Everyone loves cannoli! It’s silky smooth and creamy with a delicious rich flavor and crispy pastry shell. These cannoli bars are very doable, even for beginners. Follow this easy recipe to enjoy that classic cannoli taste at home without the hassle of shells or frying!
These cannoli bars were my 2021 lazy baking project. I must have tested a half-dozen versions during those weekends at home until landing on this fool-proof recipe that I am so proud to share with you.
It’s a very traditional take on cannoli, made with a creamy ricotta filling, sweet powdered sugar, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips all layered over a soft buttery shortbread base. I recommend chilling the bars for a few hours to let the flavors meld and the filling set, but don’t stress because it’s easy to do! Keep reading to see all of my tips for making these best cannoli bars. And I promise, you’ll be so glad you did— get ready to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients in Cannoli Bars
This ingredient setup stays simple while still building that classic cannoli flavor.
How to make Cannoli Bars
This recipe comes together in layers and stays simple with a steady process.
1. Prepare the base mixture
Start by mixing flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until a soft dough forms. The mixture should feel smooth and easy to spread without being too dry.
2. Press into baking dish
Transfer the dough into a lined baking dish and press it evenly across the bottom. Try to keep the layer flat so it bakes evenly and forms a solid base.
3. Bake the base
Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake until the base turns lightly golden. This step sets the structure and gives a slightly firm texture. Let it cool before adding the filling.
4. Prepare the filling
In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps so the filling spreads easily.
5. Add chocolate chips
Fold chocolate chips into the filling gently. This keeps them evenly spread without breaking the texture of the mixture.
6. Spread the filling
Spoon the filling over the cooled base and spread it evenly. Make sure it reaches the edges so each slice has a balanced layer.
7. Chill to set
Place the dish in the fridge for a few hours. This helps the filling firm up and makes cutting easier later.
8. Slice and serve
Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
How to serve Cannoli Bars
A simple way to enjoy these bars is straight from the fridge once they are fully set. The filling stays creamy while the base holds firm, making each bite balanced and easy to handle.
For a slightly different touch, dust a bit of powdered sugar on top before serving. This adds a light finish and makes the bars look more inviting.
These bars also work well for gatherings. Arrange them on a tray and serve chilled so they hold their shape and stay fresh longer during serving.
Recipe Tips
- Removing excess moisture keeps the filling thick and prevents it from becoming too soft.
- Adding filling on a warm base can affect texture, so wait until it cools completely.
- A smooth mixture spreads easier and gives a better final texture.
- Giving enough time in the fridge helps the bars set properly and makes slicing clean.
- Lining the pan makes it easier to lift and cut the bars without sticking.
- Clean cuts help keep the layers neat and presentable when serving.
Cannoli Bars
Course: DessertCuisine: Italian-InspiredDifficulty: Easy9
servings20
minutes25
minutes135
minutesIngredients
1 ½ cups flour
½ cup sugar
½ cup melted butter
2 eggs
Pinch of salt
1 cup ricotta cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Prepare the base mixture:
Start by mixing flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until a soft dough forms. The mixture should feel smooth and easy to spread without being too dry. - Press into baking dish:
Transfer the dough into a lined baking dish and press it evenly across the bottom. Try to keep the layer flat so it bakes evenly and forms a solid base. - Bake the base:
Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake until the base turns lightly golden. This step sets the structure and gives a slightly firm texture. Let it cool before adding the filling. - Prepare the filling:
In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps so the filling spreads easily. - Add chocolate chips:
Fold chocolate chips into the filling gently. This keeps them evenly spread without breaking the texture of the mixture. - Spread the filling:
Spoon the filling over the cooled base and spread it evenly. Make sure it reaches the edges so each slice has a balanced layer. - Chill to set:
Place the dish in the fridge for a few hours. This helps the filling firm up and makes cutting easier later. - Slice and serve:
Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
