Name: Delicious Ricotta Cannoli Squares: A Classic Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup heavy cream

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it captures the essence of traditional Sicilian cannoli without the fuss of frying. With a buttery, flaky crust and a luscious, creamy ricotta filling studded with chocolate chips, Delicious Ricotta Cannoli Squares: A Classic Recipe is the perfect dessert for any gathering. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a hit at parties.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

I start by making the crust. In a large bowl, I combine the flour, sugar, and salt. I cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or my fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, I add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until a dough forms. I press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and chill it for 30 minutes.

While the crust chills, I preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. I bake the crust for 15 minutes, until it is lightly golden. I let it cool completely on a wire rack.

For the filling, I beat the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon together until smooth. I fold in the mini chocolate chips and heavy cream. I spread this filling evenly over the cooled crust.

I refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set. Once firm, I cut the dessert into squares. I love serving these squares chilled, dusted with extra powdered sugar. For a truly authentic experience, I recommend pairing these with a classic Italian coffee. If you enjoy this style of dessert, you might also like our Easy No-Bake Cannoli Dip for a quick treat. Another great option is our Classic Italian Ricotta Cookies for a different texture.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 generous servings. The prep time is about 20 minutes, the cook time is 15 minutes, and the total time, including chilling, is approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes. It is a simple yet impressive dessert.

Variations

I often experiment with this recipe. For a chocolate lover’s twist, I add a layer of melted dark chocolate on the crust before adding the ricotta filling. You can also swap the mini chocolate chips for chopped pistachios or dried cherries. For a citrusy kick, increase the orange zest to 2 teaspoons. If you want a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduce the heavy cream to 2 tablespoons.

Storage and Reheating

I store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These squares are best served cold, so no reheating is needed. If the crust becomes a bit soft, you can place the squares on a baking sheet in a 300-degree F oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up slightly, but I prefer them chilled.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat ricotta for this recipe?

I recommend using whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. Low-fat ricotta can make the filling watery and less rich. If you must use it, be sure to drain it well.

How do I drain ricotta cheese properly?

I place the ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl, then let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This removes excess moisture and prevents a soggy crust.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend. The crust will be slightly more delicate, but still delicious.

What is the origin of cannoli?

Cannoli originated in Sicily, Italy, and are traditionally fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta. You can learn more about their history on Wikipedia’s Cannoli page. The ricotta used in this recipe is a key ingredient, and you can read about its production on Wikipedia’s Ricotta page.

Can I freeze these squares?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled squares before cutting. Wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

I truly believe that Delicious Ricotta Cannoli Squares: A Classic Recipe is a dessert that brings joy to any table. The combination of a buttery crust and creamy, chocolate-studded filling is simply irresistible. Whether you are new to Italian desserts or a seasoned baker, this recipe is a winner. I hope you enjoy making and sharing Delicious Ricotta Cannoli Squares: A Classic Recipe as much as I do. It is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion with a touch of sweetness.