Get ready to fall madly in love with Cannoli Cheesecake Bars! Imagine everything you adore about classic cannoli—the creamy ricotta, the crunch of chocolate chips, a hint of cinnamon—all transformed into thick, velvety cheesecake squares resting on a buttery graham crust. They’re the perfect blend of Italian charm and American comfort, a dreamy dessert guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering (or your weeknight kitchen table). With an approachable list of ingredients and an easy baking process, these bars taste like a pastry shop, only homemade and brimming with amore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cannoli Cheesecake Bars is how their magic comes from simple, classic ingredients. Each one not only holds up its own flavor and texture, but also plays beautifully with the others to create those unmistakable layers of richness, tang, and sweet crunch.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These create a cozy, slightly sweet base that perfectly echoes a cannoli shell.
- Granulated sugar: A dash brings just enough sweetness to both the crust and the filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted: This binds the crust and gives every bite a melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: For that classic cannoli flavor, be sure to use full-fat ricotta and drain it if it’s watery.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds lushness and makes the cheesecake bars irresistibly smooth.
- Powdered sugar: This dissolves easily in the ricotta for a silky-sweet filling.
- Vanilla extract: A dash brings warmth and classic dessert notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a touch gives a whisper of spice, mimicking traditional cannoli flavor.
- All-purpose flour: This stabilizes the filling, helping the bars slice cleanly.
- Large eggs: These set the filling, creating that creamy, sliceable texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: Speckled throughout, they give classic cannoli crunch and a little chocolatey surprise in every bite.
- Extra chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top before serving for color and extra crunch.
How to Make Cannoli Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on at least two sides. This will help you lift out your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars cleanly and neatly later. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), getting everything ready for a perfectly even bake.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, a bit of granulated sugar, and melted butter until they look and feel like damp sand. Pour this fragrant mixture into your prepared pan, pressing it firmly and evenly to form a sturdy base. Pop it in the oven for 8–10 minutes, just until set and lightly golden. This step makes all the difference in flavor!
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free—patience here pays off. Add in the powdered sugar, remaining granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and flour, mixing thoroughly to combine. Crack the eggs in one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate and keep your batter extra luscious.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Fill the Pan
Gently fold in those mini chocolate chips, spreading them throughout every bite. Pour the luscious cheesecake filling over your cooled crust, using a spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even bake. The anticipation at this stage is real!
Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Chill
Bake the bars for 35–40 minutes, or until the center has just a little wobble left. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). This patience is the secret to bars that slice cleanly and taste truly decadent.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. For picture-perfect Cannoli Cheesecake Bars, cut them into 16 squares. If you’d like, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or a handful of chopped pistachios on top, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Bellissimo!
How to Serve Cannoli Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
For a truly classic finish, dust your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars with powdered sugar just before serving. Go the extra mile with a scattering of mini chocolate chips or bright green chopped pistachios on top—they’ll look gorgeous and add a hint of crunch. A citrus twist of orange zest is another delightful nod to the Italian bakery tradition.
Side Dishes
These bars shine beautifully on their own, but if you’re going full dessert spread, serve with a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato, or even strong espresso. The brightness from berries or the richness of a hot drink balances every creamy, chocolate-studded bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Cannoli Cheesecake Bars in cupcake liners for an easy finger-food presentation at parties. Fancy a more elegant dinner vibe? Stack them on a tiered cake stand with scattered pistachios and orange curls. Or cut them into smaller bites for a dessert platter with fresh fruit and biscotti alongside—it’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cannoli Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay velvety and delicious for up to 4 days, getting even creamier as the flavors meld. If stacking, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then wrap them individually or in a tight container with parchment paper in between. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, letting the flavors shine and the texture stay smooth. No need to reheat, but if you prefer a slightly warmer bite, leave them on the counter 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk?
While you can use part-skim ricotta, whole milk ricotta brings a richer, creamier texture. If you use part-skim, be sure to drain it thoroughly and expect a slightly lighter filling.
How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?
Let the bars cool at room temperature before placing them in the fridge to help prevent cracks. Avoid overbaking—the center should still have a little wobble when you take them out.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped toasted pistachios, candied orange peel, or even mini white chocolate chips all make delicious additions or substitutions in your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the center and bake until just set.
Are Cannoli Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?
As written, this recipe contains wheat-based graham crackers and all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers and a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Final Thoughts
If you love the irresistible flavor of a classic cannoli, give these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars a whirl—your sweet tooth (and anyone lucky enough to share with you) will be hooked from the very first bite. Just trust me, this is the dessert that’ll have people asking for the recipe every single time.
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Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of classic cannoli flavors and creamy cheesecake with these scrumptious Cannoli Cheesecake Bars. A perfect blend of sweet and tangy, these bars are a must-try for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Extra chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake.
- Prepare the filling: Beat ricotta and cream cheese, then add sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and flour. Mix in eggs and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour filling over crust and bake until set. Cool and refrigerate.
- Serve: Slice into bars and top with additional chocolate chips or pistachios if desired.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Bars taste better after chilling overnight.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
