Cannoli are a favorite among pastry lovers, but they are quite a challenge to make at home and are nearly impossible to divide into bite-size pieces for a party. For a shareable version of this classic Italian treat, whip up this dippable dessert.
Recipe Spotlight
Make Cannoli Dip for a Party—It’s Easy, Fun, and Delicious
For a shareable version of this classic Italian treat, whip up this dippable dessert.
By Published Dec. 29, 2022.
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10 ingredients. 45 minutes. Quick, easy, and fresh weeknight recipes.
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Cannoli dip features the traditional rich and creamy filling of ricotta cheese, mascarpone, and vanilla, all sweetened with confectioners’ sugar. The best part about cannoli dip is that it is easily customizable. Because this dessert is quick and easy, you can stir together two or three flavors for a fun party platter.
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As for the “shell,” it’s served on the side as the dipping implement—and it doesn’t have to be cannoli shells at all. Fan a variety of your favorite mildly flavored cookies around a platter, or simply break apart waffle cones. To mimic the soft, sweet flavor of a crisp fried cannoli shell, we like pizzelle, speculoos cookies, butter wafers, graham crackers, Florentine cookies, or vanilla wafers.
For added freshness and a pop of color, you can add whole strawberries or sliced pineapple to the platter. Your guests can choose their own adventure when diving into this luxurious-yet-playful dip.
Cannoli Dip
Serves 6 to 8 (Makes 1¾ cups)
Total Time: 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes chilling
We developed this recipe using our winning whole-milk ricotta cheese, BelGioioso Ricotta con Latte Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese. If you can’t find it, look for another high-quality ricotta without stabilizers. Serve with any combination of broken cannoli shells, pizzelle, speculoos cookies, butter wafers, broken sugar cones, graham crackers, Florentine cookies, vanilla wafers, or fresh fruit.
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup (2 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon table salt
Using wooden spoon or rubber spatula, stir all ingredients in large bowl until evenly combined, breaking up any large pieces of mascarpone by pressing them against side of bowl. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes. Serve. (Cannoli dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; stir to recombine before serving.)
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