Description
This Cannoli Dip recipe is a creamy, luscious dessert dip inspired by traditional Italian cannoli filling. Made with ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, sweetened with powdered sugar, and studded with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser served with a variety of dippers like cookies, broken waffle cones, or fresh fruit. Ready in just 10 minutes and chilled to perfection, this dip offers a delightful twist on classic cannoli flavors without the fuss of making individual pastries.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, drained
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese as a substitute)
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping)
Dippers
- Pizzelle cookies
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Broken waffle cones
- Strawberries
- Broken cannoli shells
Instructions
- Drain the Ricotta: Ensure the ricotta cheese is thoroughly drained before using to avoid excess moisture in the dip. Lay the ricotta on paper towels and press gently or use a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese with the mascarpone cheese. Use a hand mixer on medium-high speed to beat the cheeses together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, usually taking several minutes.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. Begin mixing on low speed to keep the sugar from flying out of the bowl, then increase to medium-high speed. Continue mixing until the dip is fully smooth and well incorporated.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in all but 2 tablespoons of the mini chocolate chips using a spatula, reserving the remaining chips for garnishing the top of the dip.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour to achieve the best texture and flavor. If short on time, the dip can be served after a minimum of 15 minutes chilling.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved mini chocolate chips evenly on top, and optionally dust with powdered sugar. Serve with an assortment of dippers like pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, broken waffle cones, fresh strawberries, or broken cannoli shells. Enjoy the indulgent, creamy treat!
Notes
- Draining the ricotta thoroughly is key to preventing a watery dip and achieving the creamy texture.
- For a slightly tangier taste, substitute mascarpone with cream cheese.
- Sifting the powdered sugar ensures a smooth dip without lumps.
- The dip can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; just give it a quick stir before serving.
- Try different dippers or fresh fruit to customize the dessert experience.
