Authentic Cannoli Dip (Easy)
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With whipped ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus, this Authentic Cannoli Dip is a quick and easy recipe, 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 and cannoli cake.
Quick Look: Authentic Cannoli Dip (Easy)
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8 people
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian and Gluten-free
- Method: No-cook
- Technique: Whip ricotta until smooth, then mix with mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and chocolate chips until creamy and well combined. Chill before serving for best texture.
- Flavor & Texture: Sweet and creamy with a light, fluffy texture and bursts of chocolate.
Why This No-Bake Dessert Always Delivers
This is the best cannoli dip! 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.
You will also love our Italian cheesecake and no bake lemon bars!
Made With Amore,
“This recipe was so easy and absolutely delicious!”
– Stacey
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
These are the simple ingredients that come together to create this sweet, creamy cannoli dip.
- 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.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: A bit of chocolatey crunch in each bite.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use Different Cheeses: Many recipes use cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, or mascarpone cheese with ricotta cheese. Use mascarpone cheese or a blend of half ricotta and half mascarpone for a thicker texture.
- Citrus Twist: For a lemony version, replace the orange zest with lemon zest. Try my Lemon Biscotti and Orange Olive Oil Cake next.
- 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. Give my Italian Pine Nut Cookies a try!
- 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.
How to Make Authentic Cannoli Dip (Easy)
This Cannoli Dip is rich, creamy, and ready in minutes! Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Strain the ricotta to get out excess moisture.
- Whip the ricotta. This 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 depth.
- I love to add mini chocolate chips!
- Fold the ricotta mixture until all ingredients are combined. Serve with cannoli shells or fresh fruit for dipping!
Authentic Cannoli Dip (Easy) 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.
Cannoli dip pairs well with a variety of dippers, such as cannoli shell pieces, waffle cones, Italian Biscotti, graham crackers, Ladyfingers, Sugar Cookies, 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.
Yes! Part-skim ricotta will make the dip slightly lighter, and lactose-free ricotta works well for those with dairy sensitivities, though the texture may be a bit less creamy than traditional ricotta.
Prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving. 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.
Serving Suggestions
This cannoli dip is perfect for entertaining and makes a fun, interactive dessert spread. Serve it with a variety of dippers like lemon biscotti, pizzelle cookies, waffle cone pieces, or fresh fruit for contrast. It also pairs beautifully with other Italian-inspired treats like lemon tiramisu or lemon ricotta cake, creating a sweet, crowd-pleasing dessert table everyone will love.
My Pro Tips
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
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Cannoli Dip
Ingredients
- 3 cups good quality ricotta cheese, strained (no liquid), about 750 grams
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, granulated won’t be as smooth
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- Zest of 1 small orange, optional, for a citrusy twist
- ½ 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
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Cannoli recipe, please!
delicious
Love your posts!
Thank you so much for being here!
Can cannoli cream be made a day ahead of serving?
Thank you,
Paula
Hi Paula! Yes, absolutely. Cover and store it in the fridge and add a few more chocolate chips on top just before serving.
This recipe was so easy and absolutely delicious!
Thank you so much! It is a delicious classic worth making!