Delicious, creamy Cannoli Dip is the perfect sweet treat for your next get together. Made with just 5 ingredients, this delicious dip is better than classic Cannolis and SO much easier! The perfect no bake dessert!
Love no bake desserts? Make sure to check out my Banana Pudding and Ice Cream Cake recipes!
Cannoli Dip
We are big fans of easy desserts that feed a crowd. Especially when they come in dip form and take about 10 minutes to make. That is what I call a win. This Cannoli Dip fits the bill for gatherings of all sizes and the recipe can easily be doubled or halved as needed.
This Cannoli Dip has become a favorite over the years and is frequently enjoyed at family get togethers, holidays and BBQs. It’s a cinch to pull together and with only 5 ingredients, it makes my life incredible easy – not to mention delicious.
We are big fans of cannoli – especially these Churro Cannolis – but this dip just can’t be beat!
What Is Cannoli Dip?
There is nothing better than a complicated dessert simplified. That is the essence of this cannoli dip. It is essentially the filling of a cannoli turned into a creamy, sensational dip that is perfect for parties.
It’s amazing.
The fun part is the dippers! I have lots of suggestions for dipping (see below) but when all else fails, use a spoon!
More Dessert Dips To Try
We are suckers for sweet dips especially when they are perfect for a party! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Key Lime Pie Fruit Dip
- Baked Apple Pie Dip
- Caramel Apple Dip
- Blueberry Pie Cheese Ball
- Mocha S’mores Dip
Cannoli Dip Ingredients
This easy dip has just 5 ingredients and many are what you’d find in a cannoli filling recipe. It can be made ahead of time which frees up your time when you’re prepping for the holidays or a family gathering. Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need for this dip:
- ricotta cheese – the ricotta cheese needs to be drained before using otherwise the dip will end up too runny.
- mascarpone cheese – this will give you a true, authentic cannoli filling flavor but if you can’t find it, cream cheese can be substituted.
- powdered sugar – to sweeten the dip. Sift the powdered sugar first to avoid any lumps.
- vanilla extract – this really rounds out the flavor of the dip. If you like, you can use half vanilla extract and half almond extract.
- mini semi sweet chocolate chips – make sure you buy the mini, regular sized chocolate chips are too big for this dip.
A little orange zest is a delicious addition to this dip!
How To Make Cannoli Dip
- Cream ricotta and mascarpone together.
- Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Just before serving, sprinkle with more chocolate chips and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve with desired dippers and enjoy!
Cannoli Dip Dippers
The best part of this dip is the yummy dippers that go with it. You really can’t wrong but here are a few of our favorite dippers to consider:
- graham crackers
- Nilla wafers
- chocolate chip cookies
- strawberries
- butter crisps (shown in my pictures)
- pizzelle cookies
- broken waffle cones/cups
- broken cannoli shells or cannoli chips
- anything else that you can think of!
Trish’s Tips
- Use fresh, whole milk ricotta for the least amount of liquid. This will help keep the dip from turning grainy or runny.
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to easily make this dip. You really need the power of a mixer to get this dip extra smooth and creamy.
- Enjoy within 2 days of making. This recipe is great for making in advance – but not too far! I find it starts to get a little runny after 2 or 3 days.
- The ricotta cheese needs to be drained. My favorite way to do this is to spoon it on to layers of paper towels and press out all the moisture. You will need to do this a few times. The other way is to line a fine mesh sieve with cheesecloth or coffee filter, place the ricotta on the cheesecloth and gently press on the ricotta to let the excess moisture drain away.
- Mascarpone cheese will give the most authentic cannoli flavor but if you can’t find it, cream cheese can be substituted. The flavor will definitely be different. Good but different.
- To make a lighter, fluffier cannoli dip, whip in a half cup of heavy whipping cream with the ricotta and mascarpone.
Try adding one of these mix-ins: orange zest, chopped pistachio or other nuts, orange extract or whipped cream for a lighter, fluffier dip.
More Easy No Bake Desserts To Try
- No Bake Lemon Pie
- Banana Split Dessert
- Ambrosia Salad
- Easy No Bake Cookies
- Chocolate Chip No Bake Cheesecake (with video!)
How To Make Cannoli Dip
Cannoli Dip
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
Dippers
- pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, broken waffle cones, strawberries, broken cannoli shells, etc.
Instructions
- Combine ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese together in a medium mixing bowl and using a hand mixer, mix on medium high speed for several minutes or until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until combined and smooth. (Start on low speed to avoid a powdered sugar shower…)
- Fold in all but two tablespoons of the mini chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The dip is best after 1 hour but can be served in as little as 15 minutes if need be.
- Just before serving, sprinkle on reserved chocolate chips and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve with desired dippers and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- The ricotta cheese needs to be drained. My favorite way to do this is to spoon it on to layers of paper towels and press out all the moisture. You will need to do this a few times. The other way is to line a fine mesh sieve with cheesecloth or coffee filter, place the ricotta on the cheesecloth and gently press on the ricotta to let the excess moisture drain away.
- Mascarpone cheese will give the most authentic cannoli flavor but if you can’t find it, cream cheese can be substituted. The flavor will definitely be different. Good but different.
- To make a lighter, fluffier cannoli dip, whip in a half cup of heavy whipping cream with the ricotta and mascarpone.
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