Introduction

Cannoli Dip is a delightful, creamy twist on the traditional Italian pastry. This easy-to-make dessert dip combines rich ricotta and mascarpone cheeses with sweet chocolate chips, perfect for sharing at any gathering. Serve it with cookies, fruit, or broken cannoli shells for a fun and delicious treat.

Ingredients

15 ounces ricotta cheese (drained)
8 ounces mascarpone cheese (cream cheese can be substituted)
1 ¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
Pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, broken waffle cones, strawberries, broken cannoli shells, or other dippers

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium-high speed for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again starting on low speed to prevent a sugar shower, then increase speed until fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Gently fold in all but two tablespoons of the mini chocolate chips. Cover the dip and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best flavor, chill at least 1 hour, though 15 minutes is sufficient if you’re short on time.
Step 4: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top and dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Serve with your choice of dippers and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Drain the ricotta cheese well to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
Substitute cream cheese for mascarpone if unavailable, but expect a slightly tangier flavor.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest for a subtle seasonal twist.
Use a variety of dippers such as fresh fruit, waffle cones, or even pretzels for a sweet and salty contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again. This dip is best enjoyed chilled and should not be frozen as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the dip a few hours or the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and cover well.

What can I use if I don’t have pistachios or cannoli shells for dipping?

Pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, strawberries, or broken waffle cones are all excellent alternatives for dipping into the cannoli dip.

Cannoli Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

This creamy and indulgent Cannoli Dip captures the essence of traditional cannoli filling in a simple, no-bake dessert perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining smooth ricotta and mascarpone cheeses with vanilla and mini chocolate chips creates a luscious, easy-to-make dip served best with crispy cookies and fresh fruits.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

15 ounces ricotta cheese (drained)
8 ounces mascarpone cheese (or substitute cream cheese)

Sweeteners & Flavorings

1 ¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins and Garnish

¾ cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
Pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, broken waffle cones, strawberries, broken cannoli shells, or other preferred dippers

Instructions

Mix Cheeses: Combine the drained ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, blend them on medium-high speed for several minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add Sweeteners and Flavor: Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. Begin mixing on low speed to prevent powdered sugar dust, then increase speed until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in all but two tablespoons of the mini semi sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dip. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best flavor and texture, chill for at least 1 hour; however, it can be served after 15 minutes if necessary.
Serve and Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top and optionally dust with a little powdered sugar for presentation. Serve with your choice of dippers such as pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, or fresh strawberries, and enjoy this delicious cannoli-inspired treat.

Notes

This dip can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
If mascarpone is unavailable, cream cheese is a suitable substitute but may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
Draining the ricotta cheese helps prevent the dip from becoming watery; place ricotta in a fine mesh sieve and let it drain for 30 minutes if needed.
For a nutty twist, try adding chopped pistachios on top or mixed into the dip.
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cannoli dip, ricotta cheese dessert, mascarpone dip, no-bake dessert, party dip, Italian dessert dip, chocolate chip dip