Chef Mitchell preparing Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the inspiration for Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares during a visit to Italy. The rich flavors and textures of cannoli captivated me, and I wanted to create a simpler version. After several trials, I perfected this recipe, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy at home. Now, it's a favorite dessert among my family and friends."

Chef Mitchell has a passion for Italian cuisine, specializing in desserts. With over a decade of experience in the culinary field, he has developed numerous recipes that capture the essence of traditional Italian sweets. His expertise and creativity shine through in every dish.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares served on a plate

Why This Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares Recipe Works

This recipe combines the traditional flavors of cannoli in a convenient square form. The creamy ricotta and mascarpone filling is rich yet light, making it a perfect dessert after a hearty meal. The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch that complements the smooth filling beautifully.

The technique of folding whipped cream into the filling ensures a light texture, while chilling allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and richness, making it an irresistible treat.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, use high-quality ricotta and mascarpone cheese. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before mixing to avoid a watery filling. Chilling the dessert overnight enhances the flavors and makes it easier to cut into squares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares can be made a day in advance. In fact, they often taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth as a substitute. Additionally, cream cheese can work in a pinch but will alter the flavor slightly. Make sure to adjust the sugar levels to maintain sweetness.

The crust should be set and slightly golden when you take it out of the oven. The filling will firm up as it chills in the refrigerator. It’s best to refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow everything to set properly.

Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, but be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

These squares pair wonderfully with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can also enhance the presentation and flavor.

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep them covered or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Absolutely! Making these squares in advance allows the flavors to develop even more. Just follow the recipe and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

These squares are best served cold straight from the fridge. If you prefer them slightly softened, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may alter the texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the filling turns out dry and crumbly.

Solution: Make sure to use fresh ricotta and mascarpone, and avoid overmixing. If the filling is too dry, you can fold in a little more cream or a splash of milk to add moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The crust lacks the desired crunch.

Solution: Ensure that the crust is baked long enough to firm up. You can also add a bit of sugar to the crust mixture to enhance its crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The crust is burnt or too hard.

Prevention: Keep an eye on the crust during baking and test for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. Use oven mitts to check if it's set but not overly browned.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The filling is not set properly in the middle.

Recovery: If this happens, return the dessert to the fridge for a bit longer, allowing it to set properly. If serving immediately, you can place it in the freezer for a few minutes to help it firm up.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The edges of the squares are burnt.

Prevention: Ensure that the baking pan is not too close to the heating elements of the oven. You can also line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dessert is too sweet, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it tastes too salty, you may need to add more sweet ingredients like powdered sugar or cream to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of lemon zest to enhance the flavor profile.

Fresh ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares

The core of this dessert lies in the quality of the ingredients. Fresh ricotta cheese and mascarpone contribute to the creamy filling, while mini chocolate chips add delightful bursts of flavor. The graham cracker crust gives a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth filling.

When selecting these ingredients, opt for high-quality brands to enhance the overall taste. Freshness is key, especially for the dairy components, to achieve the best results in flavor and texture.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh ricotta for the best texture. Avoid the pre-packaged versions that may contain preservatives. Draining any excess liquid before mixing is crucial for a smooth filling.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Mascarpone adds a luxurious creaminess to the filling. Ensure it's at room temperature for easy mixing. You can also use full-fat cream cheese as a substitute in a pinch.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: For an extra crunch, consider toasting your graham cracker crumbs lightly before mixing with butter. This enhances their flavor and adds depth to the crust.
Cooking process for Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The process of making Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares is straightforward, beginning with the crust preparation. Combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and egg creates a firm base. After baking, the filling is prepared using a mix of ricotta and mascarpone, ensuring to fold in whipped cream for lightness.

The key to achieving perfect results lies in the chilling time. Allowing the squares to set in the refrigerator ensures the flavors meld beautifully and the texture becomes just right for cutting into squares.

Key Technique for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares

The most important technique is gently folding whipped cream into the filling mixture. This technique helps to maintain airiness, ensuring that the final product is light and not dense. Avoid overmixing to achieve the desired texture.

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For drizzling
  • 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
    Optional drizzle
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
    For dusting

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb ricotta cheese
    Drained
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
    Semi-sweet
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
    For a hint of spice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For the filling
  • 1 package graham cracker crumbs
    For the crust
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    For binding
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
    For richness
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
    For garnish
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting
    For presentation
  • 1/4 cup chocolate syrup for drizzling
    Optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Prepare the crust

    In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and egg. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.

  3. Bake the crust

    Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until set, then remove from oven and let cool.

  4. Make the filling

    In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.

  5. Add chocolate chips

    Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently into the filling mixture.

  6. Whip cream

    In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the filling mixture.

  7. Combine layers

    Spread the filling mixture over the cooled crust evenly.

  8. Chill

    Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.

  9. Serve

    Before serving, dust with confectioners' sugar, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store Chocolate Chip Cannoli Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their quality for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them as previously mentioned.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these squares chilled, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like dried fruits or nuts. You can also try adding a splash of orange or almond extract for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.