Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something incredibly nostalgic about the flavors that fill my kitchen when I’m making Classic Cannoli Squares. Just imagine a silky smooth ricotta filling nestled between two layers of golden crust, effortlessly merging Italian tradition with home-cooked comfort. This recipe is an absolute game changer—quick to prepare and customizable to fit any dietary need. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, these squares are sure to impress and delight, becoming a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire. Bonus: they’re easy to make ahead of time, making them perfect for busy days. Curious to learn how to whip up this delectable dessert? Let’s dive in! Why are Classic Cannoli Squares a must-try? Simplicity: This recipe is straightforward and quick, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking to impress. Crowd-Pleasing: With their familiar flavors and beautiful presentation, these squares are bound to please family and friends at any gathering. Customizable: Feel free to explore variations like dairy-free alternatives or unique flavors, ensuring everyone can indulge. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance for effortless serving at your next event or special dinner. Creamy and Crunchy: The delightful contrast of the silky filling against the flaky crust truly sets this dessert apart. For more fun variations, consider our take on traditional Italian desserts. Classic Cannoli Squares Ingredients For the Filling Ricotta Cheese – Use whole milk ricotta for a richer, creamier texture that enhances the flavor of the Classic Cannoli Squares. Powdered Sugar – Adds the necessary sweetness and helps achieve a smooth filling; coconut sugar works well as a healthy substitute. Vanilla Extract – Choose pure vanilla for the best aromatic flavor that elevates your filling. Cinnamon – Enhances the seasoning profile; feel free to omit it if you prefer the classic cannoli taste. Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds delightful chocolate notes and texture; dark chocolate will elevate the richness beautifully. For the Crust Pre-Made Pie Crusts – A time-saver that forms the delightful base; homemade crusts can be used if you prefer. Egg – Use for an egg wash to create a glossy and appealing finish on the top crust. Sugar – Sprinkle on top before baking for that added sweet crunch and lovely golden color. Optional Garnishes Chopped Pistachios – For a crunchy touch and vibrant color, adding a little something special for presentation. Maraschino Cherries – Adds a pop of color and sweetness for an inviting dessert finish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic Cannoli Squares Step 1: Prepare the Filling In a mixing bowl, combine rich whole milk ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring that no lumps remain. Stir in mini chocolate chips for delightful pops of flavor. This delectable filling will be the heart of your Classic Cannoli Squares, so take your time to blend well. Step 2: Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that it’s perfectly heated for baking. Preheating is crucial, as it allows your Classic Cannoli Squares to rise nicely and achieve a golden crust. While the oven warms up, gather your baking equipment, including a 9×9-inch baking dish and a rolling pin if you’re using homemade crust. Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Crust If using pre-made pie crusts, simply place one crust in your greased baking dish, ensuring it covers the base evenly without any tears. If you’re making homemade crust, roll it out to fit the dish and carefully place it in. This sturdy foundation will hold the filling, so press it into the corners and edges, ready for the delicious ricotta mixture. Step 4: Add the Filling Spoon the silky ricotta mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly while leaving a small border around the edges. This will help create a lovely seal when you add the top crust. Visualize a comforting wave of creaminess, inviting you to indulge. Once evenly distributed, it’s time to top off your Classic Cannoli Squares. Step 5: Prepare the Top Crust Lay the second pie crust over the filling gently, ensuring it covers completely. Pinch the edges of the two crusts together to seal the filling in securely. Brush the top with a beaten egg for a golden finish, and sprinkle a light dusting of sugar for sweetness and crunch. This final touch ensures your Classic Cannoli Squares are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Step 6: Bake Carefully place the assembled dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; the top crust should turn golden brown and the filling will bubble slightly at the edges. This transformation is a sign that your Classic Cannoli Squares are close to perfection, so enjoy the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen. Step 7: Cool and Serve Once your Classic Cannoli Squares are out of the oven, allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period helps the filling set, making cutting easier. After cooling, slice them into generous squares and consider garnishing with chopped pistachios or a cherry on top for extra flair. Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors! Classic Cannoli Squares Variations Get ready to explore delicious ways to adapt your Classic Cannoli Squares, ensuring they cater to every palate and dietary need! Dairy-Free: Replace ricotta with blended silken tofu and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture that captures the essence of cannoli. Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free pie crusts to enjoy all the flavors while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities. Flavor Boost: Mix in lemon zest for a citrus kick, or add almond extract for a nutty depth that enhances the filling. Fresh Fruit Layer: Incorporate layers of fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, for added sweetness and a refreshing twist. Chocolate Variety: Switch mini chocolate chips for white chocolate or even peanut butter chips to create unique flavor profiles. Nutty Texture: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into the filling for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess. Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness. Herbal Accent: Infuse your ricotta with fresh mint or basil for an unexpected, aromatic twist to this traditional dessert. These variations are just the beginning—feel free to let your creativity shine while making these luscious squares! If you’re interested in other variations of Italian desserts, consider diving deeper into your cooking adventures. Happy baking! Expert Tips for Classic Cannoli Squares Quality Counts: Use high-quality ricotta and pure vanilla extract for maximum flavor impact in your Classic Cannoli Squares. Draining Ricotta: Don’t skip draining excess moisture from the ricotta; this step ensures a thicker, more stable filling that won’t soggy the crust. Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on your Cannoli Squares during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning; they should be golden but not burnt. Cooling Matters: Allow your dessert to cool adequately before cutting; this helps maintain their shape and makes serving easier. Explore Variations: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like lemon zest or different chocolate types to customize your Classic Cannoli Squares to fit your taste! Make Ahead Options These Classic Cannoli Squares are perfect for making ahead, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the filling (ricotta, sugar, and chocolate chips) up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. Additionally, you can assemble the entire dessert (with both crusts and filling) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply place it directly in the preheated oven and follow the baking instructions as usual, ensuring a delightful, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste that family and friends will love! What to Serve with Classic Cannoli Squares Imagine the sweet satisfaction of a well-rounded meal, where every dish complements the delish decadence of these creamy squares. Rich Gelato: A scoop of creamy gelato, like pistachio or hazelnut, adds a smooth, rich counterpart and enhances the dessert experience. Espresso or Coffee: Serving with a bold espresso provides a delightful contrast; the coffee’s bitterness balances the sweetness of the squares. Fresh Berries: A medley of fresh raspberries or strawberries not only brightens the plate aesthetically but also adds a pop of tartness. Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream creates a luscious topping, adding another layer of creaminess that elevates each bite. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A warm chocolate sauce drizzle brings an extra decadence, allowing every square to feel indulgently gourmet. Mint Tea: A soothing cup of mint tea cleanses the palate, bringing a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with the dessert’s sweetness. Feel free to mix and match these pairings for a memorable gathering that celebrates our beloved Classic Cannoli Squares! Storage Tips for Classic Cannoli Squares Room Temperature: Store Classic Cannoli Squares covered at room temperature for up to 1 day for optimal freshness. Fridge: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are well-wrapped to maintain their delicious texture and flavor. Freezer: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheating: For a warm treat, gently reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring the filling stays moist. Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe FAQs What type of ricotta cheese should I use for the filling? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using whole milk ricotta cheese, as it provides a creamier and richer texture compared to part-skim or low-fat versions. If you’re aiming for a lighter alternative, you can choose part-skim ricotta, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the flavor and creaminess of your Classic Cannoli Squares. How should I store leftover Classic Cannoli Squares? Great question! If you have any leftovers, store your Classic Cannoli Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing them to maintain their texture. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months, which I often do! Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again. Can I make Classic Cannoli Squares dairy-free? Very! To make these delightful squares dairy-free, substitute the ricotta cheese with blended silken tofu or a vegan ricotta made from cashews. To mimic the rich flavor, add a teaspoon of nutritional yeast. This combination still yields a creamy texture while accommodating those with dairy allergies or dietary preferences. What should I do if my ricotta filling is too runny? If you find that your ricotta filling is too runny, don’t fret! First, ensure you’ve drained the ricotta thoroughly before mixing. If it’s already mixed and too liquid, you can add a bit of cornstarch or sifted powdered sugar to thicken it up. Just fold in a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, a thicker filling will help prevent a soggy crust in your Classic Cannoli Squares! Is it possible to freeze Classic Cannoli Squares? How should I do it? Absolutely! Freezing Classic Cannoli Squares is a fantastic way to enjoy them later. After baking and cooling completely, wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps to protect them from freezer burn and preserves their flavor. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or let them come to room temperature for a quick treat. What variations can I make to the Classic Cannoli Squares? The more the merrier! You can customize your Classic Cannoli Squares in so many ways. Try adding lemon zest for a fresher taste, or switch up the chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate. You can even add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider layering in fresh fruit like strawberries or incorporating flavored extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, to enhance the flavor profile. Customize them to your heart’s content! Classic Cannoli Squares: Easy Italian Dessert to Savor Classic Cannoli Squares are a nostalgic Italian dessert with a creamy ricotta filling and flaky crust, ideal for gatherings and customizations. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 9 squaresCourse: DessertCuisine: ItalianCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Filling15 oz Ricotta Cheese Use whole milk ricotta for better texture1 cup Powdered Sugar Coconut sugar is a healthy substitute1 tsp Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor1 tsp Cinnamon Omit if preferred1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips Dark chocolate enhances richnessCrust2 whole Pre-Made Pie Crusts Homemade crusts can be used1 whole Egg For egg wash2 tbsp Sugar To sprinkle on topOptional Garnishes1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios For decoration3 whole Maraschino Cherries For added sweetness and color Equipment 9x9-inch baking dishMixing BowlWhiskRolling Pin Method Preparation StepsIn a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and creamy.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Place one pie crust in a greased baking dish, ensuring it covers the base evenly.Spoon the ricotta mixture over the prepared crust, spreading evenly while leaving a small border.Lay the second pie crust over the filling and seal the edges. Brush with egg and sprinkle with sugar.Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1squareCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesUse high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Drain excess moisture from the ricotta for a thicker filling. Customize with additional flavorings as desired. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
