Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cannoli squares offer all the charm of the traditional pastry with half the effort. Instead of frying shells, you’ll bake buttery layers of pastry or graham crackers and spread them with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling. They’re elegant enough for celebrations yet easy enough for a casual dessert night. Light, slightly tangy, and delicately sweet, these squares deliver the essence of classic cannoli in every bite—no piping bag required.
Print
Classic Cannoli Squares: A Sweet, Creamy Italian-Inspired Treat
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 9 large or 18 small squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Classic Cannoli Squares capture all the flavors of traditional Italian cannoli — crisp pastry layers, rich ricotta-cream filling, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips — in an easy, shareable dessert bar form that’s perfect for parties or holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (drained)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry sheets slightly and cut each into 9 even squares (about 3×3 inches). Prick each square with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Cannoli Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Assemble the Squares: Spread or pipe a generous layer of cannoli filling onto one pastry square. Top with another puff pastry square to form a sandwich.
- Repeat with remaining pastry squares and filling. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to set.
- Finish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle with chocolate chips or pistachios, and drizzle lightly with honey if desired. Serve chilled or slightly cool.
Notes
- For best texture, drain ricotta overnight using cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
- Make ahead: Fill the squares just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
- Add a few drops of orange zest or liqueur (like amaretto) for a traditional Sicilian twist.
- Pairs wonderfully with espresso or cappuccino.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked and Assembled
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ricotta Cheese (Whole Milk, Drained)
The star of the filling—smooth, creamy, and lightly tangy.
Mascarpone Cheese (Optional but Recommended)
Adds richness and a silky texture to the filling.
Powdered Sugar
Sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth and velvety.
Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and aroma that complements the ricotta beautifully.
Mini Chocolate Chips
Classic cannoli flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
Cinnamon (Optional)
Adds a subtle warmth and traditional Italian flavor.
Graham Crackers or Puff Pastry Sheets
Form the crust and layers for the squares—choose based on your texture preference.
Butter (Melted)
Helps hold the crust together and adds richness.
Pistachios (Chopped, Optional)
For garnish and added crunch.
Powdered Sugar (for Dusting)
Finishes the dessert with a beautiful, bakery-style touch.
Directions
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
Place ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth-lined bowl and let drain for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, combine drained ricotta, mascarpone (if using), powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Chill the filling while preparing the crust. - Make the Crust:
- Graham Cracker Version: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan to form a firm base.
- Puff Pastry Version: Bake one sheet of puff pastry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and flaky. Cool completely, then layer in the pan.
- Assemble the Squares:
Spread half of the ricotta filling evenly over the crust or pastry layer. Add a second layer of graham crackers or puff pastry on top and gently press down. Spread the remaining filling over the top layer. Smooth with a spatula. - Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld. - Finish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with chopped pistachios or extra chocolate chips. Slice into neat squares using a sharp knife.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12–16 squares and takes about 30 minutes active time, plus 4 hours chilling time.
Storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, serve chilled. These squares can also be frozen for up to 1 month—wrap individually and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Cannoli Squares
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate twist.
Lemon Ricotta Squares
Stir in lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
Espresso Cannoli Squares
Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the filling for a mocha-inspired dessert.
Nutty Pistachio Version
Fold chopped pistachios into the filling for extra texture and nuttiness.
Berry Layered Squares
Add a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the filling layers.
Cinnamon Sugar Crust
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the crust before baking for a sweet, spiced base.
Honey Drizzle Finish
Drizzle with honey before serving for an authentic Italian touch.
No-Bake Version
Use graham crackers and skip baking entirely—just assemble and chill.
Savory-Sweet Fusion
Add a touch of sea salt to the filling for a gourmet flavor balance.
Mini Cannoli Cups
Press the crust into muffin tins and top with ricotta filling for individual servings.
FAQs
Can I use only ricotta without mascarpone?
Yes, but make sure to drain it well so the filling isn’t too wet. Mascarpone just adds extra creaminess.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They’re even better the next day once the flavors have blended.
Can I use store-bought cannoli filling?
Yes, but homemade gives a fresher, more authentic flavor.
Can I bake the crust ahead?
Yes, bake and cool completely before assembling the layers.
What’s the best ricotta to use?
Whole milk ricotta with minimal moisture gives the creamiest results.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers or puff pastry.
Can I add alcohol for flavor?
Yes, a splash of Marsala wine or Amaretto adds a lovely Italian touch.
How do I keep the squares from getting soggy?
Drain the ricotta well and chill thoroughly before slicing.
Can I make these in a larger pan?
Yes, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan for larger servings.
Do they need to stay refrigerated?
Yes, the dairy-based filling should always be kept chilled.
Conclusion
Classic Cannoli Squares transform the beloved Italian dessert into an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. With their creamy ricotta filling, hints of vanilla and cinnamon, and buttery crust, these squares capture everything you love about traditional cannoli in a no-fuss, make-ahead format. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any time you want a touch of sweetness, these elegant squares are a guaranteed hit—simple to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely irresistible.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share