Description
This Cannoli Dip is a creamy, luscious dessert inspired by classic Italian cannoli filling. Made with ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, a touch of vanilla, sweet powdered sugar, and mini chocolate chips, it’s perfect as a make-ahead, crowd-pleasing dip for parties or gatherings when served with cookies, waffle cone pieces, or fruit.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dip
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, drained
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese as a substitute)
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping)
For Serving (Dippers)
- Pizzelle cookies
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Broken waffle cones
- Strawberries
- Broken cannoli shells
Instructions
- Drain the Ricotta: Ensure the ricotta cheese is thoroughly drained before using. Lay ricotta on paper towels and press out moisture or use a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove excess moisture.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese. Using a hand mixer, mix on medium-high speed for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. Beat on low speed at first to prevent the sugar from flying out, then continue on medium-high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, gently fold in all but two tablespoons of the mini chocolate chips, reserving the rest for garnish on top.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour for best texture and flavor. If short on time, it can be served after 15 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved mini chocolate chips and an optional dusting of powdered sugar on top. Serve with your choice of dippers, such as cookies, waffle cones, or fruit. Enjoy!
Notes
- The ricotta cheese must be drained to avoid a watery dip. Drain by pressing between layers of paper towels or use a sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
- Mascarpone cheese gives the most authentic cannoli flavor, but cream cheese can be used as a substitute for a different but still delicious result.
- For a lighter, fluffier texture, you can whip in a half cup of heavy whipping cream with the cheeses.
- Customize your dippers based on preference or availability—anything crunchy or fruity pairs well.
- Dip can be made ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/16 of dip (approximately 2-3 tablespoons)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
