Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and fun, you are going to love this recipe. Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds are a fresh twist on the beloved Italian cannoli, reimagined as easy-to-slice squares packed with creamy ricotta, sweet chocolate, and a hint of cinnamon. This dessert is simple to make but delivers so much rich flavor and delightful texture, turning any ordinary day into a celebration of sweet goodness. Once you try these squares, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat to impress friends, family, or just delight yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and sweetness. They are simple yet essential, ensuring your Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds come out flawless every time.

• 2 cups Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for a naturally creamy and rich filling that melts on your tongue.
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar: This adds smooth sweetness; coconut sugar works wonderfully for a subtle caramel note and a healthier twist.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enriches the flavor, adding that warm and familiar aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon: A pinch brings depth and a gentle spice—feel free to skip it if you prefer a classic cannoli taste.
• 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips balance the ricotta’s creaminess with just the right touch of bittersweet indulgence.
• 2 pre-made pie crusts: Ready to use crusts keep things simple, but homemade crusts add a personal touch and flakier texture.
• 1 large Egg: Brushed on top for a gorgeous shiny finish and golden color after baking.
• Sugar for sprinkling: Sprinkled on top before baking to create a lightly crunchy, sweet crust.
• 1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios: Offers a beautiful green pop and a satisfying crunch that complements the softness inside.
• 3 pieces Maraschino Cherries: Adds cheerful color and a little burst of extra sweetness for decoration.
• 1/4 cup Extra Chocolate Chips: Optional but perfect for chocolate lovers to scatter on top or serve alongside.

How to Make Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

Start by combining your ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is silky smooth and evenly blended. This filling is the heart of your squares, offering that classic cannoli flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate heat level ensures the crust bakes to a perfect golden brown without drying out the creamy center.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust Base

Unroll one pre-made pie crust and gently fit it into a 9×9-inch baking dish. Press it down so it sits evenly with no gaps, creating the sturdy, buttery base your ricotta filling will rest on.

Step 4: Add the Ricotta Mixture

Spoon your luscious ricotta filling over the pie crust, spreading it out evenly from edge to edge. Smooth the top gently to ensure consistent baking and an appealing look once cut.

Step 5: Top with the Second Pie Crust

Carefully lay the second pie crust over the ricotta filling, pressing down the edges to seal everything in like a delicious package. This keeps all those marvelous flavors trapped inside while baking.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Sprinkling

Brush the top crust with beaten egg to give it a beautiful, glossy finish once baked. Sprinkle sugar across the top right after for a light sweet crunch that will make your squares sparkle and sing.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns a glorious golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible and will have you eager to try a square the moment it cools.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow the Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Patience here means cleaner squares and the filling will set up nicely so every piece holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Garnishes

Enhance your squares by sprinkling chopped pistachios right before serving for a fresh crunch and vibrant color. A maraschino cherry on each square can add a cheerful, classic cannoli look that’s as festive as it is delicious. If you love chocolate, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top for that extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

These squares pair wonderfully with a simple cup of espresso or a warm latte, making for a delightful Italian-inspired pairing. A scoop of vanilla gelato or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on the side also takes this dessert into seriously decadent territory.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve each square on a decorative plate with a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar around it. You can also serve mini squares in pretty cupcake liners for bite-sized treats that “wow” visually and palate-wise. For an elegant touch, drizzle a little melted chocolate or honey over the top and add a tiny mint leaf.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover squares covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, but make sure they’re protected from absorbing other fridge odors. For best texture, bring them to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze these squares for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the filling creamy and the crust tender.

Reheating

Warm your thawed Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to revive the crust’s crispness without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and alter the lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat ricotta for this recipe?

You can, but whole milk ricotta is recommended because it yields a richer, creamier filling that better captures that authentic cannoli taste. Low-fat versions might be a bit drier.

Is it necessary to use cinnamon in the filling?

Cinnamon adds a subtle warmth to the ricotta filling, but it is completely optional. If you prefer the classic cannoli filling flavor, feel free to leave it out—it’s delicious either way!

Can I make the crust from scratch instead of using pre-made?

Absolutely! A homemade pie crust will add a lovely homemade touch and flakiness. Just be sure it fits well into your baking dish and bakes fully without becoming soggy.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Sealing the edges tightly and baking at the right temperature ensures the crust stays crisp. Also, letting the squares cool completely before cutting helps the filling set and keeps the crust firm.

What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

If you’re not a fan of chocolate, mini chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts can add crunch and flavor. You could also try dried fruit like chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that’s straightforward to make but bursting with flavor, do yourself a favor and try these Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds. Their creamy ricotta filling and crisp, golden crust create a perfect harmony that’s sure to delight everyone at your table. Whether you’re making them for a casual treat or a special occasion, these squares will bring smiles and make memories. Once you taste them, you’ll understand why they are a new favorite!

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