Introduction

Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert, combining creamy ricotta filling and a crisp pie crust. These squares are easy to make and perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a sweet treat at home.

Two square cake pieces stacked on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each cake piece has three layers: the top and bottom layers are golden brown cake with a slightly crumbly texture, while the middle layer is thick white cream with small dark chocolate chips mixed in. The top cake layer is dusted with powdered sugar and scattered with whole chocolate chips and small green pistachio pieces. There are some pistachio pieces and a chocolate chip on the plate around the cake. The background is softly blurred warm lights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups Ricotta Cheese (use whole milk for a richer texture)
1 cup Powdered Sugar (substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (opt for pure vanilla for the best taste)
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (omit if you prefer a classic cannoli flavor)
1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (dark chocolate enhances richness)
2 pre-made pie crusts (homemade crust works beautifully, too)
1 large Egg (for an egg wash that gives a glossy finish)
Sugar (for sprinkling, adds a sweet crunch on top when baked)
1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios (offers a delightful crunch and color)
3 pieces Maraschino Cherries (adds a pop of sweetness and decoration)
1/4 cup Extra Chocolate Chips (for those who can’t get enough chocolate)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Unroll one pie crust and fit it into a 9×9-inch baking dish, pressing it firmly into the corners.
Step 4: Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
Step 5: Place the second pie crust over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle sugar over it for a crunchy finish.
Step 6: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the cannoli squares to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, and extra chocolate chips before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free option, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Omit cinnamon if you prefer a more traditional cannoli flavor.
Add a splash of orange zest to the ricotta filling for a fresh citrus twist.
Use homemade pie crust for extra flakiness and flavor.
Top with crushed pistachios and extra chocolate chips just before serving for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover cannoli squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, reheat briefly in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the crust.

How to Serve

Two square dessert bars are stacked on a round white plate with a thin gold rim, sitting on a white marbled texture. Each bar has three visible layers: a lightly browned crispy top and bottom crust with a dusting of powdered sugar, and a thick middle layer of white creamy filling studded with dark chocolate chips. The top crust is decorated with small, bright green chopped pistachios scattered on and around the bars. The background is softly blurred with warm yellow light spots. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cannoli squares a day in advance. Bake and cool completely, then store in the refrigerator. Add toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

If ricotta is unavailable or not preferred, you can substitute with mascarpone or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 104 reviews

Classic Cannoli Squares bring all the beloved flavors of traditional cannoli into an easy-to-make baked square dessert. Creamy ricotta cheese is sweetened and mixed with chocolate chips and subtle cinnamon, then sandwiched between flaky pre-made pie crusts. A glossy egg wash and sprinkle of sugar create a golden, crunchy top, enhanced with chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries for a festive finish. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 servings (cut into 3x3 squares) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

2 cups Ricotta Cheese (use whole milk for a richer texture)
1 cup Powdered Sugar (substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (opt for pure vanilla for the best taste)
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (omit if you prefer a classic cannoli flavor)
1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (dark chocolate enhances richness)

Crust and Topping

2 pre-made pie crusts (homemade crust works beautifully, too)
1 large Egg (for an egg wash that gives a glossy finish)
Sugar (for sprinkling – adds a sweet crunch on top when baked)

Garnish

1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios (offers a delightful crunch and color)
3 pieces Maraschino Cherries (adds a pop of sweetness and decoration)
1/4 cup Extra Chocolate Chips (for those who can’t get enough chocolate)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ cup of mini chocolate chips. Whisk the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the squares evenly and to a golden finish.
Assemble the Base Crust: Unroll one pre-made pie crust and fit it into a 9×9-inch baking dish, pressing it gently into the corners and sides to create an even base.
Add the Filling: Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the baking dish, smoothing the surface to distribute the filling uniformly.
Cover with Top Crust: Place the second pie crust over the filling, carefully sealing the edges by pressing them together to prevent leakage during baking.
Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the large egg and brush it over the top crust to give a glossy, golden finish. Sprinkle sugar lightly over the crust for added sweetness and a crunchy texture after baking.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top crust turns a beautiful golden brown color.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the baked squares from the oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes to set. Cut into squares, then garnish each square with chopped pistachios, extra chocolate chips, and a maraschino cherry for a festive touch before serving.

Notes

Using whole milk ricotta cheese yields a richer and creamier filling.
For a healthier alternative, substitute powdered sugar with coconut sugar.
You can omit cinnamon if you want the more traditional, pure cannoli flavor.
Ensure the edges of the pie crusts are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Allow the dessert to cool completely to make slicing easier and to help the filling set well.

Keywords: cannoli, dessert squares, ricotta dessert, Italian dessert, chocolate chip dessert, easy baked dessert