Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something magical about the first stir of creamy ricotta and sweet powdered sugar that takes me straight to an Italian piazza, buzzing with life. These Classic Cannoli Squares are my go-to move when I crave a delightful dessert that’s impressively simple to make. With a crisp, golden crust enveloping a luscious filling, this easy recipe is a perfect crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Plus, the make-ahead aspect means you can prepare them in advance, making your life a little sweeter when you’re short on time. Intrigued about how you can bring a touch of Italy to your kitchen? Let’s dive into these luscious layers of flavor! Why are Classic Cannoli Squares a must-try? Irresistible Taste: These squares capture the essence of traditional cannoli with a creamy, sweet filling that transports you instantly to Italy. Effortless Preparation: Perfect for busy schedules, this easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and time, making dessert stress-free. Versatile Options: Adapt it to fit your dietary needs—try the gluten-free option or make it dairy-free for a delightful twist. Impressive Presentation: The golden crust and colorful garnishes create an eye-catching dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Make-Ahead Convenience: Whip up the filling ahead of time! These squares can be prepared in advance, ensuring you’re ready for any occasion with a treat that’s sure to delight. As you indulge in each bite, you’ll appreciate how this recipe can easily fit into your repertoire, making it a go-to for any sweet craving. Classic Cannoli Squares Ingredients For the Filling • Ricotta Cheese – Provides creamy texture and rich flavor; use whole milk for extra richness. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling; substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste. • Cinnamon – Adds warmth to the flavor profile; omit if you prefer a classic cannoli taste. • Mini Chocolate Chips – Introduces a touch of sweetness and texture; dark chocolate enhances richness. For the Crust • Pre-made Pie Crusts – Form the base and top layers; homemade crust can be used as an alternative. • Large Egg – Used for an egg wash to give a glossy finish on the top crust. • Sugar – Sprinkled on top before baking for added sweetness and crunch. For Garnishing • Chopped Pistachios – Optional garnishment for texture and color contrast. • Maraschino Cherries – For additional decoration and a pop of sweetness. • Extra Chocolate Chips – Perfect for those who desire more chocolate flavor. Dive into this delightful recipe of Classic Cannoli Squares and see how easy it is to create a scrumptious treat that promises to become a favorite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic Cannoli Squares Step 1: Prepare the Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once well combined, set the filling aside while you prepare the crusts. Step 2: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your Classic Cannoli Squares will bake evenly and develop a golden-brown crust. While the oven heats, check that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, including a 9×9-inch baking dish, for seamless preparation. Step 3: Roll Out the Crust Take one pre-made pie crust and gently roll it out to fit your 9×9-inch baking dish. Carefully place the crust in the dish, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly without any tears. Press the edges gently against the sides of the dish to create a nice seal, ready to hold the luscious filling. Step 4: Add the Filling Spoon the prepared ricotta filling into the crust, spreading it evenly while leaving a small border around the sides. Take time to ensure a level surface, as this helps with even baking. The filling should be about half an inch thick, creating a delightful creamy layer inside your Classic Cannoli Squares. Step 5: Top Crust Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Gently press the edges together to seal the fillings inside and crimp if desired for a decorative touch. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a glossy finish, then sprinkle sugar evenly across the surface to create a sweet, crunchy topping. Step 6: Bake Send your baking dish into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on the squares; they should turn a lovely golden brown, and the filling will be bubbling in the center. This is the magic moment when your Classic Cannoli Squares start to come alive! Step 7: Cool and Serve Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and makes cutting easier. Slice the squares into generous portions, garnishing with chopped pistachios or maraschino cherries if desired, and prepare to be delighted! What to Serve with Classic Cannoli Squares Let the celebration of flavors begin as you explore delightful pairings that elevate your Classic Cannoli Squares experience! Espresso or Coffee: The rich flavor of freshly brewed espresso complements the creamy filling, creating a classic Italian café experience at home. Enjoy your squares with a warm cup, and let the contrasts of hot and cold create a beautiful harmony. Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of freshness while balancing the sweetness of the squares. Their vibrant colors also bring a lovely visual appeal that enhances your dessert presentation! Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream provides a silky texture and sweet contrast to the rich cannoli filling. A dollop on each square creates a delightful decadence that’s hard to resist—perfect for special occasions. Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the chocolatey notes of your filling by drizzling with melted dark chocolate for added richness. This simple yet elegant touch elevates the dessert while satisfying chocoholics in the room! Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of crunchy granola on top introduces an unexpected texture that perfectly complements the creamy interior. Plus, the nutty flavors can beautifully harmonize with your optional pistachio garnishes! Zesty Lemon Sorbet: Serve alongside refreshing lemon sorbet for a palate-cleansing effect between bites of sweet indulgence. The bright citrus notes contrast wonderfully, leaving a refreshing taste and enhancing the overall experience. Sweet Dessert Wine: Pair with a light and sweet dessert wine like Moscato for an added layer of sophistication. Its fruity notes and slight fizz perfectly complement the textures and flavors of the cannoli squares. Feel free to mix and match these pairings to create a delightful dessert spread that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Make Ahead Options These Classic Cannoli Squares are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the filling (ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips) and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it fresh and flavorful. To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, assemble the squares just before baking. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake as directed after assembly, and you’ll have a luscious, easy dessert that’s just as delightful as when freshly made! How to Store and Freeze Classic Cannoli Squares Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help keep the creamy filling fresh and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Classic Cannoli Squares in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Ensure they’re well wrapped to retain their deliciousness. Reheating: To enjoy warm, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust chewy. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble it right before baking to maintain the freshness of the crust and filling. Expert Tips for Classic Cannoli Squares • Quality Ingredients: Always choose high-quality ricotta and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor in your Classic Cannoli Squares. • Draining Ricotta: Prevent a runny filling by draining excess moisture from the ricotta. Place it in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth before mixing. • Baking Supervision: Keep a close eye on your baking time, as ovens can vary. Check for a golden brown top and bubbling filling to ensure perfect squares. • Cool Properly: Allow the squares to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps them maintain their shape for a cleaner presentation. • Easy Cleanup: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for effortless removal and cleanup—this small step can make a big difference! Classic Cannoli Squares Variations Looking to customize your Classic Cannoli Squares? Dive into these delicious variations to suit your tastebuds and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with blended silken tofu and add nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheesy texture. This swap helps create an equally delightful experience without the dairy. Gluten-Free: Use store-bought gluten-free pie crusts to easily adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive friends. Your gluten-free guests will rave about these squares! Extra Zesty: For a burst of freshness, add lemon zest to the filling. It brightens the flavors and adds a radiant twist to the traditional taste. Flavor Boost: Mix in a splash of almond extract for rich, nutty undertones that beautifully complement the filling. It’s a small change that delivers a remarkable difference. Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pistachios or hazelnuts into the filling for an extra crunch. It elevates the textural experience, making every bite memorable. Spicy Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the filling for a spicy kick. This surprising heat plays wonderfully with the sweetness, creating a thrilling balance. Chocolate Lovers: Combine chocolate chips with crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans for a mocha-inspired filling. Every bite will be a rich, indulgent treat! Layered Delight: Include sliced fresh strawberries or raspberries between the filling layers for a juicy surprise. They not only enhance the flavor but also bring a lovely pop of color. Feel free to mix and match these modifications to create your perfect dessert! If you’re curious about more sweet variations, check out our chocolate chip cookie dough recipe for inspiration, or learn how to incorporate fruits into desserts for an added flavor boost! Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe FAQs What type of ricotta cheese should I use? Absolutely! For the richest flavor and texture, I recommend using whole milk ricotta. It provides that creamy goodness traditional in cannoli. If you’re short on time, look for quality brands at your local grocery store, as some may even come pre-drained! How should I store leftover Classic Cannoli Squares? To maintain their delightful flavor and texture, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will keep the filling fresh while preventing the crust from losing its crispiness. If you want to savor them later, refrigerate the squares instead of leaving them out at room temperature. Can I freeze Classic Cannoli Squares? If so, how? Certainly! You can freeze them for up to 2 months. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes! What should I do if my filling is too runny? No worries, this can happen! If you’ve drained the ricotta and it’s still too watery, try placing it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for at least 30 minutes to let the excess moisture drain off. Another option is to mix in a small amount of cornstarch, which will thicken the filling. Just be careful not to add too much—start with a teaspoon and adjust if needed. Can I make these squares dairy-free? Absolutely! For a fantastic dairy-free version, you can substitute the ricotta cheese with blended silken tofu and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy flavor. It’s a delightful twist that still preserves the creamy texture everyone loves in Classic Cannoli Squares! What are some garnishing options for the top? The more, the merrier! I often sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for an added crunch and color contrast. Maraschino cherries add a fun pop of sweetness, while a dusting of extra powdered sugar adds a classic touch. Feel free to get creative based on your preferences! Classic Cannoli Squares: Irresistibly Creamy and Easy to Make Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful and easy dessert that captures the essence of traditional cannoli with a creamy, sweet filling. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: ItalianCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Filling15 oz Ricotta Cheese Use whole milk for extra richness.1 cup Powdered Sugar Substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.1 tsp Vanilla Extract Opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.1 tsp Cinnamon Omit if you prefer a classic cannoli taste.1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips Dark chocolate enhances richness.For the Crust2 pieces Pre-made Pie Crusts Homemade crust can be used as an alternative.1 large Egg Used for an egg wash for a glossy finish.2 tbsp Sugar Sprinkled on top before baking for added sweetness.For Garnishing1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios Optional for texture and color contrast.2 pieces Maraschino Cherries For decoration.1/2 cup Extra Chocolate Chips Perfect for more chocolate flavor. Equipment 9x9-inch baking dish Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Roll out one pre-made pie crust to fit your baking dish and place it in the dish, sealing the edges.Spoon the ricotta filling into the crust evenly, leaving a small border around the sides.Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling, sealing the edges and brushing with beaten egg, then sprinkle sugar on top.Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and garnish with pistachios or cherries if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesQuality ricotta and pure vanilla extract are essential for best flavor. Drain excess moisture from the ricotta to prevent a runny filling. Cool properly for cleaner presentation. 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