Classic Cannoli Squares — The Easy Italian Dessert You’ll Fall In Love With

When I was a kid, summers meant gelato runs with my cousins and sugary ricotta-filled pastries from the tiny Italian bakery on the corner of our neighborhood. I remember watching the baker pipe creamy filling into crisp shells and thinking, “One day I’m going to make something like this at home.” Fast‑forward to now, and I’ve taken that childhood bakery moment and turned it into a simplified, weeknight‑friendly twist: Classic Cannoli Squares.

Think of it as an Italian dessert that captures all the flavors of a traditional cannoli, minus the deep‑frying and fiddly shell. It’s a cannoli‑inspired dessert, a twist on the classic with a modern, bake‑instead-of‑fry approach. A deconstructed cannoli, if you will — transformed into convenient ricotta dessert squares, or cannoli bars with the ease of an everyday bake.

What I love about these squares: they bring that rich ricotta‑and‑chocolate combo, warm cinnamon, little fun bites of mini chocolate chips, and they’re accessible. No pastry chef skills required. That’s what I want to share with you today: a recipe for baked cannoli squares, an easy Italian dessert you’ll have on repeat when the craving for a little Italian pastry squares‑style treat hits.

Why These Cannoli-Inspired Dessert Squares Are a Must‑Try

Simple No-Fry Cannoli Bars

• You don’t need to pipe shells or deep‑fry.
  
• The structure uses a pre‑made pie crust, so you skip making dough from scratch.
  
• One square dish, one pan, one bake: straightforward and low‑fuss.
  

Crowd-Pleasing Italian Pastry Squares

• Guests glance at “cannoli” and their interest flips on.
  
• You serve squares, they pick up a piece, and they’re delighted.
  
• The familiar flavors of ricotta, vanilla, chocolate win people over.
  

Versatile Ricotta Dessert Squares

• You can riff on this easily: swap crusts, add nuts, change extracts.
  
• Works for special occasions or casual weeknight dessert.
  

Make-Ahead Cannoli Bars

• The filling part can be done ahead.
  
• You can partially prep crusts and assemble later.
  
• Ideal for when you want dessert ready without last‑minute stress.
  

Indulgent Traditional Cannoli Twist

• This isn’t your plain cheesecake‑square; it’s a traditional cannoli twist in bar form.
  
• You’ll get creamy ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, warm cinnamon and vanilla — all in one bite.
  
• A true Italian dessert feel.
  

Cannoli Bars Ingredients

To make these cannoli bars, here’s what you’ll need.

➤ Filling for Ricotta Dessert Squares:

• Ricotta cheese
  
• Powdered sugar
  
• Vanilla extract
  
• Cinnamon
  
• Mini chocolate chips
  

➤ Crust for Baked Cannoli Squares:

• Pre‑made pie crusts
  
• Egg (for egg wash)
  
• Sugar (for sprinkling)
  

➤ Optional Garnishes for Classic Cannoli Squares:

• Chopped pistachios
  
• Maraschino cherries
  
• Extra chocolate chips
  

How to Make Classic Cannoli Squares

1. Prepare the Filling
   
   • Drain the ricotta if it’s watery (this is key so you don’t end up with runny filling).
     
   • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Mix until smooth but still with some texture.
     
2. Preheat the Oven (375 °F / 190 °C)
   
   • Set your oven to 375 °F (about 190 °C). Let it fully preheat before putting the dish in.
     
3. Roll Out the Pie Crust
   
   • Place one pie crust into a square or rectangular baking dish (lined or greased if desired).
     
   • Gently press to fit the dish.
     
4. Add the Filling
   
   • Spread the ricotta‑chocolate chip mixture evenly over the bottom crust.
     
   • Smooth gently so it’s level.
     
5. Prepare the Top Crust
   
   • Roll out the second pie crust and cover the filling layer.
     
   • Seal the edges by pinching or crimping.
     
   • Brush the top with the beaten egg (egg wash) so it gets that nice golden brown.
     
   • Sprinkle a light dusting of sugar on top for sparkle and crunch.
     
6. Bake for 30–35 Minutes
   
   • Bake until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is set (the center may still jiggle slightly—that’s okay).
     
   • Watch near the end so it doesn’t over‑brown (most people mess this up by walking away too early).
     
7. Cool and Serve
   
   • Let the dish cool for at least 10–15 minutes (let the filling set).
     
   • Slice into squares.
     
   • Optional: garnish with chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, extra mini chocolate chips.
     
   • Serve warm or at room temperature.
     

Classic Cannoli Squares Variations

• Dairy‑Free: Use silken tofu (blended smooth) instead of ricotta.
  
• Gluten‑Free: Use a gluten‑free pie crust or tart shell base.
  
• Extra Zesty: Stir in lemon zest (1/2 tsp to 1 tsp) for brightness.
  
• Flavor Boost: Use almond extract instead of (or in addition to) vanilla.
  
• Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped nuts (e.g., toasted pistachios, chopped pecans) into the filling.
  
• Spicy Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder (1/4 tsp) to the filling for a playful kick.
  
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in espresso‑infused chocolate chips or a chocolate glaze on top.
  
• Layered Delight: Add a thin fruit layer (raspberries or blueberries) between crust and filling for a fruity twist.
  

Make‑Ahead Tips for Cannoli Bars

• You can prepare the filling a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate.
  
• Line the bottom crust into the baking dish the night before and refrigerate (cover with plastic wrap).
  
• When ready to serve, add the filling, top crust, and bake.
  
• This gives you dessert ready with minimal morning or dinner‑time rush.
  

Storage Tips for Ricotta Dessert Squares

• Room Temp: You can leave these squares at room temperature for up to 2 hours (if your kitchen is cool).
  
• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  
• Freezer: Wrap tightly (foil + plastic wrap) and freeze for up to 2 months.
  
• Reheating: Preheat oven to 350 °F (~175 °C) and warm for 10 minutes (if chilled/frozen) before serving for best texture.
  

Expert Tips for Perfect Cannoli-Inspired Dessert

• Use high‑quality ricotta (whole‑milk if possible) and real vanilla extract — it makes a real flavor difference.
  
• Drain the ricotta well (via fine‑mesh sieve or cheesecloth) to avoid a watery filling. This is key.
  
• Keep an eye on baking time: over‑baking will dry out the filling or burn the crust.
  
• Let it cool before slicing so you get clean edges (and don’t lose that creamy texture).
  
• Don’t overcrowd the flavor profile—if you’re adding pistachios + chili + espresso, make sure one element stands out. Customize but keep balance.
  

Serving Ideas for Italian Pastry Squares

• Serve with a scoop of rich vanilla or chocolate gelato beside the square.
  
• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries) add color and freshness.
  
• A strong espresso or cappuccino pairs beautifully with the richness of the ricotta dessert squares.
  
• Whipped cream on the side (lightly sweetened) for extra indulgence.
  
• Sprinkle chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds) on top for texture.
  
• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce or honey for an extra touch.
  
• Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of green and a fresh lift on the plate.
  

FAQs About Classic Cannoli Squares

More and Related Recipes

Love these Classic Cannoli Squares? Here are more crowd-pleasing, layered, and indulgent desserts you’ll want to try next:

• For a fruity, creamy twist, don’t miss this delicious Peach Cobbler Trifle
  
• Craving caramel? You’ll love the richness of these Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
  
• Our Neapolitan Marble Cake is another layered delight for chocolate–vanilla–strawberry fans
  
• Looking for something tropical? Try these Coconut Pineapple Bites
  
• Cozy up with fall flavors in a seasonal favorite like our Pumpkin Spice Cake
  
• Prefer no-bake ease? Go for easy and indulgent like this Banana Caramel Dessert
  
• If crunch is your thing, fall flavors shine in our Pumpkin Crunch Cake
  
• Craving chocolate? Try the S’mores Cake
  

Conclusion + Call to Action

I hope you’re excited to try these Classic Cannoli Squares — your go‑to easy Italian dessert that brings the beloved flavors of a traditional cannoli twist right into bar form. When one square satisfies the craving for a cannoli‑recipe moment without the fuss of frying, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. After you dive into these Italian pastry squares, don’t forget to explore more layered delights like our Neapolitan Marble Cake, or keep it tropical with these Coconut Pineapple Bites.

Give this recipe a go, share with your friends, and when you serve it, smile. Because this is the kind of dessert you want to eat. And if you like what you create, head on over to my Pinterest page and follow along: https://www.pinterest.com/emiliorecipes/. Happy baking — and buon appetito!

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