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If you love the creamy, dreamy flavors of traditional Italian cannoli but want a simpler, shareable treat, this Cannoli Dip Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It transforms the classic cannoli filling into a luscious, spoonable dip that’s bursting with sweet ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, smooth vanilla, and plenty of chocolate chips. Perfect for gatherings, last-minute desserts, or any time you crave a little indulgence, this dip captures all the joy of cannoli without the fuss of rolling shells.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cannoli Dip Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a starring role in crafting that classic cannoli flavor and creamy texture. They’re simple but essential, blending together to create a luscious dip that’s both rich and light.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces, drained): The foundation of this dip, offering a smooth, slightly grainy texture and rich dairy flavor.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 ounces): Adds an extra creamy and luxurious feel; cream cheese works as a handy substitute if needed.
- Powdered sugar (1 ¼ cups, sifted): Sweetens the dip evenly while keeping it silky smooth without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Essential for that warm, fragrant note that lifts the entire dip.
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup, divided): Their small size distributes chocolate joy throughout the dip, with extra reserved for garnish.
- Pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, broken waffle cones, strawberries, broken cannoli shells: These colorful, crunchy, and fresh dippers provide fun and variety to enjoy alongside the dip.
How to Make Cannoli Dip Recipe
Step 1: Drain the Ricotta
Before you start blending, don’t skip draining the ricotta cheese thoroughly. This step is crucial to avoid a watery dip. Lay your ricotta on paper towels and press gently to soak up moisture, or for best results, use a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or even a coffee filter. Give it at least 20-30 minutes to drain well before assembling your dip.
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses
In a medium bowl, combine the drained ricotta and mascarpone cheese. Using a hand mixer on medium-high speed, whip them together for several minutes. You’re aiming for a perfectly smooth, creamy base that’s fluffy enough to scoop but still dense enough to hold its structure—this is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Carefully add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract into your cheese mixture. Beat initially on low speed to prevent powdered sugar from flying everywhere, then crank the speed up to medium-high until everything is fully combined and silky smooth. The vanilla really elevates those rich, sweet flavors to the next level.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part: folding in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. Gently fold all but two tablespoons into the dip with a spatula, ensuring each bite will have surprise pockets of chocolate. Save the last bit for a gorgeous garnish that will make your presentation pop.
Step 5: Chill the Dip
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate your Cannoli Dip Recipe for at least one hour. This chilling phase lets all the flavors marry beautifully and helps the dip set to a perfect scoopable consistency. Short on time? Fifteen minutes will still work but expect a slightly softer texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top for that extra touch of chocolatey goodness. If you like, add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Now grab your favorite cookies, broken waffle cones, or fresh strawberries and get ready to dive in!
How to Serve Cannoli Dip Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches transform this Cannoli Dip Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Aside from the reserved mini chocolate chips, try a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely fresh contrast and vibrant green color that makes every scoop Instagram-worthy.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside an assortment of dippers like crisp pizzelle cookies, classic graham crackers, buttery chocolate chip cookies, broken waffle cones for crunch, and juicy strawberries to brighten every bite. These options give a delightful mix of textures and flavors—sweet, crispy, crunchy, and fresh—all perfect for pairing with the creamy dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just a bowl! Hollow out a pineapple or a melon half to serve as a festive dip vessel. Arrange the cookies and fruit on a colorful platter around the dip, or present the dip in mini jars for individual servings at parties. Another fun idea is to pipe the dip into waffle cone bowls for a handheld treat that combines presentation with convenience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cannoli Dip Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and creamy for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for upcoming gatherings or a sweet snack stash. Give it a quick stir before serving to bring back its fluffy texture.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for this dip because the delicate texture may change, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month if needed. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving, though expect slight separation or graininess compared to when fresh.
Reheating
This dip is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. If your dip feels too stiff after refrigeration, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and give it a gentle stir to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Absolutely! Cream cheese is a great substitute for mascarpone and will still deliver a creamy texture and tangy flavor, though mascarpone offers that extra silky, luxurious richness that’s signature to cannoli filling.
How do I make sure the ricotta isn’t watery?
Drain your ricotta cheese well by placing it on paper towels or in a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for 20-30 minutes. This step prevents the dip from becoming too runny and preserves that perfect creamy texture you want.
Can I make this dip gluten-free?
Yes! The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Simply pair it with gluten-free cookies, waffle cones, or fresh fruit to keep the entire dish safe for gluten-free diets.
What are the best dippers for Cannoli Dip Recipe?
Pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, broken waffle cones, and fresh strawberries are all excellent choices. Each brings something unique in texture and flavor, creating a fun combination with the sweet dip.
How long does this dip keep in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this dip will keep well for up to three days. To enjoy it at its best, consume within that timeframe and stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cannoli Dip Recipe is a total game-changer—easy to whip up, endlessly shareable, and incredibly delicious. It holds all the charm and indulgence of a traditional cannoli without the fuss, making it the perfect dessert to bring to any gathering or simply enjoy as a sweet treat at home. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
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Print
Cannoli Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This easy and delicious Cannoli Dip recipe captures the classic flavors of traditional cannoli in a creamy, sweet dip perfect for parties or casual snacking. Made with ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, powdered sugar, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips, it pairs beautifully with an assortment of dippers like cookies, waffle cones, and fresh fruit. Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-cook dessert dip is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy texture with sweet crunch.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, drained
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese as a substitute)
Sweeteners & Flavorings
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping)
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 to avoid a watery dip. Lay the ricotta on paper towels and gently press to remove moisture, or use a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain excess water.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese. Use a hand mixer at medium-high speed and blend for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a silky texture.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. Beat slowly at first to prevent powdered sugar from flying, then increase to medium-high speed until the dip is smooth and fully combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, gently fold in all but two tablespoons of the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving those last two tablespoons for garnish to add a decorative touch and extra crunch.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm up. If in a hurry, chilling for 15 minutes will still yield a tasty dip.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved mini chocolate chips evenly over the top and optionally dust with powdered sugar. Serve alongside an assortment of dippers such as pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, broken waffle cones, strawberries, or broken cannoli shells for a fun and festive presentation.
Notes
- Be sure to properly drain the ricotta to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- Mascarpone cheese provides a richer texture, but cream cheese can be substituted if unavailable.
- For a lower sugar version, reduce the powdered sugar or use a sugar substitute compatible with baking.
- This dip can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.
- Try different dippers such as biscotti or fresh fruit slices to vary textures and flavors.
