Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares

Cannoli, the classic Italian pastry, is beloved around the world for its crispy shell and rich, creamy filling. But what if we told you that you could enjoy all the deliciousness of cannoli in a much easier, bite-sized form? Enter Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares – a delicious twist on the traditional cannoli that combines all the flavors of this Italian favorite into a simple, irresistible treat. These squares are perfect for anyone who loves the creamy, slightly sweet ricotta filling, paired with a crunchy, slightly spiced crust. Let’s dive into how you can make this quick, easy, and mouthwatering dessert at home.

Why You’ll Love Ricotta Cannoli Squares

These Ricotta Cannoli Squares offer all the flavor of the traditional cannoli without the hassle of filling individual pastry shells. Whether you’re planning for a dinner party, a special celebration, or just craving something sweet, these squares are a perfect choice. Here’s why:

1. Easy to Make: Unlike the traditional cannoli that requires time and patience to prepare individual shells, these squares are straightforward to assemble and bake. No frying required!
2. Rich and Creamy: The ricotta filling in these squares is creamy and decadent, with a hint of vanilla and citrus that complements the crunchy crust perfectly.
3. Versatile: You can add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied orange peel to give it your personal touch.
4. Great for Parties: These squares are easy to cut and serve, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings, events, or family meals.

Ingredients for Ricotta Cannoli Squares

To create these Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 1-2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, well-drained
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional)

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, or candied orange peel (optional)

How to Make Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking dish (8×8 inches) with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the egg yolk and mix until combined. If the dough is too dry, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until it just comes together.
5. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish, covering the bottom evenly.
6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. If you like a hint of citrus, add the orange zest at this point.
2. If you’re using chocolate chips or pistachios, fold them into the ricotta mixture.
3. Spread the ricotta filling evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
2. Before serving, dust the top with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar and garnish with additional chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, or candied orange peel if desired.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Cut the dessert into squares and serve chilled. The rich, creamy ricotta filling pairs perfectly with the crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust, making these squares a delightful treat.

Tips for Perfect Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Drain the Ricotta: Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese well before using it in the filling to avoid a watery texture.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or even mini marshmallows to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: These cannoli squares can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, making them a great option for prepping in advance.

Conclusion: A Sweet Italian Twist

These Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares are an innovative way to enjoy the flavors of classic Italian cannoli without all the work. With a buttery, cinnamon-sugar crust and a creamy, sweet ricotta filling, they are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Whether for a holiday gathering or a simple family treat, these squares are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make alternative to the traditional cannoli. Don’t wait—try this delightful recipe and impress your friends and family with a little taste of Italy!

Serving and Storage Tips for Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares

To make the most of your Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares and ensure they stay fresh and delicious, here are some essential serving and storage tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Chill Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, always chill your Cannoli Squares for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the filling to set properly, ensuring each square holds its shape.
2. Garnish for Extra Flair: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, or top with chopped pistachios, mini chocolate chips, or candied orange peel for added flavor and a visually appealing finish.
3. Perfect Portions: Cut your cannoli squares into small bite-sized pieces, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even as a sweet treat after dinner.
4. Pairing with Drinks: These cannoli squares pair wonderfully with a rich espresso, dessert wine, or a light liqueur such as amaretto. For non-alcoholic options, a chilled glass of sparkling water or iced tea complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate for Freshness: Since the filling is made with ricotta cheese, it’s essential to store the squares in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
2. Avoid Freezing: These squares don’t freeze well due to the creamy texture of the ricotta filling. Freezing may cause the filling to become watery and the texture to suffer, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
3. Keep the Crust Crisp: To avoid the crust from becoming soggy, make sure the squares are completely cooled before storing. If you plan to store them for a longer period, consider serving the crust separately and adding the filling just before serving.
4. Cover Well: If storing in a baking dish, make sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to preserve freshness and prevent any odors from the fridge affecting the flavor.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to serve and store your Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares with ease, ensuring they stay just as delicious as the day they were made!

1. Can I make these Ricotta Cannoli Squares ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make these squares ahead of time! In fact, they benefit from being chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, as it helps the filling set properly. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes them a great dessert to prepare in advance for parties or family gatherings.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

While ricotta cheese is the traditional choice for cannoli filling, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mascarpone or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor. However, ricotta gives the filling its signature creamy consistency and slight graininess, which is hard to replicate.

3. How can I add more flavor to the cannoli filling?

You can easily customize the filling by adding flavorings like chocolate chips, pistachios, mini marshmallows, or even cinnamon or vanilla extract. For a citrus twist, add lemon zest or orange zest. These mix-ins will not only enhance the flavor but also provide extra texture.

4. Can I freeze Ricotta Cannoli Squares?

It’s not recommended to freeze Ricotta Cannoli Squares as the ricotta filling can become watery when thawed. The crust may also lose its crispness. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy them fresh or store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares

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These Ricotta Cannoli Squares are a deconstructed take on the classic Italian dessert. With layers of crispy pastry, a luscious ricotta filling, and chocolate chips, they’re easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just indulging your sweet tooth!

• Author: Stephanie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

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For the Base:

• 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Cannoli Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained well)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Topping:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly and cut each sheet into 9 squares (for 18 squares total).
3. Place the squares on the prepared baking sheets and brush lightly with the beaten egg.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Let cool completely.

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2. Make the Cannoli Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

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3. Assemble the Cannoli Squares:

1. Carefully split each puff pastry square in half to create a top and bottom layer.
2. Spread or pipe a generous layer of the ricotta filling onto the bottom half of each square.
3. Place the top half of the pastry over the filling to create a sandwich.

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4. Garnish and Serve:

1. Dust the assembled squares with powdered sugar.
2. Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios on top for extra flair.

Notes

• Drain the Ricotta: For a firmer filling, drain the ricotta overnight in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and pastry separately, and assemble just before serving to maintain the pastry’s crispness.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of orange zest or almond extract to the filling for a twist.