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Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe

Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Classic Cannoli Squares offer a delightful twist on traditional cannoli by combining creamy ricotta filling, chocolate chips, and a flaky pie crust baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dessert features a smooth ricotta mixture with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, topped with crunchy pistachios and sweet maraschino cherries for a colorful, festive presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (whole milk for richer texture)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (or coconut sugar as a healthier option)
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (dark chocolate preferred)

Crust & Topping

  • 2 pre-made Pie Crusts (homemade also works)
  • 1 large Egg (beaten for egg wash)
  • Sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios (for crunch and color)
  • 3 Maraschino Cherries (for decoration)
  • 1/4 cup Extra Chocolate Chips (optional, for added chocolate flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature for baking the squares evenly.
  3. Line the baking dish: Unroll one pre-made pie crust and carefully fit it into a 9×9-inch baking dish, pressing gently to cover the base and sides evenly.
  4. Add the filling: Spoon the ricotta filling evenly over the prepared pie crust, spreading it out to cover the entire surface for uniform thickness.
  5. Cover with second crust: Place the second pie crust over the ricotta mixture, gently sealing the edges by pinching them together to enclose the filling completely.
  6. Apply egg wash and sugar: Brush the top crust with a beaten egg to create a glossy finish after baking, then sprinkle sugar evenly on top for a sweet crunch.
  7. Bake the squares: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and fully cooked.
  8. Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the cannoli squares to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped pistachios, extra chocolate chips, and maraschino cherries for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
  • Cinnamon is optional; omit for a classic cannoli flavor.
  • Dark chocolate chips pair best for richness but use your favorite chocolate.
  • Cooling before slicing helps maintain square shapes and avoids filling spill-over.
  • Homemade pie crust can be substituted for pre-made for a fresher taste.
  • Sprinkling sugar before baking adds a deliciously crisp topping.
  • Store leftover squares in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cannoli squares, ricotta dessert, Italian dessert, chocolate chips, easy baked dessert, ricotta cheese recipe, cannoli filling, homemade cannoli squares

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/classic-cannoli-squares-recipe/