Ricotta Cannoli Squares

You guys, this is the dessert you’ve been waiting for. Cannolis are classic, but what if you could make them even easier and shareable without the mess? That’s exactly what these Ricotta Cannoli Squares are all about. Picture the creamy, sweet ricotta filling you love in a traditional cannoli, nestled in layers of buttery pastry and dusted with a little powdered sugar. I mean, who wouldn’t want to dive into these dreamy squares? The best part? No frying involved, and they’re ready in a fraction of the time. Trust me, you’ll be the hero of the party with this one!

Why You’ll Love Ricotta Cannoli Squares

These squares are a total game-changer for anyone who loves classic cannoli but doesn’t want to deal with all the work of filling individual shells. Here’s why this dessert is about to become your new favorite:

• Versatile: Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or need a showstopper for a party, these cannoli squares hit all the right notes. They’re perfect for gatherings or just an indulgent afternoon snack.
• Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like ricotta, puff pastry, and a few other ingredients, this recipe is affordable and accessible. No need to break the bank for something delicious!
• Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here—just a few simple ingredients layered together for a fantastic result. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll feel like a pro when you make this.
• Customizable: Want to make it extra fun? Add some mini chocolate chips, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or some chopped pistachios into the filling. You can even drizzle chocolate over the top for that extra cannoli touch.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This dessert is always a hit! Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or bringing it to a potluck, you can be sure that everyone will love it. There’s something about the crispy, flaky pastry and that creamy ricotta filling that just makes people smile.

Ingredients

Here’s the secret to these simple yet decadent squares. You won’t believe how easy it is to bring all these ingredients together for something so delicious:

Ricotta Cheese: The star of the show! Ricotta gives the filling its smooth, creamy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s rich, but not overwhelming, making it the perfect base for this dessert.

Powdered Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the ricotta filling, and a little more for dusting at the end. It’s simple but essential for that classic cannoli flavor.

Vanilla Extract: This brings in a warm, aromatic flavor that rounds out the sweetness of the ricotta and sugar. It’s like the secret ingredient that ties everything together.

Cinnamon: Just a pinch of cinnamon adds a little warmth and depth to the filling. It’s subtle but gives it that comforting flavor we all love.

Puff Pastry: The crispy, buttery layers of puff pastry form the base and top of this dessert, adding that flaky crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling.

Mini Chocolate Chips (Optional): For a touch of sweetness and crunch, these little chocolate gems are perfect. Plus, they add a fun twist to the classic cannoli flavor.

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

Instructions

Ready to dive in and make this delicious dessert? It’s super easy—let’s get started!

Prepare the Puff Pastry

First, preheat your oven to [temperature]. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You want the pastry to be golden and crisp, so make sure it’s spread out evenly.

Make the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Assemble the Squares

Place the ricotta mixture onto the center of the puff pastry. Spread it out evenly, leaving a little border around the edges. Top it with the second sheet of puff pastry, and press down gently to seal the edges. You can use a fork to crimp the edges and create a beautiful border.

Bake

Place the assembled puff pastry in the oven and bake for [time]. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a golden, crispy top. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

Before serving, dust the top of the pastry with powdered sugar for that classic cannoli look and a little extra sweetness. You can even add some extra chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for garnish if you’d like.

Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s cooled down a bit, slice it into squares, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up as they dig into these easy and irresistible Ricotta Cannoli Squares!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [12 servings]
Calories per serving: [250 calories]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [20 minutes]
Cook Time: [30 minutes]
Total Time: [50 minutes]

How to Serve Ricotta Cannoli Squares

These squares are perfect as-is, but if you want to take it up a notch, here are a few ideas for serving:

• Fresh Berries: Pair your squares with some fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side will add a dreamy touch to each bite.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for that extra “wow” factor.
• Coffee or Espresso: This is the perfect dessert to pair with a strong cup of coffee or espresso. The flavors work beautifully together!

Presentation Tip: Arrange the squares on a beautiful platter and sprinkle some extra powdered sugar just before serving. You’ll wow your guests with this elegant yet simple dessert!

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to make these Ricotta Cannoli Squares even more amazing:

• Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prep the ricotta filling ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and assemble the squares when you’re ready to bake.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or a touch of orange zest in the ricotta filling.
• Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the puff pastry for a gluten-free variety. Just check the label to ensure it’s suitable for your needs.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to keep that crispy texture.
• Double the Batch: These squares freeze wonderfully! Make a double batch and freeze the extra squares for later. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and enjoy!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular pastry dough instead of puff pastry?
A1: You can, but puff pastry gives these squares that irresistible crispy, flaky texture. If you use regular pastry dough, the squares may be a bit denser.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the ricotta filling and assemble the squares ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy texture.

Q4: Can I freeze these squares?
A4: Yes! After baking and cooling, wrap the squares in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and bake for a few minutes.

Q5: Can I use a different filling in these squares?
A5: Absolutely! While the ricotta filling is classic, you can experiment with other sweet fillings like mascarpone, cream cheese, or even chocolate mousse.

Q6: Can I add more chocolate chips?
A6: Of course! If you love chocolate, feel free to add more mini chocolate chips to the filling or sprinkle them on top for extra sweetness.

Q7: How do I get the puff pastry to be extra flaky?
A7: Make sure to bake the squares at the right temperature and keep an eye on them. Puff pastry bakes best when it’s crisp and golden, so don’t skip the preheating step!

Q8: Can I use ricotta cheese that isn’t fully drained?
A8: It’s best to drain the ricotta if it’s a bit watery. You want the filling to be thick and smooth, so draining it helps achieve that perfect texture.

Q9: How do I prevent the squares from getting soggy?
A9: The key is to make sure your ricotta mixture is smooth and not too wet. Additionally, letting the squares cool before slicing helps keep them crispy.

Q10: Can I add fruit to the ricotta filling?
A10: Definitely! Adding some finely chopped fruit, like candied orange peel or fresh cherries, can make for a fun twist on the classic.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress, Ricotta Cannoli Squares are the way to go. They’re flaky, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these squares will quickly become a family favorite. So, grab those ingredients, get baking, and enjoy!

Print