Description
Classic Cannoli Squares capture all the beloved flavors of traditional Italian cannoli in an easy bar format. With creamy ricotta filling, chocolate chips, and a golden pastry crust, this simplified recipe eliminates the tricky shell-making while still delivering authentic bakery-style taste.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Luscious Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (dark preferred)
For the Golden Crust:
- 2 pre-made pie crusts
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For Stunning Garnishes:
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 3 maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make filling: Mix ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips until smooth.
- Prep oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C), center rack.
- Bottom crust: Press 1 pie crust into 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Add filling: Spread ricotta mixture evenly over crust.
- Top crust: Place second crust over filling, seal edges, trim excess.
- Finish: Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: 30–35 minutes until crust is deep golden brown.
- Cool: Let sit 30 minutes before cutting for clean squares.
Notes
Cool completely before slicing – rushing this step causes messy cuts and filling seepage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Italian Recipes, Easy Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cannoli bars, ricotta dessert, Italian pastry squares, easy cannoli recipe, Italian bakery dessert