italian cannoli dip recipe

italian cannoli dip recipe

The Best italian cannoli dip recipe

I’ve been making Italian cannoli dip for years, and it’s still a crowd-pleaser in our household. The dish is a twist on the classic Sicilian dessert, cannoli, but in a creamy, dip format. I love how the crispy, fried pastry shells are filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta mixture.

It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. When I serve it at family gatherings or parties, everyone always asks for the recipe. My kids adore helping me make it, too – they love getting their hands dirty with the filling process and watching the shells come out of the oven golden brown.

This recipe is a staple in our house because it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ricotta cheese and pastry shells. I’ve experimented with different flavor combinations over the years, but this classic version remains my favorite.

One of the best things about cannoli dip is its versatility – you can serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even as a dessert. It’s also super customizable: feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to give it an extra boost of flavor and fun. My family loves this recipe because it’s not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to other dips and desserts.

With its low sugar content and high protein levels from the ricotta cheese, I can feel good about serving it to my kids (and myself!) whenever we’re craving something sweet. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make – just mix together some ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolks, then pipe into pre-made pastry shells. Voila! You have a show-stopping appetizer or dessert that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Italian Cannoli Dip

Italian Cannoli Dip

4.6 from 1815 votes

A creamy, sweet ricotta-based dip with mini chocolate chips and candied fruit, perfect for scooping with crispy cannoli chips or fresh fruit. This no-bake dessert captures the classic cannoli flavor in an easy-to-share format.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dip

2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios

For Serving

Cannoli chips or waffle cookies
Fresh berries
Additional mini chocolate chips for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese.
2Beat with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes, ensuring no lumps remain.
3Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the cheese mixture.
4Continue beating on low speed until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
5Fold in the mini chocolate chips, chopped candied orange peel, and chopped pistachios using a rubber spatula.
6Stir gently until evenly distributed throughout the dip.
7Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and smooth the top with the spatula.
8Sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips and a pinch of cinnamon on top for garnish.
9Serve immediately with cannoli chips, waffle cookies, or fresh berries.
10For best texture, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

🔧Equipment

Medium mixing bowl
Electric hand mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Serving bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 120mg🌾Total Carbs: 24g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For a smoother dip, press the ricotta through a fine-mesh sieve before mixing. If you prefer a less sweet dip, reduce the powdered sugar to 1/3 cup. The dip can be made a day ahead and chilled; stir before serving.

Watch Video Of How Italian Cannoli Dip Works

I’m always excited when my family gathers around the table for a meal featuring this Italian cannoli dip recipe – they know exactly what they’re getting: a deliciously sweet treat with just the right balance of crunchy shell and creamy filling.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion because it’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving; plus it makes an amazing snack or dessert when you need something quick and satisfying.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Cannoli Dip

1

What type of pastry shells are best for cannoli dip?

For cannoli dip, you’ll want to use pre-made pastry shells that are specifically designed for cannoli or other Sicilian pastries. These shells are usually made from fried dough and have a crispy exterior that holds up well to being filled with creamy ricotta mixture.

2

Can I use homemade ricotta cheese instead of store-bought?

Yes! If you’re feeling ambitious or want to ensure that your cannoli dip is completely authentic, you can definitely make your own ricotta cheese from scratch using whole milk and vinegar.

3

How do I store leftover cannoli dip?

For short-term storage (up to 3 days), simply cover your cannoli dip with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.

4

Can I freeze cannoli dip for later use?

No! Unfortunately, cannoli dip doesn’t freeze well due to its high water content from the ricotta cheese.

(Note: If you’re looking for an alternative dessert recipe that freezes well)

5

What if I don’t have any confectioners’ sugar on hand?

You can substitute confectioners’ sugar with granulated sugar in this recipe – however keep in mind that granulated sugar will give your cannoli dip a slightly different texture.

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