Description
Classic Cannoli Squares are an easy no-fry cannoli-inspired dessert bar with a buttery baked crust, creamy vanilla ricotta filling, mini chocolate chips, and a crunchy pistachio-chocolate topping.
Ingredients
CRUST
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
FILLING
– 2 cups ricotta cheese, well-drained
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
TOPPING
– 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
– Chocolate shavings (to taste)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting.
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, flour, granulated sugar, salt, egg yolk, and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
3. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake 18–22 minutes, until lightly golden.
4. Cool crust completely in the pan.
5. Drain ricotta well (see notes). In a bowl, beat ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
6. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
7. Spread filling evenly over the cooled crust; smooth the top.
8. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or until set).
9. Lift out using parchment. Top with pistachios, chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
10. Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Ricotta matters: Drain ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth 30–60 minutes for a thick, creamy filling.
Make-ahead: Assemble and chill up to 24 hours before serving; add powdered sugar right before serving.
Clean slices: Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.
Nut-free: Skip pistachios or replace with extra chocolate shavings.
Flavor boost: Add 1/2 tsp orange zest to the filling for a classic cannoli vibe.
Storage: Refrigerate airtight up to 4 days. Not recommended for freezing (texture may change).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking (No-Fry)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg