If you are a fan of the Italian dessert Cannoli, then you will love this Cannoli dip. This yummy Cannoli dip has all the flavors of Cannoli without the soggy shells and is super easy to put together. Just 5 ingredients and loads of serving choices and you have an easy but delicious dessert ready for a party. This Cannoli Dip is a stress free make ahead dessert that is perfect for any gathering.
Indulge in the decadent flavors of traditional Italian cannoli without the fuss of soggy shells with this delightful Cannoli Dip recipe. Creamy mascarpone and rich ricotta come together in a velvety blend, sweetened with powdered sugar and infused with the aromatic essence of vanilla. Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips add a delightful crunch and decadence to every spoonful. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this Cannoli Dip is a quick and easy way to capture the essence of a classic Italian dessert.
What is Cannoli?
A cannolo (plural: cannoli) is a traditional Italian pastry that originated in Sicily. It is a tube-shaped pastry shell made of deep-fried dough, filled with a sweet and creamy filling. The filling typically consists of ricotta cheese, sugar, and often vanilla or chocolate chips. Sometimes, the filling may also include ingredients like candied fruits, citron, or pistachios, depending on regional variations.
The word “cannolo” means “little tube” in Italian, and the pastry is named for its tubular shape. The shell is crispy and crunchy, providing a delightful contrast to the rich and smooth filling. Cannoli are often considered a special treat and are associated with festive occasions and celebrations.
Ingredients used to make Cannoli Dip
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 15 oz full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
To serve Cannoli Dip
- Waffle cones, broken into large pieces
- Vanilla wafers
- Strawberries
- Pizzelle (Italian waffle cookies)
How to make this easy Italian Cannoli Dip dessert
Follow these steps to create this Cannoli Dip Recipe:
- Beat the Mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract with a handheld mixer or in a stand mixer. Mix till it is well combined.
- Now add the ricotta cheese and mix till combined.
- Save a few chocolate chips for topping and decorating the dip. Mix in the rest of the chocolate chips in the dip and stir with a spatula.
- Transfer the dip to a bowl and top it with the remaining mini chocolate chips. Serve it on a platter with your choice of dippers. Keep the cannoli dip covered in the refrigerator till ready to serve.
How to serve the Cannoli Dip
Cannoli shells are not that easy to find in regular supermarkets. If you can find them, you can break them up and use them as dippers. Some other yummy and easily available choices are- waffle cones (broken up), vanilla wafer cookies strawberries, or any other fruits you like. Italian waffle cookies called Pizzelles would also make a great dipper if you can find them in your supermarket. Use what you like and have available and come up with your new combination to go with the Cannoli dip.
Recipe tips to make this yummy Cannoli Dip
- Chocolate chips are a classic mix for cannoli. But be sure to use mini chocolate chips. If the chocolate chips are of regular size, they will overpower the dip.
- For a more citrus-forward dip, you can replace the mini chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon orange zest.
- Ricotta cheese can be replaced by homemade Indian soft cheese paneer (chenna) in this recipe. Just make sure the paneer is fresh, crumbled, and not too dry. If using homemade paneer, you can also add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream to the recipe.
- If you don’t like your desserts very sweet, start with ¾ cup confectioner’s sugar and add more if needed.
FAQs – Cannoli Dip
The cannoli dip itself is gluten-free but a lot of the regular dippers like waffle cones and cookies are not. If you use gluten-free cookies and dippers then this dessert will be gluten-free.
Mascarpone cheese and cream cheese have the same texture but cream cheese has a tangy taste. So if you do substitute Mascarpone with cream cheese, know that your dip will be tangy in taste. Mascarpone cheese is widely available in American and European grocery stores.
The Cannoli dip can be made a day in advance and stored (covered) in the refrigerator.
Any leftover Cannoli Dip can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Cannoli Dip is best eaten the day made or the next day but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Other Easy Desserts to Try
Recipe Card – Cannoli Dip
Cannoli Dip: 5-Ingredient Recipe
Enjoy the essence of cannoli without the fuss of pastry shells with this easy Cannoli Dip recipe. Beat together mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Introduce full-fat ricotta cheese to the mix, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. Stir in a generous amount of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving some for a decorative finish. Transfer the dip to a bowl, top it with the remaining chocolate chips, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Pair it with your favorite dippers, and relish the delightful fusion of creamy cheese and chocolate in every spoonful.
20
servings15
minutesIngredients
8 oz Mascarpone cheese
15 oz Full-fat Ricotta cheese
1 cup Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla extract
1/3 cup Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For serving
Waffle cones, broken into large pieces
Vanilla wafers
strawberries
Pizzelle (Italian waffle cookies)
Method
- Beat the Mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract with a handheld mixer or in a stand mixer. Mix till it’s well combined.
- Now add the ricotta cheese and mix till combined.
- Save a few chocolate chips for topping and decorating the dip. Mix in the rest of the chocolate chips in the dip and stir with a spatula.
- Transfer the dip to a bowl and top it with the remaining mini chocolate chips. Serve it on a platter with your choice of dippers. Keep the cannoli dip covered in the refrigerator till ready to serve.
Tips
- Chocolate chips are a classic mix for cannoli. But be sure to use mini chocolate chips. If the chocolate chips are of regular size, they will overpower the dip.
- For a more citrus-forward dip, you can replace the mini chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon orange zest.
- Ricotta cheese can be replaced by homemade Indian soft cheese paneer (chenna) in this recipe. Just make sure the paneer is fresh, crumbled, and not too dry. If using homemade paneer, you can also add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream to the recipe.
- If you don’t like your desserts very sweet, start with ¾ cup confectioner’s sugar and add more if needed.
