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Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the Filling: Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the baking dish, smoothing the surface to distribute the filling uniformly.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/classic-cannoli-squares-that-will-wow-your-taste-buds-recipe/