complements chocolate chips.
• Cool crust completely before spreading filling to maintain crisp texture and prevent absorption of moisture.
• Sprinkle chopped pistachios and mini chocolate chips just before serving to preserve their crunch and visual appeal.

Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sicilian-inspired ricotta cannoli squares blend creamy sweetness with crisp pastry layers, delivering a delightful dessert experience. Delicate textures and rich flavors invite you to savor each indulgent bite of this classic Italian treat.

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Ingredients

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Crust and Top Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Main Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups (454 grams) ricotta cheese (well-drained)
• 1/2 cup (85 grams) mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar (sifted)

Additional Flavor and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Mini chocolate chips (for garnish)
• Chopped pistachios (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational layer by combining flour, sugar, and baking powder in a mixing vessel. Integrate cold butter until the mixture transforms into a grainy texture resembling coarse sand.
2. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending until the dough coheres into a uniform mass. Transfer the mixture into a parchment-lined baking vessel, pressing evenly to create a consistent base.
3. Roast the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F until it achieves a delicate golden hue, approximately 15-18 minutes. Allow the base to cool completely before proceeding.
4. Prepare the creamy ricotta filling by whisking ricotta cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fragrant orange zest until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Gently fold mini chocolate chips into the ricotta mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.
6. Spread the ricotta mixture across the cooled crust, utilizing a spatula to create a smooth, level surface. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow the filling to set firmly.
7. Once chilled, elevate the dessert from the pan using parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting surface.
8. Slice the dessert into twelve equal squares, creating precise, clean cuts.
9. Enhance the squares with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, then garnish with additional mini chocolate chips and finely chopped pistachios for textural contrast and visual appeal.

Notes

• Adapt the crust by substituting gluten-free flour blend for traditional flour to make the dessert celiac-friendly and inclusive for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment with dairy-free ricotta alternatives like cashew or almond-based ricotta for vegan guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful squares.
• Consider reducing sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie version that maintains the dessert’s delectable flavor profile.
• Toast pistachios before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide an extra layer of complexity to the garnish, elevating the overall taste experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg