Cannoli Dip tastes just like the rich, creamy filling of a cannoli without all of the hassle. A couple of ingredients and 5 minutes are all you need to whip up this perfect party pleaser.
One of my favorite Italian pastries, besides sfogliatelle, is Cannoli. That crunchy shell paired with the sweet ricotta filling is the perfect combination. The problem with cannoli is that it takes a serious amount of time and energy to make. If you aren't feeling that ambitious, this cannoli dip is the perfect easy alternative!
🥘 Ingredients
- Ricotta
- Mascarpone or cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Chocolate chips
🔪 Instructions
- Add ricotta, mascarpone or cream cheese, and powdered sugar to a large bowl. Beat with a mixer until smooth. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon and continue beating.
- Taste the dip, and add additional powdered sugar as desired.
- Fold chocolate chips into the dip. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
- Serve dip immediately with dippers of your choice.
🍴 Storage
The prepared dip can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
🌟 Top tip
If your ricotta is a bit watery, you can strain it. Line a colander with a cheesecloth and strain the ricotta by pressing it with a rubber spatula until most of the liquid has drained. Paper towels can also be used in place of the cheesecloth.
🍓 Dipper Ideas
- Strawberries
- Graham crackers
- Waffle cone pieces
- Pizzelle cookies
- Apple slices
- Vanilla wafers
- Pretzels
- Cannoli chips
- Pirouettes
💭 FAQs
Yes, it can be; however, I recommend leaving the chocolate chips until just before serving. This prevents the chocolate chips from "melting" in the dip.
Use fresh, whole milk, high-quality ricotta. The ricotta you use in this recipe will greatly affect the consistency of your dip. Make sure you strain the ricotta cheese to prevent it from being runny. Use a hand or stand mixer to get an extra thick, smooth, and creamy dip.
🍨 More Italian-Inspired Dessert Recipes
If you make this recipe, let me know what you think! I’d love it if you could add a star rating ★ and a comment below. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, too!
📋 Recipe
Creamy Cannoli Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 8 ounce mascarpone or cream cheese at room temperature and strained
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- graham crackers strawberries, waffle cones, etc. for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add ricotta, mascarpone, and powdered sugar. Beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon and continue beating for 30 more seconds.
- Taste the dip, and add up to ½ cup of additional powdered sugar as desired.
- Gently fold chocolate chips into the dip. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the dip.
- Serve dip immediately with dippers of your choice. Strawberries, graham crackers, waffle cones, and pizzelle cookies are great options!
Notes
- Adapted from Homemade Hooplah.
- If your ricotta is a bit watery, you can strain it. Line a colander with a cheesecloth and strain the ricotta by pressing it with a rubber spatula until most of the liquid has drained. Paper towels can also be used in place of the cheesecloth.
Pamela says
Have you tried substituting mascarpone for the ricotta ... It balances with the Cream cheese well as well as bring them both to room temp first so you get a nice smooth texture
Ashley says
That's a great idea Pamela!
Matt says
Cinnamon is missing in the instructions
Ashley says
Thanks for the heads up! I just added it in.