Quick And Easy Creamy Cannoli Dip Recipe

Whip Up This Dreamy Creamy Cannoli Dip Recipe Today

Dessert enthusiasts constantly seek creamy cannoli dip recipes that deliver authentic Italian flavor without complex preparation.

This delectable treat captures the essence of traditional cannoli in a remarkably simple format.

Sweet ricotta cheese blends seamlessly with powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a luscious dip that melts in your mouth.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout add delightful texture and rich depth to every spoonful.

Serve this crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or enjoy a quiet evening indulgence.

Crisp cannoli shells or graham crackers make perfect companions for scooping up this irresistible creamy delight.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that brings Sicily’s sweet magic right to your table.

Why You’ll Want Quick & Easy Creamy Cannoli Dip

  • Quick cannoli dip brings restaurant-style magic to your kitchen with minimal effort.
  • Versatile recipe guarantees smiles from kids and adults, perfect for gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • No baking required, simple mixing steps mean anyone can master this delectable dessert in minutes.
  • Flexible recipe allows endless variations by swapping chocolate chips or trying different dipping options like graham crackers or fruit.

What Goes Into Quick & Easy Creamy Cannoli Dip

Main Dairy Ingredients:
  • Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that provides the authentic cannoli flavor and smooth texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds richness and helps create a thick, luxurious dip consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and provides a classic cannoli-like flavor profile.
Sweet Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Mini Chocolate Chips: Bring sweetness and classic cannoli-inspired chocolate elements to the dip.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Waffle Cone Pieces, Pizzelle Cookies, Fresh Fruit Slices: Perfect dipping companions that complement the creamy texture of the dip.

Quick Steps For Creamy Cannoli Dip Success

Step 1: Prepare The Ricotta

Grab a small bowl and line it with a paper towel.

Gently place the ricotta on the towel and cover with another paper towel.

Press softly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick and creamy texture for your dip.

Step 2: Create A Smooth Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Drained ricotta
  • Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until they become silky smooth and fully integrated.

Take your time and mix for 2-3 minutes to eliminate any potential lumps.

Step 3: Sweeten The Mixture

Gradually sprinkle powdered sugar into the cheese blend.

Stir consistently to prevent sugar clumps from forming.

Continue mixing until the dip reaches a perfectly creamy consistency.

Feel free to taste and adjust sweetness as you go.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Magic

Gently fold mini chocolate chips into the mixture using a spatula.

Consider keeping a few chips aside for a beautiful garnish on top of the dip.

Step 5: Chill And Develop Flavors

Refrigerate the dip for at least 15 minutes.

This resting period allows the flavors to blend and helps the dip set to the ideal texture.

Step 6: Serve With Delightful Companions

Present your cannoli dip with an array of delectable dippers such as:
  • Waffle cone pieces
  • Pizzelle cookies
  • Fresh fruit slices

Enjoy the creamy, sweet indulgence with friends and family!

Tips To Make Creamy Cannoli Dip Better

  • Gently press ricotta between paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring a thick, creamy dip without wateriness.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to guarantee a smooth, lump-free texture.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually and taste as you go, allowing you to control the sweetness level to match your preference.
  • Lightly coat mini chocolate chips with a sprinkle of flour before folding into the dip to help them distribute evenly and prevent settling at the bottom.
  • Chill the dip for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.

Store And Reheat Creamy Cannoli Dip Properly

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep covered tightly to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors and maintain freshness.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe container, seal completely, and freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Ensure minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove from freezer and let defrost in refrigerator overnight. Gently stir before serving to restore original creamy texture.
  • Bring to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Stir thoroughly to redistribute ingredients and restore smooth consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent separation of ingredients.

What To Pair With Creamy Cannoli Dip

  • Elevate Sweet Indulgence: Perfect Cannoli Dip Pairings
  • Crunch with Pizzelle: Delicate Italian waffle cookies provide a crisp, light texture that perfectly complements the creamy dip's richness. Their subtle vanilla flavor harmonizes beautifully with the chocolate chips.
  • Explore Wine Companions: Select a chilled moscato or sweet dessert wine to enhance the dip's creamy sweetness. The wine's light, fruity notes balance the rich cheese mixture and create a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Fruit Contrast Magic: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries alongside the dip for a tangy brightness. Their natural acidity cuts through the dip's creaminess, creating a refreshing palate-cleansing effect that makes each bite more enjoyable.
  • Enhance with Amaretto: Drizzle a small amount of amaretto liqueur over the dip for an elegant Italian-inspired twist. The almond undertones provide a sophisticated layer of complexity that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Fun Styles For Creamy Cannoli Dip

  • Gluten-Free Cannoli Dip: Replace waffle cone pieces with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour biscuits for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap ricotta and cream cheese with coconut cream and cashew cheese to create a plant-based dip that maintains creamy texture.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar, and choose sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Incorporate almond flour or coconut flour as a base, use erythritol as sweetener, and select dark chocolate with high cocoa percentage for a low-carb treat.

FAQs

  • What makes this cannoli dip different from traditional cannoli?

This dip captures the classic cannoli flavor without the hassle of making pastry shells. It’s a deconstructed version that delivers the same sweet, creamy taste in a simple, spreadable format.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this dip?

No special equipment is needed! Just a large mixing bowl, spatula, and basic measuring tools are sufficient to create this delicious dip.

  • Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as they sit together, making it perfect for party prep.

  • Is this dip suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

Unfortunately, this recipe is dairy-heavy with ricotta and cream cheese, so it’s not ideal for those with lactose intolerance. Consider dairy-free alternatives if needed.

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Quick And Easy Creamy Cannoli Dip Recipe

Quick And Easy Creamy Cannoli Dip Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cannoli dip brings Italian dessert magic straight to your table with silky mascarpone and ricotta blending perfectly. Crisp cannoli chips or sweet fruit make delightful companions for this rich, creamy crowd-pleaser you’ll want to share at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese

Sweeteners:

  • 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (85 grams) mini chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Additional Serving Suggestion:

  • Variety of cookies for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare ricotta by layering between paper towels in a bowl, applying gentle pressure to extract excess moisture, ensuring a thick and stable dip consistency.
  2. Combine softened cream cheese, drained ricotta, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl, blending thoroughly for 2-3 minutes until achieving a silky, uniform texture without lumps.
  3. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar while continuously mixing, ensuring even distribution and creating a smooth, sweet base with consistent flavor throughout.
  4. Delicately fold mini chocolate chips into the mixture using a spatula, reserving a small portion for decorative topping to enhance visual appeal.
  5. Refrigerate the prepared dip for a minimum of 15 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and texture to set, creating a more refined culinary experience.
  6. Present the chilled dip alongside complementary accompaniments such as waffle cone fragments, traditional pizzelle cookies, or fresh seasonal fruit slices for an engaging and versatile dessert presentation.

Notes

  • Drain ricotta thoroughly to prevent watery consistency, ensuring a thick and creamy texture that holds its shape perfectly.
  • Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to avoid annoying lumps and achieve a smooth, silky dip that spreads effortlessly.
  • Customize the sweetness by gradually adding powdered sugar, tasting as you mix to create a personalized flavor profile that suits your palate.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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