author’s note
The Cannoli Shortcut I’ll Be Making Forever!
When we went to Italy a few years ago, “trying gelato in every single flavor” was at the top of my dessert bucket list. Next on that list? Cannolis!
Once home, I couldn’t shake the craving and decided to turn that classic dessert into a quick dip. I loved everything about real cannolis, from the crispy shell to the creamy ricotta filling and chocolate chip-studded ends, but making them from scratch felt like too much work.
So one night, I skipped the shells and went straight for the filling. A quick mix of ricotta, mascarpone, vanilla, and chocolate chips turned into the creamiest, dreamiest dip. One bite in, my husband said, “This is dangerous.” And just like that, this Cannoli Dip Recipe became a family favorite.
What It’s Made Of?
| Ingredient | Tips & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Ricotta (whole milk, full fat) | Drain well. Low-fat or watery ricotta can make the dip runny. |
| Mascarpone | If unavailable, use full-fat cream cheese. The dip will be slightly tangier and firmer. Soften before mixing. |
| Powdered sugar (confectioners’) | Sift first to avoid lumps. Adjust amount slightly to taste. |
| Vanilla extract (or almond/citrus zest) | Use pure vanilla. Add orange or lemon zest for brightness or almond extract for a nutty flavor. |
| Mini chocolate chips | Use mini size for better texture. Try finely chopped dark or white chocolate as an alternative. |
Variations
Instead of mini chocolate chips, try adding chopped pistachios! You can also change up the flavor by adding orange zest or lemon zest, orange/lemon extracts, or a little cinnamon and allspice.
What To Dip In Cannoli Dip
- Waffle cookies: Broken waffle cones, pizzelle waffle cookies, or waffle butter cookies are all delicious with this dip!
- Cookies: Crunchy chocolate chip cookies or vanilla wafers work great too.
- Other ideas: Try unfilled cannoli shells, pretzels, graham crackers, animal crackers, or vanilla sandwich cookies.
How To Make This Cannoli Dip Recipe
- Drain ricotta using paper towels or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.
- Mix ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Chill for 30–60 minutes to thicken.
- Serve with waffle cones, cookies, or your favorite dippers.
Storage
- Store: Keep this cannoli dip recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Stir before serving.
- Freeze: Not recommended. The texture becomes grainy once thawed.
More Tasty Dessert Recipes:
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie
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Lemon Curd Cookies
Desserts
Bread Pudding Recipe
Cannoli Dip
Video
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups ricotta cheese see note 1
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, see note 2
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- Serving suggestions see note 3
Instructions
- Measure out the ricotta and place it on several paper towels. Press with additional paper towels to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, place the ricotta in cheesecloth and squeeze out the moisture over the sink.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mascarpone, vanilla, powdered sugar, and salt. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat on medium-high speed until thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Transfer to an airtight container and chill for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Remove from the fridge, stir the dip, and transfer it to a serving bowl. Surround with your choice of dippers.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Cannoli Dip FAQs
This dip will be thick if the ricotta is well-strained and the mixture is properly whipped. It will thicken even more as it chills.
The filling is slightly gritty from the ricotta cheese, which helps balance the creamy sweetness.
Traditional cannoli filling is made with ricotta, but my Cannoli Dip includes mascarpone for extra creaminess and flavor. You can use full-fat cream cheese if needed, but mascarpone gives the best texture and taste. I love it so much that I also use it in my Honey and Banana Sandwich, Baked Ziti, and Pumpkin Pie Recipe.
Love dessert dips? Try a Dessert Cheese Ball or three-ingredient Fruit Dip next.
This was lovely. What a smooth, creamy dip perfect for my book club gathering. It was beautiful, too. 🙂 I served with strawberries, apple slices, butter waffle cookies, and pizzelle cookies. Everyone loved it.
I am thrilled to hear this! Thanks Samantha! 🙂
I think this would make a wonderful dessert crepe filling!
Omg what a great idea!! Now I have to try that 🙂