Easy & Creamy Homemade Cannoli Dip: The Ultimate 15-Minute Dessert Recipe!
Get ready to indulge in an unbelievably delicious and effortlessly made dessert! This easy cannoli dip recipe is your shortcut to a classic Italian treat without the fuss of frying cannoli shells. In just 15 minutes, with only 5 simple ingredients, you can whip up an opulent, rich dip that tastes exactly like the sweet, creamy filling you’d find inside a traditional cannoli. It’s the perfect sweet escape, ideal for last-minute gatherings, family movie nights, or simply satisfying a sweet craving.
Imagine all the delightful flavors of a traditional cannoli—sweet ricotta, tangy mascarpone, and hints of vanilla and chocolate—transformed into a luscious, scoopable dip. This recipe offers all that authentic taste with minimal effort, making it an absolute game-changer for dessert lovers. You can pair this sweet sensation with a variety of dippers, from crisp graham crackers and delicate pizzelle cookies to crunchy waffle cone pieces, creating an unforgettable sweet experience. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this incredibly simple yet sophisticated dessert!
If you’re a fan of delicious no-bake dessert dips, be sure to explore more of my recipes! You’ll love my chocolate chip cookie dough dip, brownie batter dip, and hot chocolate dip. But for now, get ready to dive into this creamy cannoli dip. I promise you won’t be disappointed—it truly tastes like a cannoli in every single scoop!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cannoli Dip
This cannoli dip isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary revelation! Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire:
- Effortlessly Simple: Forget complicated baking or frying. This is a no-bake dessert that comes together in mere minutes, perfect for those times you need a show-stopping dessert without the stress.
- Authentic Cannoli Flavor: We’ve meticulously crafted this dip to capture the true essence of a traditional cannoli filling, with a harmonious blend of creamy cheeses and sweet accents.
- Quick & Convenient: With just 5 basic ingredients and a prep time of under 15 minutes, you can whip up this delightful treat whenever a craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual get-together, a holiday party, or a special occasion, this dip is always a hit. Its creamy texture and familiar flavors appeal to everyone, making it the ultimate party appetizer or dessert.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors to your liking with various additions and dippers, ensuring there’s always a new way to enjoy it.
What Exactly is Cannoli Dip?
For those unfamiliar, a traditional cannoli is an iconic Italian pastry originating from Sicily. It consists of tube-shaped fried pastry dough, typically filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, often enhanced with vanilla, chocolate chips, candied fruit, or nuts. Our cannoli dip takes all the beloved flavors and textures of that rich, sweet filling and transforms it into a scoopable dessert. It features a luxurious blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, sweetened to perfection, and studded with mini chocolate chips. It offers all the indulgence of a cannoli without the need for delicate pastry shells or a deep fryer, making it an accessible and equally satisfying alternative.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Cannoli Dip
This section includes detailed ingredient notes and substitution options to help you achieve the best results. You’ll find all exact measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Ricotta cheese: This is the heart of any good cannoli filling. For the absolute best taste and creamiest texture, I highly recommend using whole milk ricotta. It has a richer flavor and a smoother consistency compared to its low-fat counterparts. Crucially, remember to drain your ricotta cheese thoroughly to remove excess liquid. This step is essential for preventing a watery dip and ensuring that smooth, thick cannoli-like texture.
- Mascarpone cheese: This luxurious Italian cream cheese is what gives our dip its signature authentic cannoli filling flavor and incredible richness. Its velvety texture and mild sweetness perfectly complement the ricotta. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have mascarpone, you *can* use regular cream cheese as a substitute, but be aware that the flavor will be less authentic and slightly tangier, and the texture might be a bit firmer. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending!
- Confectioners sugar (Powdered Sugar): Also known as powdered sugar, this fine-grained sweetener is key for achieving a silky-smooth dip without any grittiness. Do not substitute with granulated sugar, as it will result in an undesirable texture. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your personal sweetness preference.
- Vanilla extract: A good quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors and provides that classic, comforting sweet aroma. Pure vanilla extract is always preferred over artificial for the best taste.
- Mini chocolate chips: These miniature chocolate chips are the ideal size for incorporating evenly throughout the dip and ensuring a perfect bite with every scoop. If you only have regular-sized chocolate chips on hand, you can absolutely use them! For a more uniform distribution, you could roughly chop them into smaller pieces with a knife or pulse them briefly in a food processor. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
Equipment You’ll Need
Gathering your tools before you start will make the process even smoother:
- Medium-sized bowl: For mixing all your delicious ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment: An electric mixer is highly recommended to achieve that perfectly smooth and creamy consistency, thoroughly combining the cheeses and sugar.
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and gently folding in the chocolate chips.
How to Make Creamy Cannoli Dip: Step-by-Step Guide
This section walks you through the simple process of making this delightful dessert dip with step-by-step instructions. For the full printable recipe, including exact measurements and nutritional information, please see the recipe card below.
Making this incredible cannoli dip is surprisingly quick and easy. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Combine the Cheeses. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the well-drained ricotta cheese and room-temperature mascarpone cheese together. Continue mixing until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and creamy, with no lumps remaining. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Step 2: Add Sweetness and Flavor. Once your cheese mixture is smooth, add the confectioners sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing on medium speed until these ingredients are fully incorporated into the cheese mixture and the dip is perfectly sweetened. Ensure there are no pockets of unmixed sugar.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips & Chill. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dip. Be careful not to overmix. Once combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dip to firm up to the ideal consistency for serving.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve. Before serving, give the dip a quick stir. If desired, top with a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips, a dusting of confectioners sugar, or any other garnish you prefer. Serve chilled with your favorite dippers and enjoy this delightful sweet treat!
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
This cannoli dip is an absolute dream for entertaining and meal prepping, as it’s a perfect make-ahead party dessert. Its flavors actually improve as it chills, allowing the ingredients to meld and deepen.
Prepare the easy dip up to a day in advance (or even 2-3 days for optimal freshness) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the dip to fully chill and the flavors to beautifully meld, making it even more delicious. When you’re ready to serve, simply give it a good stir to restore its creamy consistency.
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After a couple of days, you might notice a slight separation or it might firm up a bit; simply give it a good stir before serving again to regain its smooth texture.
Freezing is not recommended for this creamy dip. The delicate texture and consistency of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses can change significantly after freezing and thawing, often becoming grainy or watery. For the best experience, always enjoy this dip fresh and chilled from the refrigerator.
What to Dip in Cannoli Dip: Delicious Serving Suggestions
The beauty of this creamy cannoli dip lies not just in its flavor, but also in its versatility! While I personally love dipping pieces of waffle cones, cannoli chips, or waffle cookies because their texture and flavor are so reminiscent of actual cannoli shells, the possibilities are truly endless. Here’s a comprehensive list of delicious dippers to satisfy every preference:
Classic & Crunchy Dippers:
- Waffle cookies: Their light crispness and subtle sweetness are a perfect match.
- Ice cream cones, broken into pieces: A fun and readily available option that adds a satisfying crunch.
- Stroopwaffles: For a chewy, caramel-infused twist.
- Graham crackers: A timeless choice that provides a comforting, slightly honeyed base.
- Pizzelle cookies: Delicate, crisp Italian wafer cookies that are naturally complementary.
- Vanilla wafers: A soft, sweet classic that pairs beautifully.
- Pretzels: For those who love a sweet and salty combination – the crunch and saltiness are surprisingly addictive!
- Cinnamon sugar tortilla chips: A creative option that offers a warm spice note and satisfying crunch.
Fruity & Fresh Dippers:
- Fresh fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, banana slices, apple slices, and even orange segments offer a refreshing contrast and a burst of natural sweetness.
Decadent Dippers:
- Chocolate chip cookies: Double down on the chocolate for an extra indulgent experience.
- Brownie bites: For a truly rich and fudgy pairing.
If you’re serving this dip at a party or gathering, consider providing a wide variety of dipping options to please everyone’s preferences and make your dessert spread visually appealing and exciting!
Additions and Variations to Customize Your Cannoli Dip
This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences, allowing you to create your own signature version of this delicious dip. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of powdered sugar can be easily adjusted. If you prefer your dip sweeter, gradually add a little more confectioners sugar until it meets your taste. For a less sweet dip, simply reduce the initial amount. Always taste and adjust!
- Swap or Add Mix-ins: While mini chocolate chips are classic, feel free to experiment with other delightful additions:
- Chopped Nuts: Toasted pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Dried Fruit: Candied orange peel (very traditional in cannoli!), finely chopped dried cranberries, or raisins can add a chewy, fruity dimension.
- Other Chocolate Varieties: Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even a swirl of melted chocolate.
- Sprinkles: For a fun, festive touch, especially if serving at a party.
- Enhance with Extracts: Beyond vanilla, other extracts can add a fantastic flavor profile:
- Almond extract: A small dash can impart a subtle, sophisticated nutty essence.
- Orange or Lemon Extract: For a brighter, citrusy note that complements the ricotta beautifully.
- Infuse with Citrus Zest: For a fresh, aromatic lift, finely grate in some lemon zest or orange zest. This brightens the flavor considerably and is a classic addition to many Italian desserts.
- Add Spice: A dash of warm spices can give the creamy dip a delicious depth. Try a pinch of cinnamon and/or nutmeg for a cozy, comforting flavor.
- Make it Boozy (Adults Only!): For an adult version, a tiny splash of Grand Marnier, Marsala wine, or a coffee liqueur can add an intriguing layer of flavor.
- Adjust Serving Size: This recipe is easily scalable. For a smaller serving, use ½ cup mascarpone, 1 cup ricotta, 1 cup confectioner’s sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ¾ cup mini chocolate chips. To double or triple, simply multiply all ingredients accordingly!
Expert Tips for the Best Cannoli Dip Every Time
Achieving the perfect, silky-smooth, and flavorful cannoli dip is simple when you follow these expert tips:
- Drain Your Ricotta Cheese Thoroughly: This is arguably the most crucial step! Excess liquid in ricotta can make your dip watery and thin. For best results, place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined colander or a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. Cover it and let it drain in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or ideally, overnight. If you don’t have cheesecloth, strong paper towels can work in a pinch. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible to achieve a thick, smooth texture.
- Ensure Mascarpone is at Room Temperature: Before you begin mixing, allow your mascarpone cheese to come to room temperature. This will significantly help it blend smoothly with the ricotta and other ingredients, preventing lumps and creating a perfectly creamy consistency. Cold mascarpone will be much harder to incorporate.
- Use Confectioners Sugar Only: As mentioned, granulated sugar will give your dip an unpleasant gritty texture. Always opt for confectioners sugar (powdered sugar) for that essential smooth mouthfeel.
- Don’t Skimp on Chilling Time: While the dip comes together quickly, the minimum 1-hour chilling period is non-negotiable. This time allows the flavors to fully meld and deepen, and the dip to set to its optimal scoopable consistency. If time permits, chilling for 2-4 hours, or even overnight, will yield an even more flavorful and firmer dip.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dip before the final chill and adjust the sweetness or add extra vanilla, citrus zest, or spices as needed. Personalizing the flavor is easy!
- Leftover Creativity: If you find yourself with any glorious leftovers, don’t let them go to waste! Cannoli dip makes a fantastic topping for pancakes, waffles, or a decadent spread for bagels. You can also dollop it onto fresh fruit salads or serve it alongside a warm slice of apple pie for an extra special dessert treat.
Cannoli Dip FAQ
No, it is highly recommended to use confectioners sugar (powdered sugar) for this recipe. Granulated sugar will not dissolve properly and will give the cannoli dip an unpleasantly gritty texture, preventing that smooth, creamy finish we’re aiming for.
No, whipped cream is not a suitable substitute for mascarpone cheese in this recipe. While both are dairy products, they have very different textures, fat content, and flavors. Mascarpone provides a rich, tangy creaminess that is essential for the authentic cannoli flavor and stable consistency of the dip. Whipped cream is much lighter and airier and would not provide the necessary body or flavor profile.
While you technically *can* use low-fat or fat-free ricotta cheese, I strongly recommend using whole milk ricotta cheese for the best possible results. Using reduced-fat versions will significantly affect the texture and creaminess of the dip, often resulting in a thinner, less rich, and less indulgent product. Whole milk ricotta provides that signature luscious mouthfeel and authentic taste.
More Delicious Dessert Dip Recipes
Can’t get enough of easy, crowd-pleasing dessert dips? Be sure to try these other fantastic recipes:
- Funfetti Cake Batter Dip
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Dip (Original link was hot chocolate, but text says Reese’s, assuming Reese’s for variety)
- Pumpkin Fluff Dip
- Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Cannoli Dip
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese drained
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese room temperature
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup mini chocolate chips plus more for garnish, if desired
Instructions
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In a medium sized bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the ricotta and mascarpone cheese together until smooth and creamy.
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Add the confectioners sugar and vanilla. Continue mixing until well incorporated.
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Fold in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
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Top with extra mini chocolate chips before serving, if desired.
Notes
To drain the ricotta, place it in a cheesecloth (or paper towel) lined colander or fine mesh strainer set over a bowl. Cover and let it drain in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Adjust the sweetness in the recipe by adding more or less confectioners sugar depending on your personal taste preferences.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 28g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 14g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g |
Trans Fat: 0.03g |
Cholesterol: 30mg |
Sodium: 42mg |
Potassium: 29mg |
Fiber: 0.5g |
Sugar: 25g |
Vitamin A: 355IU |
Vitamin C: 0.1mg |
Calcium: 95mg |
Iron: 0.3mg
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