Love dessert dips? Try a Dessert Cheese Ball or three-ingredient Fruit Dip next.
Cannoli Dip Recipe
When we went to Italy a few years ago, “trying gelato in every single flavor” was at the top dessert bucket list. Next on that list? Eating all the cannoli!
What Are Cannoli?
Cannoli are popular Italian pastries with a crispy shell filled with sweet, creamy filling. The ends are often dipped in chocolate chips or nuts and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
When I visited Italy, I loved the cannoli! I’ve made them at home, but the shells take time and can be tricky. So, when I’m craving that flavor, I make Cannoli Dip instead. It’s quick, easy, and has all the same delicious flavors. Just mix up the filling and enjoy it with waffle cones or cookies.
This dip isn’t an authentic Italian dessert, but it’s inspired by those tasty treats!
Quick Tip
Cannoli is the plural of the Sicilian word “cannolo,” meaning “little tube.” Why don’t we ever say “cannolo” for just one? Simple—because you can’t eat just one!
What Is Cannoli Dip Made Of?
This dip has ingredients similar to the filling of cannoli, so it tastes and feels just right. Here’s what you need:
- Ricotta cheese: Go for full-fat, good-quality ricotta for richer flavor and less liquid. Ricotta can be a bit gritty, but it’s key to getting that true cannoli taste.
- Mascarpone cheese: This is like cream cheese but made with cream, so it’s extra delicious. You can find it near the deli, dairy section, or specialty cheeses in the store.
- Powdered sugar: This blends smoothly with the cheeses, so the dip isn’t gritty.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a nice, sweet flavor.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips: These give the dip a tasty crunch and extra sweetness.
Cannoli dip with mascarpone cheese is delicious! I love mascarpone cheese so much that it’s in many recipes on the site, like this Honey and Banana Sandwich, Baked Ziti, and my favorite Pumpkin Pie Recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can use cream cheese (full-fat, brick-style), but I highly recommend mascarpone if you can find it.
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 Cannoli Dip
You probably won’t find Cannoli Dip in stores, so here’s how to make it at home! The full recipe is below, but here are some simple tips:
- Use full-fat dairy: For a smooth dip, use whole milk ricotta and mascarpone cheese. The fat helps make the dip creamy. Low-fat versions won’t work as well.
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer: This dip needs to be whipped at high speed to thicken. Without a mixer, it won’t get the right texture.
- Presentation tip: Put the dip in a bowl, place it on a big plate, and arrange your dippers around it. Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top and lightly dust with powdered sugar to make it look pretty!
Cannoli Dip FAQs
The main ingredient in cannoli filling is ricotta cheese, usually mixed with sugar, vanilla, and citrus zest.
This dip should be thick if the ricotta is well-strained and the mixture is well-whipped. It will also thicken more as it chills.
The filling is slightly gritty from the ricotta cheese, which helps balance the creamy sweetness.
My cannoli dip recipe uses mascarpone for its great flavor and texture, but you can use cream cheese if you need to.
Storage
Cannoli Dip Leftovers?
This dip will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. After the first day, it might collect some liquid, but that’s okay—just drain it off and give it a good stir before serving.
Since this dip has dairy, it’s not great for freezing because it can separate and get grainy.
More Tasty Dessert Recipes:
- Chocolate Dip for Fruit with Nutella
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie with an Oreo cookie crust
- Lemon Curd Cookies with a sweet glaze
- Cashew Ice Cream only three ingredients, no ice cream maker needed!
- Nutella Crepes with strawberries and whipped cream
Cannoli Dip
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 miniature 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.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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 🙂