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Easy Classic Cannoli Squares

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A fuss-free Italian dessert that captures the classic cannoli flavors in a square traybake with a creamy ricotta filling and crunchy buttery base, perfect for gatherings or weeknight treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 ½ cups (375g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ cup (90g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Optional: chopped pistachios or candied orange peel for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add cold, cubed butter and rub into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits form.
  4. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until dough starts to come together. Press firmly into the pan to form an even layer.
  5. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until edges are just golden. Remove and let cool completely.
  6. In a medium bowl, beat ricotta and softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add sifted powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
  8. Fold in mini chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
  9. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
  10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to set the filling.
  11. When ready to serve, lift squares from the pan using parchment overhang, dust with powdered sugar, and optionally sprinkle with chopped pistachios or candied orange peel.

Notes

If ricotta is watery, drain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth for 30 minutes before mixing. Do not rush chilling; refrigerate overnight for best texture and flavor melding. Use mini chocolate chips for better texture contrast. Avoid overbaking crust to prevent bitterness. Variations include adding nuts, swapping chocolate types, or using gluten-free and dairy-free substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cannoli squares, Italian dessert, ricotta dessert, easy cannoli recipe, traybake dessert, chocolate chip dessert, creamy filling, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/easy-classic-cannoli-squares-recipe-perfect-for-elegant-italian-desserts/