Delicious, creamy Cannoli Dip is a showstopper for any gathering. This delightful dessert dip is perfect for parties, game nights, or casual get-togethers. With just five simple ingredients, it captures the essence of traditional cannolis in an easy-to-make format. You can serve it with a variety of dippers, making it versatile and appealing to everyone.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Base
- For Extra Flavor
- For Dipping
- How to Make Cannoli Dip
- Step 1: Combine Cheeses
- Step 2: Add Sugar and Vanilla
- Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- How to Serve Cannoli Dip
- Classic Dippers
- Fresh Fruit
- Unique Options
- How to Perfect Cannoli Dip
- Best Side Dishes for Cannoli Dip
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Cannoli Dip
- Reheating Cannoli Dip
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Cannoli Dip?
- Can I customize my Cannoli Dip?
- How do I serve Cannoli Dip?
- Is Cannoli Dip gluten-free?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delectable dip in no time.
- No Baking Required: Skip the oven! This Cannoli Dip is a no-bake treat that saves time and hassle.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, or even fresh strawberries for endless enjoyment.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of ricotta and mascarpone creates a creamy texture that’s full of flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual snack, this dip fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Cannoli Dip smoothly, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. These will help you achieve the perfect creamy consistency while simplifying the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Sifter
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A good-sized mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Hand Mixer: This tool ensures your cheeses blend into a smooth mixture quickly and efficiently.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your dip.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (drained)
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (cream cheese can be substituted)
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For Extra Flavor
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Dipping
- Pizzelle cookies
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Broken waffle cones
- Strawberries
- Broken cannoli shells
How to Make Cannoli Dip
Step 1: Combine Cheeses
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese. Using a hand mixer, mix on medium-high speed for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to your cheese mixture. Beat until combined and smooth—start on low speed to avoid creating a cloud of powdered sugar.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in all but two tablespoons of the mini chocolate chips. Cover your bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. The dip is best after one hour but can be served as soon as 15 minutes if needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Just before serving, sprinkle on the reserved chocolate chips. If desired, dust with additional powdered sugar. Serve alongside your chosen dippers and enjoy this delightful Cannoli Dip!
How to Serve Cannoli Dip
Cannoli dip is a versatile and delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a party or just enjoying a casual evening at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Classic Dippers
- Pizzelle Cookies – These traditional Italian waffle cookies provide a perfect crunch and complement the creamy dip wonderfully.
- Graham Crackers – Sweet and crunchy, graham crackers are a popular choice for dipping, adding a touch of nostalgia.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – For chocolate lovers, using soft chocolate chip cookies creates a rich and indulgent experience.
Fresh Fruit
- Strawberries – Juicy strawberries add freshness and balance the sweetness of the cannoli dip beautifully.
- Banana Slices – Creamy banana slices pair well with the dip’s texture, making each bite satisfying.
Unique Options
- Broken Waffle Cones – These add an exciting twist, giving you that classic ice cream cone feel while enjoying the dip.
- Broken Cannoli Shells – Get creative by using leftover cannoli shells to scoop up the dip for an authentic taste.
How to Perfect Cannoli Dip
To make sure your cannoli dip is absolutely delicious every time you serve it, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Always use fresh ricotta and mascarpone for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill Before Serving – Refrigerating the dip for at least an hour enhances the flavors and allows it to firm up slightly.
- Adjust Sweetness – Feel free to modify the amount of powdered sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- Add Flavor Variations – Consider incorporating orange zest or almond extract for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Cannoli Dip
Pairing side dishes with your cannoli dip can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness of the cannoli dip, creating a delightful contrast.
- Fruit Salad – A colorful fruit salad adds brightness and freshness that complements the rich dip.
- Mini Pastries – Bite-sized pastries offer variety and can be filled with different flavors that align well with your dessert table.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate pairs wonderfully with sweet dips like this one.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve alongside or as a topping; vanilla ice cream brings extra creaminess to each bite.
- Nut Mixes – A bowl of lightly salted nuts provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth texture of cannoli dip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cannoli Dip is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect your dip’s quality.
- Using un-drained ricotta: Not draining the ricotta can lead to a watery dip. Make sure to drain it well before mixing.
- Skipping the sifting: Failing to sift powdered sugar can result in lumps. Always sift it for a smooth texture.
- Overmixing the ingredients: Mixing too long can make the dip grainy. Blend just until everything is combined and creamy.
- Not chilling long enough: Serving immediately may not bring out all the flavors. For best results, chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Using low-quality chocolate chips: Cheap chocolate can ruin the taste. Opt for good-quality mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Cannoli Dip in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cannoli Dip
- Cannoli Dip can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Cannoli Dip
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm uncovered for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (10-15 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Gently heat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Cannoli Dip that may help you create the perfect dessert.
What is Cannoli Dip?
Cannoli Dip is a creamy, sweet dessert inspired by traditional Italian cannolis. It’s made with ricotta and mascarpone cheeses mixed with chocolate chips.
Can I customize my Cannoli Dip?
Yes! You can add different flavorings like almond extract or incorporate fruits like strawberries for added sweetness.
How do I serve Cannoli Dip?
Serve Cannoli Dip with dippers such as pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, or fresh fruit like strawberries for an enjoyable experience.
Is Cannoli Dip gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free dippers like fruit or specific gluten-free cookies.
Final Thoughts
This delicious Cannoli Dip is not only easy to make but also allows for endless customization. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night at home, this dip fits any occasion perfectly. Try it today and delight your taste buds!
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Cannoli Dip
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Cannoli Dip, a creamy and decadent dessert that embodies the flavors of traditional Italian cannoli. This no-bake treat is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only five key ingredients and minimal effort. Perfect for parties, game nights, or even casual gatherings, this dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers—think crunchy pizzelle cookies, graham crackers, or fresh strawberries. With its rich texture from a blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, every bite is a heavenly combination of sweetness and flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this Cannoli Dip will surely be the highlight of your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (drained)
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta and mascarpone cheeses. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth.
- Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in all but two tablespoons of chocolate chips.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for best flavor.
- Before serving, sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top and enjoy with your choice of dippers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
