Classic Cannoli Squares are like a love letter from Italy, wrapped in a crispy shell and filled with creamy goodness. Imagine biting into that delicate square, where the sweet ricotta filling dances with hints of vanilla and chocolate, all while your taste buds throw a little Italian fiesta. Now, picture yourself hosting a cozy gathering or celebrating a special occasion when these delightful squares steal the show and your heart.
Whether you are impressing friends or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat after a long day, Classic Cannoli Squares promise to deliver an amazing flavor experience that will leave everyone begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Classic Cannoli Squares are simple to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers
- Their rich flavor profile balances sweetness with creamy textures that delight every bite
- Visually stunning squares will elevate any dessert table, making them an instant crowd-pleaser
- Versatile enough for holidays or casual get-togethers, they fit any occasion perfectly
Ingredients for Classic Cannoli Squares
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the base; ensure it’s sifted for lightness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and filling; opt for superfine sugar for smoother texture.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter to create flaky layers; it adds richness to both dough and filling.
Ricotta Cheese: Choose high-quality ricotta for creaminess; drain excess moisture for the perfect filling consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips add delightful bursts of sweetness; feel free to use dark or semi-sweet.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Classic Cannoli Squares
Start by preparing the crust.
To start your journey, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar until blended well. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until crumbly—the texture should resemble small peas.
Next, form the dough.
Add cold water gradually until the dough gathers into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes—this helps it relax so you can roll it easily later.
While the dough chills, create the filling.
In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese with vanilla extract and sugar until smooth. Stir in mini chocolate chips—this adds irresistible bites of sweetness throughout.
Roll out the dough.
Once chilled, roll out your dough on a floured surface until it’s about an eighth of an inch thick. Cut into squares about three inches wide—this is where your creative flair comes into play!
Assemble those squares.
Transfer squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—don’t forget this step unless you want a sticky disaster! Spoon some of that luscious filling onto half of each square, then fold over to create triangles.
Bake to perfection.
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant—your kitchen will smell like heaven! Let them cool slightly before serving because patience is key here (even if it’s hard).
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
For that final touch of elegance, dust your Classic Cannoli Squares with powdered sugar right before serving—they’ll look as delightful as they taste!
And voilà! You now have deliciously rich and creamy Classic Cannoli Squares ready to share—if you can resist eating them all yourself! Enjoy every bite and bask in the compliments that will surely come your way!
You Must Know
- These Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian favorite, bringing all the rich flavors of cannoli into an easy-to-make dessert
- They’re perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in, and they will impress everyone who tries them!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your filling while the crust bakes to save time. Bake the crust until golden, then let it cool before spreading the creamy ricotta mixture on top. Finally, chill the squares before serving to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these Classic Cannoli Squares with different flavorings in the filling. Add orange zest for a citrus twist or mix in some chocolate chips. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but know that they’re best enjoyed chilled.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Classic Cannoli Squares, remember to use whole milk ricotta for creaminess
- Allow your crust to cool completely before adding filling to prevent sogginess
- Always chill your dessert before serving for the best texture and flavor
Sharing my first attempt at making these Classic Cannoli Squares still makes me chuckle. My family devoured them so quickly that I barely managed to snap a picture for Instagram!
FAQs:
What are Classic Cannoli Squares?
Classic Cannoli Squares are a delicious twist on the traditional Italian cannoli. Instead of the typical tube-shaped pastry, these squares feature a creamy ricotta filling nestled between layers of buttery pastry. The dessert is often topped with chocolate chips and dusted with powdered sugar, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
How do I store Classic Cannoli Squares?
To store Classic Cannoli Squares, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within three to five days after preparation. If you want to preserve their texture, consider storing the pastry and filling separately and assembling them right before serving.
Can I make Classic Cannoli Squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Classic Cannoli Squares ahead of time. Bake the pastry and allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can make the ricotta filling a day in advance as well. Just combine both elements right before serving for optimal freshness.
What variations can I try with Classic Cannoli Squares?
You can experiment with various flavors when making Classic Cannoli Squares. Consider adding citrus zest like orange or lemon for a refreshing twist. You might also incorporate different mix-ins into the filling, such as chopped pistachios or dried fruits, to create your own unique version of this classic dessert.
Conclusion for Classic Cannoli Squares:
In summary, Classic Cannoli Squares offer a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures that capture the essence of traditional cannoli in a new format. With easy preparation and customizable options, they make an excellent dessert for gatherings or special occasions. Whether stored properly or made ahead of time, these squares are sure to impress your family and friends with their delicious appeal. Enjoy every bite of this sweet treat!
Classic Cannoli Squares
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 squares 1x
Description
Classic Cannoli Squares are a delectable Italian-inspired dessert featuring a flaky pastry crust filled with a rich, creamy ricotta mixture. Infused with hints of vanilla and chocolate, these squares are an irresistible treat perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, Classic Cannoli Squares will satisfy your sweet cravings and become an instant favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and granulated sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- 3. Gradually add cold water until dough forms; wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- 4. Meanwhile, mix ricotta, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth; stir in chocolate chips.
- 5. Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick; cut into 3-inch squares.
- 6. Place squares on parchment-lined baking sheet, spoon filling onto half of each square, fold over to form triangles.
- 7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown; let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (~50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
