This Cannoli Dip recipe transforms a beloved Italian dessert into an incredibly easy, sweet, and utterly delightful dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Forget the fuss of traditional cannoli shells; this dip delivers all the iconic flavors with minimal effort, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ultimate Cannoli Dip: Your Easy Italian Dessert Twist
Discover the Delight of Cannoli Dip
There’s something uniquely enchanting about a classic cannoli – the crisp shell, the rich, sweet, creamy filling, and the subtle hint of citrus and chocolate. While truly delicious, making traditional cannoli can be a time-consuming endeavor. That’s where this incredible Cannoli Dip comes in! It captures all the magic of an authentic cannoli filling in a simple, dippable form, making it the perfect dessert for entertaining or a quick sweet fix.
This dessert dip takes all the essential flavors you love from a regular cannoli and transforms them into an effortlessly tasty treat that’s always a hit at gatherings. We’ve fine-tuned the sweetness to be just a bit more indulgent than a typical cannoli filling, ensuring every scoop is pure bliss. As a lover of dessert dips, much like our popular Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip, this Cannoli Dip has quickly ascended to the top of my list of favorite sweet sensations!
Even if you’ve never tasted a traditional cannoli before, you absolutely must experience this cannoli dip recipe. It’s an introduction to Italian dessert bliss that requires no prior experience with baking or complex pastry techniques. Prepare to fall head over heels for its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and sheer simplicity!
Why This Cannoli Dip Will Become Your New Favorite Sweet Treat
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to complex baking or frying. This no-bake dip comes together in minutes with just a few simple steps.
- Authentic Flavor, Simplified: Enjoy the classic taste of cannoli filling—sweet ricotta, a touch of almond, and mini chocolate chips—without the need for intricate pastry shells.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family movie night, a festive holiday party, or a summer barbecue, this dip is always a welcome addition.
- Customizable Fun: Personalize your dip with various dippers, from classic waffle cones to fresh fruit, making it adaptable to all preferences.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and chill, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making your party planning stress-free.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile and inviting presentation ensure it disappears quickly from any dessert table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannoli Dip
While our absolute go-to for an authentic cannoli experience is crispy waffle cones broken into scoopable pieces, the possibilities are vast and exciting! You can also use traditional Italian pizzelle cookies for an elegant touch, vanilla wafers for a classic sweet crunch, or graham crackers for a more rustic feel. For a lighter, fresher option, fresh fruit like strawberries, apple slices, or banana rounds are fantastic. Get creative with shortbread cookies, pretzel crisps (for a sweet and salty contrast), or even chocolate chip cookies for an extra decadent treat!
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond extract, can’t find it, or simply prefer the flavor of vanilla, it makes an excellent substitute. Vanilla extract will give your cannoli dip a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. You can use it in a 1:1 ratio. For an even more complex flavor, consider using a combination of both vanilla and almond extracts, adjusting to your personal taste.
To maintain its freshness and creamy texture, Cannoli Dip should be stored covered with plastic wrap, pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, or placed in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and it will last beautifully for up to 2-3 days. We do not recommend freezing this dip, as the dairy components, especially the ricotta and cream cheese, can separate and become grainy once thawed, compromising the smooth consistency.
Yes, absolutely! This recipe scales up very well. If you’re planning to serve a larger number of guests or simply want to have more of this delightful dip on hand, doubling all the ingredients would be a fantastic idea. Just ensure you have a large enough mixing bowl and a powerful mixer to handle the increased volume of ingredients.
Refrigeration is a crucial step for a few important reasons. Firstly, chilling allows the flavors to properly meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste of the dip. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, it’s necessary for the ingredients—particularly the cream cheese and ricotta—to firm up. This creates the perfect thick, creamy, and dippable consistency that prevents the dip from being too runny. A minimum of 30 minutes is recommended, but an hour or more will yield an even better texture and flavor.
While you technically can, we highly recommend using full-fat cream cheese and whole milk ricotta for the best results. The fat content in these ingredients contributes significantly to the rich, creamy texture and decadent flavor that is characteristic of authentic cannoli filling. Low-fat versions may result in a thinner, less luxurious dip, and the texture might not be as smooth or satisfying. For a truly indulgent experience, stick to the full-fat options.
What You’ll Need: Essential Ingredients for Cannoli Dip
Creating this irresistible Cannoli Dip requires only a handful of readily available ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that perfect taste and texture. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to gather:
- Cream cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Almond extract
- Lemon zest
- Mini chocolate chips
- Waffle cones (for dipping)
Understanding Your Ingredients: Tips for the Perfect Cannoli Dip
The magic of this Cannoli Dip lies in the quality and preparation of its core ingredients. Let’s delve a little deeper into each one to ensure your dip is nothing short of spectacular:
- Cream Cheese: This forms the creamy, tangy base of our dip. It’s crucial to use full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. This ensures it blends smoothly with the ricotta, preventing lumps and creating a consistently velvety texture.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: For that authentic Italian cannoli flavor and richness, whole milk ricotta is non-negotiable. If your ricotta seems particularly watery, you can drain it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for about 30 minutes to an hour beforehand. This prevents the dip from becoming too loose.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this ingredient sweetens the dip and dissolves easily, contributing to its silky-smooth consistency. Granulated sugar would result in a gritty texture, so powdered sugar is key.
- Almond Extract: This is the secret weapon for replicating that classic cannoli aroma and flavor. A little goes a long way, providing a distinct, aromatic sweetness. As mentioned, vanilla extract is a great alternative or can be used in combination.
- Lemon Zest: The bright, citrusy notes from fresh lemon zest cut through the richness of the cheeses, adding a refreshing zing that elevates the entire dip. Don’t skip this, as it truly makes a difference in balancing the flavors.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: These tiny morsels provide pockets of rich chocolate flavor and a delightful textural contrast. Mini chips are preferred as they distribute more evenly throughout the dip and are easier to scoop.
- Waffle Cones: While not an ingredient in the dip itself, they are the quintessential dipper, offering a crisp, sweet counterpoint to the creamy dip and truly capturing the essence of a traditional cannoli.
How to Effortlessly Make Your Cannoli Dip
Get ready to whip up this amazing dessert in just a few simple steps. The process is incredibly straightforward, guaranteeing a delicious outcome every time!
- Prepare the Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the whole milk ricotta cheese. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for optimal smoothness.
- Blend to Perfection: Using an electric mixer (either a hand-held or stand mixer), beat the cream cheese and ricotta cheese together. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate Sweetness and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and almond extract to the cheese mixture. Continue blending on low to medium speed until these ingredients are fully incorporated and the dip is smooth, creamy, and lusciously sweet.
- Fold in the Finishing Touches: Gently stir in the fresh lemon zest and the mini chocolate chips. Use a spatula to fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the dip. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to keep the chocolate chips intact.
- Chill for Perfection: Once everything is combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it allows the flavors to deepen and the dip to achieve its ideal dippable consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the dip a quick stir. Transfer it to your favorite serving bowl and arrange broken waffle cones around it. You can also garnish with extra mini chocolate chips, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an inviting presentation.
Now, all that’s left to do is gather your dippers and enjoy this sensational sweet treat!
Expert Tips for Making the Best Cannoli Dip
While this recipe is incredibly easy, a few expert tips can elevate your Cannoli Dip from great to absolutely extraordinary:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always start with cream cheese that has been softened to room temperature. This ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture when combined with the ricotta.
- Drain Your Ricotta: If your whole milk ricotta cheese seems watery, take a few minutes to drain it in a fine-mesh sieve. Excess moisture can make your dip too thin.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined and smooth. Overmixing can sometimes incorporate too much air, which can lead to a less dense texture or cause separation.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of powdered sugar can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more gradually if you desire a sweeter dip.
- Fresh Lemon Zest for Brightness: While a small detail, fresh lemon zest adds a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the sweetness and richness of the cheeses. Use a microplane for the finest zest.
- Chill Time is Essential: Do not skip the chilling step! It’s vital for the flavors to meld and for the dip to firm up to the perfect dippable consistency. A longer chill time often results in better flavor.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Cannoli Dip
Presentation is half the fun! Here are some ideas to make your Cannoli Dip even more appealing:
- Elegant Platter: Arrange your dip in a beautiful central bowl and surround it with an array of dippers like pizzelles, crisp cookies, and fresh berries.
- Individual Servings: For parties, you can serve mini portions of the dip in small shot glasses or ramekins, each with a mini waffle cone or cookie stick.
- Garnish Galore: Beyond mini chocolate chips, consider garnishing with finely chopped pistachios for a pop of color and nutty flavor, chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a curl of orange zest.
- Dessert Bar Addition: Include this dip as part of a larger dessert spread, alongside other sweet treats and different fruit options.
Variations to Customize Your Cannoli Dip Experience
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to customize your Cannoli Dip:
- Orange Zest: Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a slightly different citrus note.
- Different Chocolates: Instead of mini chocolate chips, try chopped dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even a mix of milk and dark chocolate.
- Spiced Dip: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle warmth, often found in some traditional cannoli fillings.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in some finely chopped pistachios or toasted walnuts into the dip itself for added texture and flavor.
- Creamy Citrus: For a more pronounced citrus flavor, a tiny drop of orange blossom water or a touch of orange extract can be added.
More Delicious Dip Recipes to Explore
If you loved this Cannoli Dip, you’re in for a treat! We have a fantastic collection of other dessert dips that are equally easy and delightful. Perfect for sharing or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen:
- Pineapple Dip
- Peanut Butter Fluff
- M&M Brownie Batter Dip
- Cherry Cheesecake Dip (+Video)
- Funfetti Cake Batter Dip
- Cannoli Cupcakes (for when you’re craving the full cannoli experience in cupcake form!)
Cannoli Dip Recipe Card
Cannoli Dip
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Rate This Recipe
15 minutes
0 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
10
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 8 ounce package cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- broken waffle cones
- optional garnish: chopped pistachios or chocolate shavings
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the softened cream cheese and ricotta cheese.
- Use an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese and ricotta cheese until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Next, blend in the powdered sugar and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and sweet.
- Stir in the fresh lemon zest and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and consistency to firm.
- Serve chilled with broken waffle cones, pizzelles, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Dipping ingredients are not calculated into nutritional value.
- You can use any of your favorite cookies or fruit for dipping, such as waffle cones, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, and fresh strawberries.
- This recipe can be easily doubled if you want to serve more people at a larger gathering.
- This dip does need adequate time to chill in the refrigerator to set up to a perfect dippable consistency.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 32g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 15g |
Sodium: 106mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 30g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!