Classic Cannoli Squares bring all the delicious flavors of traditional Italian cannoli into an easy-to-serve dessert bar. With a buttery, tender crust and a rich, creamy ricotta filling, these squares are a wonderful twist on the beloved Italian pastry.
Inspired by classic Sicilian cannoli, this dessert combines sweet ricotta cheese, vanilla, a hint of cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips to create a smooth and flavorful filling. Instead of shaping and frying individual pastry shells, everything is prepared in a baking pan, making this recipe much easier for home bakers.
PrintClassic Cannoli Squares – Easy Italian Dessert Bars
Enjoy these Classic Cannoli Squares featuring a buttery crust, creamy ricotta filling, and mini chocolate chips. An easy Italian-inspired dessert perfect for parties and holidays!
Ingredients
For the Crust
2 cups(200 g) graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup(115 g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoonsgranulated sugar
For the Cannoli Filling
15 oz(425 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese, well drained
8 oz(225 g) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup(90 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoonvanilla extract
1/2 teaspoonground cinnamon
1/2 cup(85 g) mini chocolate chips
1/4 cupchopped pistachios (optional)
For the Topping
2 tablespoonsmini chocolate chips
2 tablespoonschopped pistachios
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
For the Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl.
Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
For the Cannoli Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the drained ricotta cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until fully combined.
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
Spread the cannoli filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help the filling set.
Lift the dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper.
Dust with powdered sugar, cut into 16 squares, and serve chilled.
Each square offers a delicious balance of textures: a delicate golden crust, a creamy cannoli-inspired center, and a finishing touch of powdered sugar. They’re elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to prepare for an everyday dessert.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving an Italian-inspired sweet treat, Classic Cannoli Squares are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Classic Cannoli Squares
Traditional cannoli flavor: Enjoy the familiar combination of sweet ricotta, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
Easy to serve: Baking everything in one pan makes these squares much easier to portion than individual cannoli.
Creamy and delicious: The ricotta filling creates a smooth, rich center with a lovely delicate texture.
Perfect for sharing: Cut them into squares for parties, potlucks, and family celebrations.
Make-ahead friendly: They can be prepared in advance and chilled until serving.
Beautiful presentation: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these dessert bars a simple, elegant finish.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Traditional cannoli are known for their crisp pastry shells and sweet ricotta filling. These cannoli squares capture the signature flavors of that classic Italian dessert in a more convenient format.
The ricotta filling is the star of the recipe. When combined with sugar, vanilla, and a little cinnamon, it creates a creamy mixture that tastes wonderfully familiar. Mini chocolate chips add little bursts of chocolate throughout, while the buttery crust provides a delicious base.
Another reason to love this dessert is its versatility. You can add orange zest, chopped pistachios, or extra chocolate chips to create your own variation while keeping the classic cannoli flavor.
Tips for Perfect Classic Cannoli Squares
Drain the ricotta: Excess moisture can make the filling too soft. Drain the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth before using.
Choose whole-milk ricotta: It provides a richer, creamier filling.
Use mini chocolate chips: Their smaller size distributes chocolate more evenly throughout the filling.
Mix gently: Avoid overmixing the ricotta filling to maintain a pleasant texture.
Allow enough cooling time: Let the dessert cool completely before slicing to help the squares hold their shape.
Chill before serving: Refrigeration helps the filling firm up and makes cutting easier.
When to Serve Classic Cannoli Squares
These Italian-inspired dessert bars are perfect for Christmas celebrations, Easter gatherings, birthdays, dinner parties, potlucks, and family get-togethers.
Serve them after dinner with coffee or espresso, or add them to a dessert platter alongside cookies, brownies, and other homemade treats.
If you love traditional cannoli but want a simpler way to enjoy their delicious flavors, these Classic Cannoli Squares are a wonderful dessert to try!
Ingredients
These Classic Cannoli Squares are made with a buttery crust and a creamy ricotta filling inspired by traditional Italian cannoli. Simple ingredients come together to create a delicious dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the buttery crust
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
For the cannoli filling
15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese, well drained
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
For the topping
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional)
Ingredient Notes
Ricotta cheese:Whole-milk ricotta creates a rich, creamy filling. Drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
Powdered sugar:Sweetens the filling while keeping its texture smooth.
Butter:Softened unsalted butter gives the crust a tender texture and rich flavor.
Mini chocolate chips:Add the classic chocolate touch found in traditional cannoli.
Vanilla extract:Enhances the sweetness and gives the filling a warm flavor.
Ground cinnamon:Adds a subtle traditional Italian-inspired flavor.
Orange zest:Provides a fresh citrus note that complements the ricotta and chocolate.
Pistachios:Add a little crunch and make the finished squares look beautiful.
Helpful Equipment
9 × 9-inch square baking pan
Parchment paper
Large mixing bowls
Electric hand mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife
Before You Begin
Drain the ricotta cheese for at least 1–2 hours in the refrigerator using a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. This important step removes excess moisture and helps the filling become thick and creamy.
Remove the butter from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before preparing the crust so it softens and becomes easier to mix.
Preheat your oven to350°F (175°C)and line a 9 × 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step-by-StepInstructions
TheseClassicCannoliSquaresareeasytopreparewithabutteryhomemadecrustandasmoothricottafilling.FollowthesesimplestepstocreateadeliciousItalian-inspireddessert.
PreparetheOvenandBakingPan
Preheatyourovento350°F(175°C).
Linea9×9-inchsquarebakingpanwithparchmentpaper,leavingalittleoverhangonthesides.Lightlygreasetheparchmentpapertopreventsticking.
MaketheButteryCrust
Inalargemixingbowl,beatthesoftenedbutterandgranulatedsugaruntillightandcreamy.
Addtheeggandvanillaextract,thenmixuntilcombined.
Inaseparatebowl,whisktogethertheflour,bakingpowder,andsalt.Graduallyaddthedryingredientstothebuttermixture,stirringuntilasoftdoughforms.
Pressapproximatelytwo-thirdsofthedoughevenlyintothebottomofthepreparedbakingpantocreatethecrust.Reservetheremainingdoughforthetopping.
PreparetheCreamyCannoliFilling
Placethewell-drainedricottacheeseinalargebowl.
Addthepowderedsugar,vanillaextract,groundcinnamon,andheavycream.Mixgentlyuntilsmoothandcreamy.
Foldintheminichocolatechipsandorangezest,ifusing.Avoidovermixingtomaintainapleasantricottatexture.
AssembletheCannoliSquares
Pourthericottafillingoverthepreparedcrust.
Useaspatulatospreaditevenly,makingsurethefillingreachesthecornersofthepan.
Crumblethereserveddoughoverthetopofthefilling.Distributeitevenlytocreateadeliciousbutterytopping.
BakeUntilGolden
Placethepaninthepreheatedovenandbakeforapproximately35–40minutes,oruntiltheedgesarelightlygoldenandthecenterlooksmostlyset.
Thefillingmaystillhaveaslightsoftnesswhenremovedfromtheoven,butitwillfirmupasitcools.
CoolandChill
Removethepanfromtheovenandallowittocoolcompletelyatroomtemperature.
Oncecooled,coverthepanandrefrigerateforatleast3–4hours,preferablyovernight.Chillingisimportantbecauseithelpsthericottafillingbecomefirmenoughtocutintoneatsquares.
SliceandDecorate
Liftthechilleddessertoutofthepanusingtheparchmentpaper.
Cutintoevensquareswithasharpknife,wipingthebladebetweencutsforacleanfinish.
Dustthetopwithpowderedsugarandsprinklewithminichocolatechipsandchoppedpistachios,ifdesired.
HelpfulTips
Drainthericottathoroughlytopreventawateryfilling.
Usesoftenedbutterforasmooth,easy-to-handlecrustdough.
Avoidovermixingthericottafilling.
Don’tworryifthecenterlooksslightlysoftwhenitcomesoutoftheoven.
Allowthedesserttocoolcompletelybeforerefrigerating.
Chillthoroughlybeforeslicingforneat,beautifulsquares.
Preparationtime:25minutesBakingtime:35–40minutesChillingtime:3–4hoursTotaltime:Approximately4hours5minutesto5hours5minutesYield:9–12squares
Serving, Storage, Variations, and FAQs
How to Serve Classic Cannoli Squares
These creamy Italian-inspired dessert bars are delicious served chilled and make a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
Here are a few serving ideas:
With espresso or coffee:Serve alongside a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a classic Italian-inspired dessert experience.
With fresh berries:Add fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
With chocolate drizzle:Drizzle melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate over the squares for an extra indulgent finish.
With chopped pistachios:Sprinkle additional pistachios on top for color and crunch.
On a dessert platter:Arrange the squares with Italian cookies, brownies, and mini cheesecakes for a beautiful dessert selection.
How to Store Classic Cannoli Squares
In the refrigerator:Store the squares in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Because the filling contains ricotta and cream, keep them refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Make ahead:You can prepare these squares a day before serving. In fact, chilling overnight helps the filling become firmer and allows the flavors to develop.
In the freezer:Place individual squares in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The ricotta filling may become slightly softer after thawing.
For the best texture and presentation, add powdered sugar and decorative toppings shortly before serving.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares:Add an extra ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a richer chocolate flavor.
Pistachio Cannoli Squares:Fold finely chopped pistachios into the ricotta filling and sprinkle more over the top.
Orange Cannoli Squares:Add extra orange zest for a fresh citrus flavor that complements the creamy filling.
Chocolate Drizzle Cannoli Squares:Finish with melted dark chocolate for a beautiful bakery-style presentation.
Cinnamon Sugar Cannoli Squares:Add a little extra cinnamon to the crust and sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar.
Almond Cannoli Squares:Add a small amount of almond extract to the filling for a delicate nutty flavor.
Lemon Cannoli Squares:Replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a brighter, fresher taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use mascarpone instead of ricotta cheese?
Yes. Mascarpone can be used for a richer, smoother filling. You can also combine mascarpone and ricotta to create a creamy texture with traditional cannoli flavor.
Why does my ricotta filling look watery?
Ricotta contains moisture that can make the filling too soft. Drain it thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth before using it. Refrigerating the ricotta while it drains helps achieve a thicker consistency.
Do Classic Cannoli Squares need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Since the filling contains ricotta and heavy cream, the dessert must be stored in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled until serving.
Can I prepare these squares the day before?
Absolutely! These squares are excellent for making ahead. Prepare and bake them the previous day, then refrigerate overnight. Decorate just before serving.
How do I get clean slices?
Make sure the dessert is completely chilled and firm. Use a sharp knife, wipe the blade with a warm damp cloth between cuts, and avoid pressing too hard.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Yes! Regular semi-sweet chocolate chips work well, although mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the filling.
Can I make this recipe without orange zest?
Of course. Orange zest is optional and can be omitted without affecting the basic recipe. Vanilla and cinnamon will still provide plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Classic Cannoli Squares are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of traditional Italian cannoli in a simple, shareable dessert. The buttery crust, creamy ricotta filling, sweet chocolate chips, and delicate cinnamon flavor create a wonderful combination in every bite.
Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, dinner parties, or weekend baking, these dessert squares are easy to prepare ahead and always look beautiful on the table.
Serve them chilled with a cup of coffee, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a little taste of Italian-inspired sweetness!