Irresistible Classic Cannoli Squares Recipe to Delight You

Classic Cannoli Squares are the sweet symphony of creamy ricotta, crunchy shells, and a dusting of powdered sugar that dances in your mouth. Imagine biting into a soft square of heaven, where each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that make you want to do a happy dance in the kitchen.

Now, picture this: it’s family gathering time, everyone’s gathered around the table, laughter fills the air, and someone brings out these luscious squares. Suddenly, you’re not just serving dessert; you’re serving nostalgia wrapped in chocolate chips and love. These Classic Cannoli Squares are perfect for any occasion—be it birthdays, holidays, or just because it’s a Tuesday!

Ingredients for Classic Cannoli Squares

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier filling that packs a flavorful punch.
• Powdered Sugar: This sweetener gives the filling its signature sweetness and smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
• Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips add delightful bursts of sweetness throughout your squares.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that sturdy base that holds everything together during baking.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that ensures your squares rise perfectly and have a fluffy texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Classic Cannoli Squares

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray. It’s like giving your squares a cozy place to bake.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and mini chocolate chips. Stir until everything is beautifully blended—think creamy clouds of happiness!

Step 3: Prepare the Base

In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture into your creamy filling until fully incorporated. You’re creating magic here; don’t forget to smile!

Step 4: Pour into Baking Dish

Pour this delectable mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula. It should look like an inviting surfboard ready to ride the wave of flavor.

Step 5: Bake Away!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. The kitchen will smell like a dream; try not to eat it all before it cools!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow your cannoli squares to cool completely before slicing them into generous squares. Dust with additional powdered sugar for that picture-perfect finish!

Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful treats with friends or family—they’ll be begging for seconds!

So there you have it! With each bite of these Classic Cannoli Squares, you’re not just enjoying dessert—you’re indulging in memories that will last a lifetime!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the cannoli pastry first, ensuring it cools while you whip up the ricotta filling. This sequence maximizes freshness and texture, giving you the perfect balance of crispy shell and creamy center.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize these squares by adding chocolate chips or a splash of vanilla to the filling. You can also swap out traditional ingredients for flavored extracts, like almond or orange, to create your unique signature dessert.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Classic Cannoli Squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy them cold—no reheating necessary as the crispiness of the pastry is part of their charm.

I once made these Classic Cannoli Squares for my family’s holiday gathering. Watching their faces light up with delight reminded me why I love baking so much—it’s truly about sharing joy!

FAQs:

What are Classic Cannoli Squares?

Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert, cannoli. Instead of fried pastry shells, this recipe features a delicious, creamy filling set atop a buttery crust. The squares are typically garnished with chocolate chips and dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. These treats bring the rich flavors of cannoli into a convenient shape, making them perfect for gatherings or personal indulgence.

How do you store Classic Cannoli Squares?

To maintain the freshness of your Classic Cannoli Squares, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to five days when properly stored. If you plan to make them ahead of time, consider keeping the filling separate from the crust until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and ensures that each square retains its delightful texture.

Can I customize the filling for Classic Cannoli Squares?

Absolutely! While the traditional filling typically includes ricotta cheese and mascarpone, you can customize it to suit your taste. Consider adding flavored extracts like vanilla or almond, or mix in citrus zest for a refreshing twist. You might also experiment with different mix-ins such as chopped nuts or dried fruits to create your unique version of Classic Cannoli Squares.

Are Classic Cannoli Squares suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can make Classic Cannoli Squares gluten-free by using gluten-free flour in place of regular all-purpose flour for the crust. Be sure to check other ingredients as well, such as baking powder, to ensure they’re gluten-free. With these adjustments, everyone can enjoy these delicious squares without compromising their dietary needs.

Conclusion for Classic Cannoli Squares:

Classic Cannoli Squares offer a simple yet indulgent take on a beloved Italian dessert. With their creamy filling and buttery crust, they capture all the traditional flavors while providing an easy serving option. By customizing the filling or adjusting for dietary needs, these squares can appeal to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, Classic Cannoli Squares will surely impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Print

Classic Cannoli Squares

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful reinterpretation of the traditional Italian dessert, combining a creamy ricotta filling with a buttery crust. Topped with chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar, these squares are perfect for any gathering or simply enjoying at home. Their easy preparation makes them an ideal treat for bakers of all skill levels, promising a burst of nostalgic flavors in every bite.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Makes 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and chocolate chips until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the ricotta blend until fully combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
6. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - Customize your filling by adding lemon zest or swapping chocolate chips for dried fruit. - For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.