Print

Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

5 from 19 reviews

Indulge in these Classic Cannoli Squares, a delightful twist on traditional Italian cannoli. Featuring a creamy ricotta filling blended with powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips, all encased between flaky pre-made pie crusts. Finished with a glossy egg wash, a sprinkle of sugar, chopped pistachios, and maraschino cherries for a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. These squares are easy to make and sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (can substitute coconut sugar for a healthier option)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla for best flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional, omit for classic cannoli taste)
  • 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (dark chocolate preferred)

Crust and Topping

  • 2 pre-made Pie Crusts (homemade crust works well too)
  • 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
  • Sugar (for sprinkling on top)
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios (for crunch and color)
  • 3 pieces Maraschino Cherries (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup Extra Chocolate Chips (optional, for extra chocolate garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to bring it to the correct temperature by the time you finish assembling the dish.
  3. Prepare Base Crust: Unroll one pre-made pie crust and gently fit it into a 9×9-inch baking dish, pressing to line the bottom and edges evenly without tearing.
  4. Add Filling: Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the fitted pie crust, spreading it out to cover the entire surface for uniform thickness.
  5. Top Crust: Carefully place the second pie crust over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing the top and bottom crusts together to prevent filling leakage during baking.
  6. Egg Wash and Sugar Topping: Beat the egg lightly and brush it over the top crust to give a glossy, golden finish. Sprinkle a generous layer of sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy texture.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and set.
  8. Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Garnish each square with chopped pistachios, extra chocolate chips, and maraschino cherries to enhance appearance and flavor.

Notes

  • Use whole milk ricotta for a richer and creamier filling.
  • Omit cinnamon if you prefer a traditional cannoli flavor.
  • Allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing to avoid filling spillover.
  • Homemade pie crust can be used for a fresher and more customizable option.
  • For a healthier twist, substitute powdered sugar with coconut sugar.
  • Extra toppings such as pistachios and cherries add texture and visual appeal but can be omitted if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: cannoli squares, ricotta dessert, Italian dessert, easy baked dessert, chocolate chip cannoli, ricotta cheese recipe, pistachio garnish, maraschino cherry, pastry dessert