Dreamy Sweet Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe: Italian Bliss at Home

Decadent cannoli squares bring the heart of Sicily right to your dessert table with an irresistible ricotta twist.

These delightful squares capture the classic cannoli flavor in every single bite.

Traditional Italian pastry techniques merge with modern baking simplicity to create a treat that’s both elegant and approachable.

The creamy ricotta filling promises a rich, smooth experience that melts in your mouth.

Delicate layers of crisp pastry and sweet cheese create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

Preparing these squares is easier than crafting individual cannoli, making them perfect for gatherings or a personal indulgence.

Dive into this delectable dessert and let your taste buds transport you to the charming streets of Italy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 205 kcal

Servings: 13

Ricotta Cannoli Squares Ingredient Breakdown

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Light, buttery foundation that creates a crisp, flaky canvas for the creamy filling.
• Egg: Helps create a golden, glossy sheen and ensures beautiful browning of the pastry squares.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, smooth Italian cheese that provides a rich and luxurious base for the filling.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a delicate, velvety texture to the mixture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling with a smooth, delicate sweetness that doesn't feel grainy.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic depth and classic dessert flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting creates an elegant, festive look and adds a subtle extra sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips, Mini Chocolate Chips: Scattered throughout for delightful bursts of rich chocolate flavor.
• Candied Orange Peel: Provides a bright, zesty accent that complements the creamy cheese filling.

Kitchen Gear That Helps With Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Large Baking Sheets: Essential for creating crispy, golden pastry squares.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out puff pastry evenly for consistent squares.
• Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying beaten egg wash to create a beautiful golden sheen.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut puff pastry sheets into precise squares.
• Cooling Rack: Allows pastry to cool completely without becoming soggy.

How to Make and Chill Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Preheat the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F and grab those baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper for a smooth, non-stick surface that’ll make your pastry dreams come true.

• Transform Pastry Sheets

Gently unroll the puff pastry, giving it a little love with a light roll. Slice each sheet into 9 perfect squares, creating a delightful canvas for your dessert masterpiece.

• Prep for Baking

Spread those squares across your prepared baking sheets like a delicious puzzle. Give each square a gentle brush of beaten egg, creating a golden, shiny finish that’ll make mouths water.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the hot oven and let happen. Watch as the squares puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown in 12-15 minutes. Patience is key – let them cool completely before the next delicious step.

• Create Creamy Filling

Whip together ricotta, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth and dreamy. This creamy mixture will be the star of your dessert adventure.

• Assemble the Squares

Carefully slice each pastry square in half. Dollop the luscious ricotta filling onto the bottom half, then crown with the top layer. Dust with a snow-like sprinkle of powdered sugar for the final touch of sweet perfection.

Creative Twists for Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Ensure your puff pastry is well-chilled before rolling for maximum flakiness.
• Drain ricotta cheese overnight in a cheesecloth to remove excess moisture for a creamier filling.
• Swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Prepare the pastry squares and ricotta filling separately up to 24 hours in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain crisp texture.
• Experiment with mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or orange zest in the ricotta filling to create unique taste profiles.

Present Ricotta Cannoli Squares on a Dessert Platter

• Cannoli Comfort Plating: Stack these golden squares on a rustic wooden board for a stunning dessert presentation that highlights their flaky layers and inviting texture.
• Sweet Gathering Approach: Serve these squares at a casual family gathering or weekend brunch, where guests can easily pick them up and enjoy the delicate ricotta filling.
• Elegant Accompaniment Style: Pair with a dusting of powdered sugar, a small scoop of vanilla gelato, or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce to elevate the dessert's richness and visual appeal.
• Beverage Harmony: Complement these squares with a small espresso, sweet dessert wine, or creamy cappuccino to balance the pastry's delicate sweetness and enhance the overall flavor experience.

How to Store Ricotta Cannoli Squares Without Losing Flavor

• Store finished cannoli squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them crisp and fresh.
• Keep ricotta filling separate from pastry squares until serving to prevent soggy texture, mixing just before enjoying for maximum crunch.
• Prepare pastry squares and ricotta mixture separately up to 24 hours in advance, assembling right before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Dust powdered sugar just before presenting to guests for elegant presentation and prevent sugar from dissolving into the delicate pastry surface.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the filling creamy and delicious?

Ricotta cheese is the key ingredient that creates the smooth, rich filling. Mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, it delivers a classic sweet Italian dessert flavor that makes the cannoli squares irresistibly creamy.

• Can I use low-fat ricotta for this recipe?

While you can use low-fat ricotta, full-fat ricotta provides better texture and a richer taste. Low-fat versions might make the filling less smooth and slightly less flavorful, so stick to traditional full-fat ricotta for the best results.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these squares?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need basic baking tools like baking sheets, parchment paper, a mixing bowl, and a pastry brush. A standard home kitchen setup works perfectly for creating these delightful cannoli squares.

• How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Ensure the pastry is completely cooled before adding the ricotta filling. Brushing the pastry with egg wash helps create a protective barrier that keeps the base crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy when the creamy filling is added.

Sweet Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Ricotta cannoli squares blend classic Italian dessert magic into a delightful bar-style treat. Sweet creamy ricotta filling nestles between crisp pastry layers, promising a delectable journey through Sicilian culinary traditions you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package (17.3 oz / 490 g) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained well
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Warm the oven to 400F (200C), line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and stretch puff pastry sheets into an even surface. Slice each sheet into nine precise squares, creating 18 uniform pastry bases.
2. Initial Baking: Arrange pastry squares on prepared sheets with adequate spacing, then brush each square with beaten egg wash to achieve a lustrous golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until pastry develops a rich, golden color and signature puffy texture.
3. Cooling Process: Transfer baked pastry squares to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely to room temperature, ensuring a crisp and stable foundation for the filling.
4. Ricotta Filling Creation: In a large mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in chocolate chips for added texture and flavor complexity.
5. Assembly and Finishing: Carefully spread the ricotta mixture over half of the cooled pastry squares, then top with remaining squares to create delicate sandwich-style treats. Dust the completed cannoli squares with additional powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Pastry Precision: Roll puff pastry evenly to guarantee uniform thickness, preventing uneven baking and ensuring consistent texture across all squares.
• Golden Bake Technique: Watch pastry closely during last 3-4 minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning, as ovens can vary in heat intensity.
• Cooling Critical: Allow pastry squares to cool completely before adding ricotta filling to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain crisp, flaky structure.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the same delectable texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg