Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe – An Italian-Inspired Dessert Dream
Few desserts manage to capture the essence of Italy’s sweet traditions quite like the cannoli. With its creamy ricotta filling, hints of citrus, and crunchy chocolate chips, the cannoli has become an international favorite. Now imagine all that goodness transformed into a Cannoli Cheesecake Bar — creamy, indulgent, portable, and easier to make than traditional cannoli shells.
This recipe takes the best parts of a classic cannoli and fuses them with the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake. The result is a dessert that’s as elegant as it is comforting. A buttery graham cracker crust supports a luscious ricotta-cream cheese filling swirled with mini chocolate chips, then baked to perfection and chilled for the ultimate sliceable treat.
Whether you’re serving these bars at a holiday gathering, bringing them to a potluck, or simply indulging in a little late-night sweetness, these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Italian flavors with a cheesecake twist.
- Portable and shareable – perfect for parties or family gatherings.
- Easier than traditional cannoli – no frying shells required.
- Rich and creamy filling balanced with light citrus zest.
- Make-ahead friendly – tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (or lemon zest)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Topping (optional):
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Extra chocolate chips, for garnish
- Crushed pistachios, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add ricotta and mix until well combined.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla, zest, and cinnamon until creamy and smooth.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Bake the Bars
- Pour filling over cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until center is just set (slight jiggle is fine).
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Chill and Slice
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to firm up.
- Slice into bars and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Garnish (Optional)
- Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips or crushed pistachios for authentic cannoli flair.
Cannoli Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press into greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake 8 minutes, cool.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add ricotta, then powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla, zest, and cinnamon. Mix until creamy. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour filling over cooled crust. Bake 35–40 minutes until center is just set. Cool completely.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice into bars and dust with powdered sugar.
- Garnish with extra chocolate chips or pistachios if desired.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Drain the ricotta well – Excess liquid can make the bars watery. Place ricotta in cheesecloth or paper towels for 30 minutes before use.
- Don’t overbake – The bars should have a slight jiggle in the center; they’ll firm up while cooling.
- Chill overnight – The flavors meld beautifully, and texture improves with time.
- Customize the crust – Use biscotti or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers for variety.
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers’ Cannoli Bars – Add cocoa powder to the crust and drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Nutty Delight – Top with toasted pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Mini Version – Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
- Holiday Twist – Add a splash of amaretto or rum extract to the filling.
Serving Ideas
These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars shine on dessert platters alongside:
- Fresh berries for a refreshing balance.
- Espresso or cappuccino for an Italian café vibe.
- A scoop of vanilla gelato for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze bars individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever craved the flavors of a cannoli without the fuss of frying shells, these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are the answer. They’re rich yet light, elegant yet approachable, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews wherever you bring them.
One bite delivers the crunch of buttery crust, the creaminess of ricotta and cream cheese, the sweet citrusy notes, and the surprise pops of chocolate. It’s a dessert that celebrates Italian tradition while keeping things simple and modern.
