Quick And Easy Creamy Cannoli Dip Recipe

If you’re a fan of cannoli but want to skip the fuss of frying pastry shells, this creamy cannoli dip is about to be your new go-to dessert. It’s rich, sweet, and packed with that classic cannoli flavor we all love—without the hassle. Plus, it’s quick to make and only requires a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s the perfect dessert for parties, movie nights, or even just a little weeknight treat.

I first tried this dip when I was looking for a quick, shareable dessert for a family gathering. Everyone loves a traditional cannoli, but I didn’t have time to deal with frying shells or making fillings from scratch. Enter the cannoli dip! I threw it together in minutes, served it with a mix of cookies and fresh fruit, and watched it disappear within seconds. Now, it’s my go-to when I need a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t take up my entire day.

this RECIPE

The backstory of cannoli (and how this dip came to be!)

Cannoli originated in Sicily, where these sweet, crunchy tubes filled with creamy ricotta have been a staple since the Middle Ages. Originally, they were a celebratory treat for festivals, but their popularity spread far beyond Sicily and Italy. Traditional cannoli is made by rolling dough, shaping it into tubes, and frying it until crispy, then filling it with sweetened ricotta, often mixed with chocolate chips or candied citrus.

Cannoli dip is a modern twist on this classic treat—taking the delicious filling and turning it into an easy-to-make dip. While it might lack the crunchy shell, it brings all the creamy, chocolaty goodness without the time or effort. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite at parties and potlucks!

Let’s talk ingredients: cream cheese, ricotta, and chocolate chips!

Each ingredient in this dip plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Cream cheese: This is what gives the dip its creamy, spreadable texture. It also adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness. For the best results, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing, so you don’t end up with lumps.
• Ricotta cheese: The star of any cannoli filling! Ricotta adds that classic flavor and light, airy texture. Be sure to strain it well to avoid a watery dip. If you don’t have ricotta, you could try mascarpone for a richer, even creamier version, but it’ll be a little less traditional.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings out the sweetness and enhances the flavor. Pure vanilla extract is ideal, but if you’re in a pinch, imitation vanilla will work too.
• Powdered sugar: This sweetens the dip without adding any graininess. Powdered sugar dissolves easily, keeping the dip smooth and creamy.
• Mini chocolate chips: Chocolate chips add that classic cannoli touch. Mini chips work best here because they’re easier to scoop up with each bite, but if you only have regular-sized chips, just give them a rough chop.

Must-have kitchen tools for making cannoli dip

You don’t need much for this recipe, but a few tools make it easier:

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl will give you plenty of room to combine all the ingredients smoothly.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: While you can mix this by hand, an electric mixer will make the job a lot easier, especially when beating the cream cheese and ricotta together. This ensures you get a smooth, fluffy texture without any lumps.
• Strainer or cheesecloth: Straining the ricotta is essential to prevent your dip from getting watery. You can use a fine mesh strainer with a paper towel or cheesecloth for the best results.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and making sure every bit of creamy goodness ends up in your serving dish!

Step-by-step: making the creamiest cannoli dip

Alright, let’s get to it! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious cannoli dip ready in no time.

1. Strain the ricotta
   Start by placing a paper towel in a small bowl, add your ricotta, and cover it with another paper towel. Press down gently but firmly to remove as much moisture as you can. This step is crucial for a thick, creamy dip, so don’t skip it!
2. Combine the cheeses and vanilla
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, strained ricotta, and vanilla extract together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. You’re looking for a fluffy, lump-free texture here.
3. Add the powdered sugar
   Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cheese mixture, beating until smooth after each addition. This not only sweetens the dip but also helps to thicken it up nicely.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips
   With a spatula, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Save a few for garnishing if you like. Stir just until the chips are evenly distributed—overmixing can make the dip a bit too soft.
5. Chill the dip
   Pop the dip in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the dip a thicker, creamier consistency. (But if you’re in a hurry, you can serve it right away!)
6. Serve and enjoy!
   Transfer your dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for a pretty presentation. Serve with a variety of dippers like waffle cone pieces, pizzelle cookies, or fresh fruit. Dig in!

Fun variations and tasty twists

This cannoli dip is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to mix things up! Here are a few variations I’ve tried that turned out delicious:

• Citrus zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the mix for a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the creamy sweetness.
• Nutty twist: Try folding in some finely chopped pistachios or almonds for extra crunch. You could even sprinkle a few on top as a garnish.
• Pumpkin spice: For a fall-inspired version, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. It pairs surprisingly well with the chocolate chips and makes a cozy, seasonal treat.
• Gluten-free option: If you need a gluten-free version, serve the dip with gluten-free cookies or fresh fruit like apple slices, strawberries, or pear wedges.
• Low-sugar version: Reduce the powdered sugar to 1/2 cup and add a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener if you want a lighter version. The dip won’t be as thick, but it’ll still be delicious!

How to serve and present your cannoli dip

For an eye-catching presentation, I like to serve this dip in a pretty bowl surrounded by a colorful assortment of dippers. Waffle cone pieces, pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, or biscotti make perfect partners for this creamy dip. For a lighter option, go with fresh fruit like strawberries, apple slices, or pineapple chunks.

To make it feel even more special, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips and maybe a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. If you added citrus zest to the dip, a few curls of lemon or orange peel on top can add a pop of color. It’s a simple dessert, but these little touches make it feel extra indulgent.

Beverage pairings

Since this dip is rich and sweet, pairing it with a lighter, refreshing drink can balance things out nicely. Here are some of my favorite options:

• Iced coffee or cold brew: The boldness of coffee cuts through the creaminess of the dip, and the slightly bitter notes complement the sweetness perfectly.
• Sparkling water with lemon or lime: If you want something light and refreshing, a glass of sparkling water with a splash of citrus is ideal. It’s simple but keeps the palate refreshed.
• Herbal tea: Try serving the dip with a pot of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint. The subtle flavors won’t overpower the dessert, and the warmth is comforting, especially in cooler weather.
• Fresh fruit juice: Orange or pomegranate juice offers a fruity contrast to the creamy dip, making each bite feel even more indulgent.

Storing leftovers and reheating tips

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as it may thicken a bit as it chills.

For a slightly softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving it, as this can cause the cream cheese to separate.

Scaling the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 10 servings, but it’s easy to adjust if you need more or less. For a smaller batch, simply halve the ingredients. If you’re making it for a larger crowd, double everything, but keep an eye on the consistency. You might need a touch less powdered sugar if you’re doubling, as too much can make it overly sweet.

Potential issues and how to avoid them

• Watery dip: If your dip turns out watery, it’s likely because the ricotta wasn’t strained enough. Next time, make sure to press out as much moisture as possible.
• Lumpy texture: This happens if the cream cheese isn’t fully softened. Be sure to let it sit at room temperature before you start, and use an electric mixer for the smoothest results.
• Too sweet? If you find it too sweet, try cutting back on the powdered sugar next time, or add a bit more ricotta to balance it out.

Give it a try!

I hope you love this quick and easy creamy cannoli dip as much as I do! It’s one of those desserts that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, which is a win-win in my book. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—try out different variations, serve it with your favorite dippers, and see how fast it disappears at your next gathering. Enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dip actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just give it a stir before serving.

2. What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
No problem! You can use regular chocolate chips; just give them a rough chop so they’re easier to scoop.

3. Can I freeze cannoli dip?
Freezing isn’t recommended as it can change the texture, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

4. How can I make this dip less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar to 1 cup or even 3/4 cup for a less sweet version. You could also add more ricotta to mellow the sweetness.

5. What other cookies go well with this dip?
Try graham crackers, ladyfingers, biscotti, or even vanilla wafers. They all pair wonderfully with the creamy, chocolaty flavor.

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