Cannoli Dip

Cannoli dip is a deconstructed take on the classic Italian pastry, offering all the delicious flavors of cannoli without the fuss of making or filling the shells. Instead of struggling with delicate pastry, you get all the delicious flavor in a creamy, dreamy dip.

This creamy, sweet, and slightly citrusy dip is perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a special treat. It’s the taste of Italy, made easy!

I’m so excited to share my family’s favorite cannoli dip recipe with you – it’s always a crowd-pleaser! My kids love it, my husband requests it, and I’m sure your family will love it too.

What Makes This Cannoli Dip Special

This isn’t just any cannoli dip! I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over the years to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – even easier than the traditional cannoli! Forget frying pastry shells; this recipe is all about the simple pleasure of dipping.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Cannoli Dip

Let’s gather our ingredients! This cannoli dip recipe uses simple ingredients, but quality makes a difference. You might even have most of them in your kitchen already!

The Creamy Base

• Ricotta Cheese: (Full-fat, about 15 ounces) – This is the heart of any good cannoli filling, and it’s the same for our dip. Full-fat ricotta gives you the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Make sure to drain it really well using cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve. This gets rid of excess water, so your dip isn’t runny.
• Mascarpone Cheese: (8 ounces) – Mascarpone is like the silk sheets of the cheese world! It adds an extra layer of richness and smoothness that takes this cannoli dip to the next level.
• Powdered Sugar: (1 cup) – We use powdered sugar instead of granulated because it dissolves easily and gives the dip a perfectly smooth texture.

Flavor Enhancers

• Vanilla Extract: (2 teaspoons) – A must-have! Vanilla extract brings out all the other flavors and adds that signature cannoli taste.
• Orange Zest: (1 teaspoon) – Don’t skip this! A little bit of orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness and makes everything pop.
• Cinnamon: (1/4 teaspoon) – Just a pinch! Cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and coziness.

Mix-Ins and Toppings

• Mini Chocolate Chips: (1/2 cup) – Because who doesn’t love chocolate? Mini chips are perfect for evenly distributing the chocolatey goodness throughout the dip.
• Crushed Cannoli Shells: (For serving) – These are essential for the full cannoli experience! You can buy pre-made shells and crush them yourself, or sometimes you can even find them already crushed.
• Pistachios: (Chopped, for garnish) – These are totally optional, but they add a beautiful pop of color and a nice nutty flavor.

Making the Best Cannoli Dip: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this delicious cannoli dip! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert in no time.

1. Drain the Ricotta:
   This is a super important step! Line a fine-mesh sieve or colander with cheesecloth. Place the ricotta in the cheesecloth, gather the edges, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. You can also let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, allowing the whey to drain. Draining the ricotta makes sure your dip isn’t watery and has a nice, thick consistency.
   [Photo: Ricotta cheese being drained in cheesecloth.]
2. Combine the Cheeses:
   In a large bowl, add the drained ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the cheeses together until they’re smooth and creamy. You want a nice, even texture, so there are no lumps!
   [Photo: Ricotta and Mascarpone being combined in a bowl.]
3. Add the Sweetness and Flavor:
   Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cheese mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and cinnamon. Mix everything until it’s well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix – you just want everything to be evenly distributed. Overmixing can make the dip a little runny.
   [Photo: Powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon being added to the cheese mixture.]
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
   Now for the chocolate! Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula. We don’t want to beat them in, just gently incorporate them throughout the dip.
   [Photo: Chocolate chips being folded into the cannoli dip.]
5. Chill:
   Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows all the flavors to meld together and the dip to thicken up a bit. It makes a big difference!
   [Photo: Cannoli dip covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.]
6. Serve:
   When you’re ready to serve, transfer the cannoli dip to a pretty serving bowl. Sprinkle the top with chopped pistachios (if you’re using them) for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with crushed cannoli shells, waffle cones, or your favorite dippers. Enjoy!
   [Photo: Cannoli dip in a serving bowl, garnished with pistachios and served with crushed cannoli shells.]

Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Your Cannoli Dip

Here are a few secrets I’ve learned over the years for making the best cannoli dip, plus some fun ways to customize it! Before we dive into variations, it’s worth understanding the nutritional benefits of some key ingredients. According to Healthline, cinnamon, one of the flavor enhancers in our dip, is packed with antioxidants and offers anti-inflammatory properties.

Getting the Perfect Consistency

• Sweetness is Personal: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dip, add a little more. If you like it less sweet, use a bit less.
• Draining is Key: Remember, draining the ricotta is so important for getting that thick, creamy texture. You can even use the drained ricotta in a cottage cheese bagels recipe afterwards!
• Too Thick? No Problem!: If your dip is too thick, just add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Fun Cannoli Dip Variations

• Chocolate Cannoli Dip: For extra chocolate flavor, add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cheese mixture.
• Espresso Cannoli Dip: Coffee lovers, this one’s for you! Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the mix for a delicious coffee kick.
• Nutella Cannoli Dip: Swirl in a few tablespoons of Nutella before chilling for a hazelnut-chocolate twist. My kids love this one!
• Lemon Cannoli Dip: Swap out the orange zest for lemon zest for a brighter, more lemony flavor.

What to Serve with Cannoli Dip

• Traditional crushed cannoli shells: Of course!
• Waffle cones or waffle bowls: A fun and festive option, especially for parties.
• Graham crackers: A simple and satisfying choice.
• Biscotti: Adds a nice crunch and a hint of almond flavor.
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, apple slices): A healthier option that’s also delicious! If you’re looking for other healthy options, why not check out these healthy crock pot recipes?

Making Ahead and Storing

• Good news! You can make this cannoli dip up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir and add your toppings.

FAQ

Got questions about cannoli dip? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this delicious dessert.

What is cannoli dip made of?

Cannoli dip is basically a deconstructed cannoli filling! It’s typically made from a creamy base of ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese, sweetened with powdered sugar, and flavored with vanilla extract. Often, it also includes mini chocolate chips or other tasty mix-ins. It’s designed to be enjoyed as a dip, so you skip all the fuss of making and filling the shells!

What are the ingredients in a cannoli?

Traditional cannoli consist of a crispy, fried pastry shell filled with a sweet, creamy filling. The filling is usually made from ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Sometimes, you’ll also find candied fruit or chocolate chips in the filling. The shells are often dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Is mascarpone or ricotta better for cannoli filling?

That’s a great question! Both mascarpone and ricotta are used in cannoli filling, and they each bring something special to the table. Ricotta provides the classic, slightly tangy base, while mascarpone adds extra richness, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness. Many recipes, including my cannoli dip recipe, use a combination of both for the perfect texture and flavor balance. If you’re interested in other ricotta-based dishes, you might like fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes recipe!

Why is it called cannoli?

The name “cannoli” comes from the Italian word “cannolo,” which means “little tube.” This refers to the characteristic tube-shaped pastry shell that’s the hallmark of this iconic dessert. The name is simply a reflection of the dessert’s distinctive shape. If you enjoy Italian-inspired desserts, you might also appreciate the ease of making easy pumpkin muffins with cake mix, a delightful treat any time of year.

Enjoy Your Cannoli Dip!

I hope you and your family enjoy this delicious and easy cannoli dip recipe as much as we do! It’s the perfect sweet treat for parties, holidays, or just a fun weekend. Speaking of easy, have you ever tried sweet and sour meatballs? It’s another family favorite that’s incredibly simple to make. According to Healthline cinnamon, which we use a pinch of in this recipe, is rich in antioxidants!. Please let me know in the comments what you think – I love hearing from you! Buon appetito!

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