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Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

Classic Cannoli Squares That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Discover the delicious twist on a classic Italian dessert with these Classic Cannoli Squares. Creamy ricotta cheese blended with sweet powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips is sandwiched between flaky pie crusts, baked to golden perfection, and topped with crunchy pistachios and vibrant maraschino cherries. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a delightful homemade treat that captures all the flavors of traditional cannoli in a convenient square form.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (whole milk for richer texture)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional, omit if preferring classic cannoli flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (dark chocolate preferred for richness)

Crust and Topping

  • 2 pre-made Pie Crusts (homemade crust works beautifully as well)
  • 1 large Egg (for egg wash to give glossy finish)
  • Sugar (for sprinkling on top, adds sweet crunch)
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios (adds crunch and color)
  • 3 pieces Maraschino Cherries (for garnish and sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup Extra Chocolate Chips (optional, for extra chocolate indulgence)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  2. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll one of the pre-made pie crusts and fit it neatly into a 9×9-inch baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
  3. Assemble the Squares: Evenly spoon the ricotta cheese mixture over the fitted pie crust base. Smooth the top gently to distribute the filling uniformly.
  4. Top with Second Crust: Place the second pie crust over the ricotta filling, carefully sealing the edges by pressing down around the perimeter to enclose the filling fully.
  5. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the large egg and brush it evenly over the top crust to create a glossy finish once baked. Sprinkle sugar on top to add a lovely sweet crunch.
  6. Bake the Squares: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
  7. Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes which helps the squares set for clean cutting. Once cooled, cut into squares and garnish with chopped pistachios, extra chocolate chips, and maraschino cherries for added flavor and decoration.

Notes

  • Using whole milk ricotta cheese adds richer, creamier flavor, but part-skim can be used for a lighter option.
  • Omitting cinnamon keeps the filling closer to a traditional cannoli taste.
  • Homemade pie crust can be substituted for pre-made for fresher dough.
  • The egg wash ensures a beautiful golden crust; don’t skip this step.
  • Letting the squares cool completely before cutting prevents the filling from oozing out.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, try using a vegan ricotta substitute and egg replacer for the wash.

Nutrition

Keywords: cannoli squares, ricotta dessert, Italian dessert, baked cannoli, easy cannoli recipe, chocolate chip ricotta dessert

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