Description
Deliciously reimagined Cannoli Bars featuring creamy ricotta, sweetened cream cheese, and a graham cracker crust, perfect for parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (145 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for crust)
- 4 tablespoons (55 grams) granulated sugar (for crust)
- 7 tablespoons (100 grams) salted butter, melted
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons (135 grams) granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 orange, zested
- ¾ cup (150 grams) whole milk ricotta, strained
- 8 oz (220 grams) cream cheese, brick style, full fat, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for filling)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (220 grams) heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped topping)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped topping)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix in melted butter and press firmly into the dish.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden, then cool completely.
- Drain the ricotta in a sieve lined with cheesecloth for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- In a bowl, mix drained ricotta, cream cheese, granulated sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time. Pour filling over cooled crust and bake for 30–40 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours.
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream topping over chilled filling and sprinkle with chocolate chips and pistachios.
- Cut into squares and serve cold, refrigerate leftovers.
Notes
For best texture, let the ricotta drain overnight and use room temperature ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cannoli, dessert, Italian dessert, bars, creamy filling