Description
Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful twist on traditional cannoli, featuring a creamy ricotta and chocolate chip filling sandwiched between flaky pie crusts. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these squares offer the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, ideal for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a decadent dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (use low-fat as a lighter option)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (preferably dark chocolate)
Crust and Topping
- 1 package (14 ounces) pre-made pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped pistachios
- Maraschino cherries
- Extra chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and creamy. For a thicker consistency, drain excess moisture from the ricotta using a fine-mesh sieve prior to mixing.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the crust will bake evenly and achieve a desirable golden-brown color.
- Roll Out the Pie Crust: If using homemade crust, roll it out to fit a 9×9-inch baking dish. For pre-made crust, unroll carefully and press it into the dish, making sure there are no cracks or gaps that could leak filling.
- Add the Filling: Spread the prepared ricotta mixture evenly over the bottom crust inside the baking dish. Smooth the surface with a spatula and leave a small border around the edges to prevent filling from spilling over during baking.
- Prepare the Top Crust: Roll out the second pie crust and gently place it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork to tightly close the square. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sugar to provide a shiny, sweet finish.
- Bake: Place the assembled baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on the baking process to avoid over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Optionally garnish with chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, or extra chocolate chips for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Draining ricotta cheese before mixing helps achieve a thicker, less watery filling.
- Use low-fat ricotta to lighten the calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute pie crust with gluten-free pastry crusts.
- Chilling the pie crust briefly before baking can help prevent shrinking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Cannoli squares, ricotta dessert, chocolate chip dessert, baked cannoli, Italian dessert, easy dessert recipe
