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If you're craving a classic Italian sweet without dealing with fried shells or a hot oven, this cannoli dip has your back. Toss together just a couple of things with almost no effort for a creamy crowd favorite that disappears bigger than any other treat at our family get-togethers.
Every time I show up with this at a holiday get-together, folks can’t stop asking how to make it. My favorite part is how you can change what you dip or toss into it and it's still seriously good.
Tasty Ingredients
- Dippers: Go with cookies, waffle cone chunks, fresh strawberries, or traditional bits of cannoli shell or pizzelle for a real treat
- Mini chocolate chips: Stick with mini so you get lots in every bite and use a chocolate you really like
- Vanilla extract: Gets everything smelling amazing – splurge on the real deal if you can
- Powdered sugar: Sift the sugar so there are no lumps, making the whole thing taste silky-sweet
- Mascarpone cheese: Gives that velvety texture and softer taste, use cream cheese in a pinch but pick the freshest you can
- Ricotta cheese: The main base for that original cannoli flavor, whole milk works best and make sure you get it pretty dry for the richest dip
Simple Steps To Make It
- Finish and Serve:
- When you're set to dig in, toss the last bit of chocolate chips over the top. Extra powdered sugar looks nice too. Spoon into a bowl and circle it with your best dippers.
- Chill for Best Texture:
- Scoop the mix into a bowl and cover it up. Leave it in the fridge for an hour to thicken up. If you’re in a rush, even fifteen minutes makes a difference, though it’ll be softer.
- Add the Chocolate:
- Keep a couple spoons of mini chips for topping and fold the rest in gently with a spatula. Go easy so the mix stays fluffy.
- Sweeten and Flavor:
- Toss in powdered sugar and vanilla with the cheese. Start on low with the mixer, then crank it up after the sugar’s mixed in. Blend until it’s super smooth and sweet.
- Make the Cheese Base:
- Beat mascarpone and ricotta in a bowl using a hand mixer. Give it a few minutes so it all gets really smooth and creamy. If ricotta is lumpy, keep mixing for that silky feel.
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Whole milk ricotta makes this taste shockingly fresh every single time. If you’ve never tried it sweet, it’s a total game changer – so fluffy and smooth. My kids sneak chocolate chips every time, but somehow plenty still end up in the bowl.
Keeping It Fresh
Tuck leftovers in a lidded container and pop it in the fridge for about three days. It'll get even thicker and tastier as it sits. Freezer isn’t a great idea. It splits and turns watery when thawed. For parties, set out servings ahead of time so folks can just grab and go.
Swaps And Add-Ins
Mascarpone is the classic, but cream cheese totally works if that's what you've got – just let it sit out to soften first. Want something zesty? Grate in some orange or lemon peel. Chocolate fiends might go for mini dark or white chips for a twist.
How To Serve
This dip is the best for sharing. Try it with pizzelle, graham crackers, bits of waffle cone, or juicy strawberries. Fancy friends? Serve with chunks of cannoli shell for a wow factor. Fancy it up more with a dash of cinnamon sugar or sprinkle some dried fruit on top for holidays.
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How It’s Traditionally Enjoyed
Classic cannoli is a Sicilian tradition for springtime, but this version is an easy shortcut with that same creamy sweetness. You skip the hard parts (no shell work), but it still feels true. In my Italian-American crowd, it’s usually the first dessert little kids help make since it’s safe and super easy.
Recipe FAQs
- → What can I serve with cannoli dip?
Dig in with waffle cone pieces, cookies, pizzelle, cannoli shells, graham crackers, or fresh strawberries—whatever you love.
- → How do I keep the dip creamy and smooth?
Drain your ricotta well, then use a hand mixer so your mascarpone and ricotta are nice and smooth together.
- → Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
For sure! Mix it up and stash it in the fridge at least an hour before. It’s still good for three days chilled.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
No mascarpone? Cream cheese works too. But you’ll get the tastiest flavor with the classic ricotta and mascarpone combo if you can.
- → Is it possible to add other flavors?
Go wild! Stir in some Nutella, or punch it up with citrus zest or cinnamon to give it a kick.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Pop any extra dip in a sealed container and keep it cold. Finish it off in three days for best flavor and texture.