Oh my goodness, let me tell you about classic cannoli squares! These little delights bring all the flavors of traditional cannoli into an incredibly easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. I remember the first time I made them for my family; the smiles on their faces were priceless! The best part? You don’t even have to bake! Just layer creamy ricotta and mascarpone cheese with crunchy graham crackers, and you’ve got a showstopper. Trust me, once you try this classic cannoli squares easy Italian dessert recipe, you’ll be hooked on the sweet, rich flavors and how simple it is to whip up!
Ingredients for Classic Cannoli Squares Easy Italian Dessert Recipe
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained for a thicker texture
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, creamy and rich
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted to avoid lumps
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that lovely aromatic sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, adds a warm, spicy note
- 1 package of graham crackers, about 14 sheets, for a crunchy base
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, because who can resist a little chocolate?
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios, for a delightful crunch and color
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks for a fluffy topping
How to Prepare Classic Cannoli Squares Easy Italian Dessert Recipe
Preparing these classic cannoli squares is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to chill and impress your family or friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy—this is where the magic begins!
- Next, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. This adds that delightful texture and flavor that cannoli lovers crave!
- Now, let’s build our layers! In a baking dish, lay down a single layer of graham crackers, covering the bottom completely.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the graham crackers, making sure it’s evenly distributed. You want every bite to be filled with that creamy goodness!
- Layer on another set of graham crackers, followed by the remaining cheese mixture on top. Don’t worry about it being perfect—this is all about deliciousness!
- Finally, whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently spread this fluffy cream over the top layer of your dessert. It’s like a soft, sweet cloud!
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This helps everything set beautifully and allows those flavors to meld together.
- When you’re ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy the smiles on everyone’s faces!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—no baking required!
- Layers of creamy, rich flavors that taste just like traditional cannoli.
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
- Deliciously versatile with optional toppings like fruit or extra nuts.
- Impressive enough to wow your guests while being super simple to make!
Tips for Success
To make your classic cannoli squares even more delightful, here are some handy tips! First, for a richer flavor, opt for whole-milk ricotta cheese—it really elevates the creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the chocolate chips for dried fruits like cherries or apricots for a unique twist. When it comes to storage, keep any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. And don’t forget, for a gorgeous presentation, sprinkle some extra chopped pistachios or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top just before serving—your guests will be wowed!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional values for these classic cannoli squares can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to provide helpful information, precise nutritional details aren’t guaranteed. Always feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs!
FAQ About Classic Cannoli Squares Easy Italian Dessert Recipe
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While the classic combination of ricotta and mascarpone gives you that creamy, traditional flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses too. For instance, using whole-milk ricotta will enhance the richness, while cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftover classic cannoli squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re covered well to keep that creamy texture intact. Trust me, they might even taste better as the flavors meld together overnight!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, making these classic cannoli squares a day ahead is a great idea. Just prepare everything and refrigerate overnight to let those flavors mingle and develop. Just remember to whip the cream just before serving for that light, fluffy finish—it’ll be a hit!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your classic cannoli squares experience, consider serving them with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato. Drizzle with a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Pairing with a robust espresso or a sweet dessert wine can truly round out this delightful Italian treat!
Classic Cannoli Squares Easy Italian Dessert Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic cannoli squares are a simple Italian dessert that combines the flavors of traditional cannoli in an easy-to-make square form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 package of graham crackers
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
- In a baking dish, layer graham crackers at the bottom.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers.
- Spread the remaining cheese mixture on top.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and spread over the top layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole-milk ricotta.
- Substitute chocolate chips with dried fruit if desired.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: classic cannoli squares, easy Italian dessert, cannoli recipe