This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Love cannoli? Try this easy, delicious Cannoli Dip! With whipped ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus, it’s a quick and easy dip perfect for parties or a simple sweet treat. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it repeatedly!
You’ll also love my classic cannoli recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe…
This is the Best Cannoli Dip Recipe! I’ve taken the creamy filling of my traditional cannoli recipe and made it stand alone. If the inside of the cannoli is your favorite part, this recipe is for you! You’ll want to eat this delicious dip with a spoonful.
It makes the perfect sweet treat. This easy dessert dip is a no-bake and comes together in just a few minutes.
See more Christmas dessert ideas.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that makes the dip smooth and rich.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and blends easily for a smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, sweet flavor to the dip.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Orange Zest (optional): The touch of orange zest adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: a bit of chocolatey crunch in each bite.
- Candied Orange Peel (optional): Sweet and chewy, it’s great for decoration and flavor.
- Shelled Pistachios (optional): Adds a nice crunch and a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with cannoli shells, waffle cone pieces, biscotti, or fresh fruit for dipping.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cannoli Dip
This Cannoli Dip is rich, creamy, and ready in minutes! Made with ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla, it’s the ultimate dessert dip for any gathering. Serve with cannoli shells or fresh fruit for dipping!
Strain the ricotta to get out excess moisture.
Whipping the ricotta makes this dip incredibly smooth, giving it that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth feel that will have you coming back for more.
Add the powdered sugar to sweeten the ricotta.
Flavor the ricotta with vanilla and optional orange zest to give it a depth of flavor.
I love to add mini chocolate chips!
Fold the ricotta mixture until all ingredients are combined.
Whether it’s a holiday or a special gathering this dip is always a crowd-pleaser, it’s a great dessert option that feels indulgent yet light.
FAQs
Cannoli dip is a creamy, sweet dip made primarily with whipped ricotta cheese, sweeteners like powdered sugar, and flavorings such as vanilla. Cannoli dip is meant to mimic the rich filling of traditional Italian cannoli but in a spoonable form that’s perfect for dipping with various treats.
You can substitute part or all of the ricotta with mascarpone cheese for a richer, thicker dip. Cream cheese can also be used, but it will change the flavor and texture, making it denser and tangier.
Cannoli dip pairs well with a variety of dippers, such as cannoli shell pieces, waffle cones, biscotti, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, fresh fruit (such as strawberries and apple slices), and pretzels. These options provide a mix of crunchy and fresh textures that perfectly complement the creamy dip.
For a truly authentic cannoli, stick with ricotta. But if you want a creamier, richer twist, you can blend ricotta and mascarpone for a best-of-both-worlds experience!
Cannoli Dip Dippers
Here’s a list of our favorite dippers for the cannoli dip:
- Cannoli Shell Pieces: Classic and crunchy, they pair perfectly with the creamy dip.
- Waffle Cones or Waffle Cookies: A sweet and crispy option that mimics the cannoli shell.
- Biscotti: Sturdy enough for dipping and adds an authentic Italian touch.
- Graham Crackers: A simple and sweet dipper that kids and adults love.
- Sugar Cookies: Soft and sweet, these cookies greatly contrast the creamy dip.
- Vanilla Wafers: Small, light, and perfect for scooping the dip.
- Pizzelle Cookies: Light and crispy Italian waffle cookies that pair beautifully.
- Pretzels: Adds a salty contrast to the sweet dip for a unique flavor combination.
- Fresh Strawberries: Juicy and sweet, an excellent option for a lighter dipper.
- Apple Slices: Crisp and refreshing with a hint of sweetness.
- Banana Slices: Soft and naturally sweet, balanced with the creamy dip.
- Ladyfingers: Soft, spongy, and perfect for dipping into the creamy ricotta mixture.
- Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and rich, they pair wonderfully with the smooth dip.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a double dose of chocolatey goodness.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions: Many recipes use cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, or mascarpone cheese with ricotta cheese. This is not traditional in Italian cannoli, but you can substitute or combine the different cheeses. Use mascarpone cheese or a blend of half ricotta and half mascarpone for a thicker texture.
Variations (not traditional, but delicious):
- Citrus Twist: For a lemony version, replace the orange zest with lemon zest.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in finely chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios directly into the dip for added crunch and a nutty flavor. Add almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Spiced Cannoli Dip: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the chocolate and ricotta. Use mini white chocolate chips.
- Boozy Version: Add a tablespoon of amaretto, rum, or marsala wine for a grown-up twist that adds depth and a hint of warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead: Prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving.
Storage: Keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dip may thicken slightly after chilling.
Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing can change the texture of the ricotta, making the dip grainy.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Strain the Ricotta Well: Strain the ricotta thoroughly before using it. Excess moisture can make the dip watery. Use a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer and let it drain for at least 30 minutes for the best texture.
- Whip the Ricotta: The key to a smooth and creamy dip is whipping the ricotta in a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer for about 5 minutes. This makes it lighter and gives it a fluffy texture, just like traditional cannoli filling.
- Use Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves easily into the ricotta, making the dip smooth. Avoid granulated sugar, which can leave a gritty texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together, giving it a firmer, more spreadable consistency.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Taste the dip before serving and adjust the sugar if needed. If you like a sweeter dip, you can add a little more powdered sugar.
More Easy No-Bake Dessert Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.
Print
Easy Cannoli Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Love cannoli? Try this easy, delcious Cannoli Dip! With whipped ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus, it’s a quick and easy dip that’s perfect for parties or a simple sweet treat. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients
- 3 cups (about 750 grams) good quality ricotta cheese, strained (no liquid)
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (granulated won’t be as smooth)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 small orange (optional, for a citrusy twist)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (more if desired)
Optional Decorations:
- Candied orange peel
- Shelled pistachios
Instructions
-
Strain the Ricotta: Start by ensuring the ricotta is well-strained to remove any excess moisture. You can do this by placing it in a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible.
-
Whip the Ricotta: In a stand mixer, food processor, or using a handheld mixer, whip the strained ricotta on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes. This secret to a smooth, creamy dip gives it a light and fluffy texture.
-
Add the Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and orange zest if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
-
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
-
Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
-
Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle with additional mini chocolate chips, candied orange peel, or shelled pistachios if desired.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with cannoli shells, waffle cone pieces, biscotti, or fresh fruit for dipping.
Enjoy! This dip has all the delicious flavors of classic Italian cannoli, in a quick and easy-to-make form. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just indulging at home!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Cannoli Shell Pieces: Classic and crunchy, they pair perfectly with the creamy dip.
Waffle Cones or Waffle Cookies: A sweet and crispy option that mimics the cannoli shell.
Biscotti: Sturdy enough for dipping and adds an authentic Italian touch.
Graham Crackers: A simple and sweet dipper that kids and adults love.
Sugar Cookies: Soft and sweet, these cookies greatly contrast the creamy dip.
Vanilla Wafers: Small, light, and perfect for scooping the dip.
Pizzelle Cookies: Light and crispy Italian waffle cookies that pair beautifully.
Pretzels: Adds a salty contrast to the sweet dip for a unique flavor combination.
Fresh Strawberries: Juicy and sweet, an excellent option for a lighter dipper.
Apple Slices: Crisp and refreshing with a hint of sweetness.
Banana Slices: Soft and naturally sweet, balanced with the creamy dip.
Ladyfingers: Soft, spongy, and perfect for dipping into the creamy ricotta mixture.
Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and rich, they pair wonderfully with the smooth dip
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a double dose of chocolatey goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Category: Sweet
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
