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Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

4.8 from 22 reviews

Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful dessert that turns the traditional cannoli flavors into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat. Featuring a creamy ricotta filling blended with sweet vanilla, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips, all nestled between flaky pie crust layers, these squares offer a perfect balance of rich textures and nostalgic flavors. Garnished with chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries, they make an impressive and delicious addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (whole milk for richer texture)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (preferably dark chocolate)

Crust and Topping

  • 2 pre-made Pie Crusts (homemade crust also works)
  • 1 large Egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • Sugar (for sprinkling)

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios
  • 3 pieces Maraschino Cherries
  • 1/4 cup Extra Chocolate Chips (optional, for extra chocolate richness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature while you prepare the crust.
  3. Prepare Base Crust: Unroll one of the pre-made pie crusts and carefully fit it into a 9×9-inch baking dish, pressing gently to cover the bottom evenly.
  4. Add Filling: Spoon the creamy ricotta filling over the base crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
  5. Top with Second Crust: Place the second pie crust over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together firmly to prevent leaks during baking.
  6. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to create a glossy finish, then sprinkle sugar evenly over the surface for added sweetness and crunch.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
  8. Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes to set before cutting. Garnish with chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, and extra chocolate chips before serving.

Notes

  • Use whole milk ricotta for a richer and creamier filling.
  • Omitting cinnamon gives a more traditional cannoli flavor.
  • Homemade pie crust can be used for a more artisanal touch.
  • Allow the cannoli squares to cool completely to prevent the filling from becoming too soft when cutting.
  • For a healthier sugar alternative, substitute powdered sugar with coconut sugar.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cannoli squares, ricotta dessert, easy cannoli recipe, Italian dessert, baked cannoli, ricotta cheese dessert