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Home » Recipes » Dessert

Creamy Cannoli Dip

Updated: Mar 14, 2025 · Published: Jun 2, 2018 by Ashley Amundsen · This post may contain affiliate links. · 4 Comments

Jump to Recipe

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.

A photo of cannoli dip with a graham cracker being dipped in it.

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!

Jump to:
  • 🥘  Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🍴 Storage
  • 🌟 Top tip
  • 🍓 Dipper Ideas
  • 💭 FAQs
  • 📋 Recipe
  • ⭐ Reviews

🥘  Ingredients

  • Ricotta
  • Mascarpone or cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon
  • Chocolate chips
A bowl of cannoli dip.

🔪 Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Taste the dip, and add additional powdered sugar as desired.
  3. Fold chocolate chips into the dip. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
  4. 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.

Cannoli dip on a graham cracker.

🍓 Dipper Ideas

  • Strawberries
  • Graham crackers
  • Waffle cone pieces
  • Pizzelle cookies
  • Apple slices
  • Vanilla wafers
  • Pretzels
  • Cannoli chips
  • Pirouettes

💭 FAQs

Can Cannoli Dip be made in advance?

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.

How do I prevent runny or grainy 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

  • These Italian Ricotta Cookies are soft, delicate and flavored with just a hint of lemon. You won't be able to eat just one!
    Lemon Italian Ricotta Cookies
  • Easy Peach Tiramisu on a pretty white plate.
    Easy Peach Tiramisu
  • A stack of homemade cannoli on a white plate.
    Homemade Cannoli
  • Stracciatella Gelato in a waffle cone.
    Stracciatella Gelato

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

Photo of cannoli dip with graham crackers.

Creamy Cannoli Dip

Ashley Amundsen
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.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 117 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • cheese cloth
  • hand mixer
Prevent your screen from going dark

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 8mgPotassium: 2mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 26IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.2mg
Did you try the recipe?Leave us a review!

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Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Pamela says

    January 02, 2021 at 3:10 am

    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

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      January 04, 2021 at 9:03 am

      That's a great idea Pamela!

      Reply
  2. Matt says

    December 31, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    Cinnamon is missing in the instructions

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 31, 2020 at 2:03 pm

      Thanks for the heads up! I just added it in.

      Reply
Ashley

Hi, I'm Ashley! I created Wanderzest as a place to share traditional foods and fusion recipes inspired by different cultures. I hope you enjoy experiencing the world through food with me!

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