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Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

Classic Cannoli Squares offer a delightful twist on the traditional Italian cannoli, featuring a creamy ricotta filling blended with powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips sandwiched between flaky pie crusts. They’re baked to golden perfection, topped with a glossy egg wash and sugar sprinkle, then garnished with chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries for an elegant, crunchy finish. Perfect for dessert lovers craving the rich, creamy texture and bold flavors of cannoli in an easy-to-cut bar form.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (use whole milk for a richer texture)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (opt for pure vanilla for the best taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (omit if you prefer a classic cannoli flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (dark chocolate enhances richness)

Crust and Topping

  • 2 pre-made Pie Crusts (homemade crust works beautifully, too)
  • 1 large Egg (for an egg wash that gives a glossy finish)
  • Sugar (for sprinkling, adds a sweet crunch on top when baked)
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios (offers a delightful crunch and color)
  • 3 pieces Maraschino Cherries (adds a pop of sweetness and decoration)
  • 1/4 cup Extra Chocolate Chips (for those who can’t get enough chocolate)

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 these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature by the time your squares are assembled.
  3. Line the Baking Dish: Unroll one of the pre-made pie crusts and carefully fit it into a 9×9-inch baking dish, pressing it gently to cover the bottom and sides evenly.
  4. Fill the Crust: Spoon the prepared ricotta filling evenly over the pie crust layer, spreading it out to cover the entire surface uniformly.
  5. Add the Top Crust: Place the second pie crust over the ricotta filling, sealing the edges by pinching them together. This will lock in the filling during baking.
  6. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the large egg and brush it over the top crust to give it a beautiful, glossy finish when baked. Then, sprinkle sugar evenly over the top for added sweetness and a crunchy texture.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and allow the cannoli squares to cool for at least 30 minutes to set the filling. Once cooled, cut into squares and garnish with chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, and extra chocolate chips for added flavor and decoration.

Notes

  • You can omit the cinnamon if you prefer a more traditional cannoli flavor.
  • For a healthier take, substitute powdered sugar with coconut sugar in the filling.
  • Make sure to let the squares cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape.
  • Homemade pie crust can be used instead of pre-made for a fresher taste and texture.
  • Use dark chocolate mini chips for a richer flavor contrast in the filling.
  • Chill the ricotta cheese before mixing to improve the texture of the filling.

Keywords: cannoli squares, ricotta dessert, Italian dessert, baked cannoli, chocolate chip dessert, easy cannoli recipe, pie crust dessert

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