This Cannoli Dip is like eating the filling of a chocolate chip cannoli! Made it with just 5 ingredients in 10 minutes, it’s an easy dessert dip for any party or gathering.
If you love cannolis, you’ll love this easy cannoli dip! It’s made with the same ingredients as cannoli filling and can even be served with cannoli shells for dipping. I love to whip this up when I’m craving cannolis but don’t have the time to make cannolis from scratch or other cannoli-inspired desserts, like my layered cannoli cake.
Why This Is The Best Cannoli Dip
- Classic cannoli flavor. This cannoli dip is basically the filling for chocolate chip cannolis. It captures all the luscious flavors of a traditional cannoli without the fuss.
- Only 5 ingredients. This recipe is made with ricotta, cream cheese, mini chocolate chips, powdered sugar, and vanilla. That’s it! The ricotta is usually the only thing I need to grab at the store.
- Ready in 10 minutes. All you need to make this recipe is a mixer and a bowl! It’s just a matter of whipping the ingredients, adding the chocolate chips, and enjoying.
Recipe Ingredients
This dessert dip is made with just 5 ingredients. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Ricotta – Ricotta is the key ingredient in this cannoli dip. I recommend fine-grained, whole milk ricotta cheese for a smooth and creamy texture. Be sure to drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Cream cheese – Brick-style cream cheese brought to room temperature ahead of time for the best results.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the dip.
- Vanilla extract
- Mini chocolate chips – I add mini chocolate chips to the dip mixture and extra for decoration. Regular chocolate chips would work too.
How to Make Cannoli Dip
Here’s on overview of the few short steps needed to make this recipe. The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Beat the ingredients. Beat the ricotta and cream cheese until smooth and fully combined. Add in the vanilla, whipping for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the sugar and chocolate. Turn the mixer to low then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Enjoy. Transfer the dip to a bowl. Top with more chocolate chip. Serve with dippers as desired.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips for making this cannoli dip recipe.
- Use high quality ricotta cheese. The ricotta used in this recipe will determine how good the dip tastes. Fine-grained, whole milk ricotta is the best option to achieve the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Strain the ricotta. Ricotta can sometimes be a bit watery. If you notice yours is, strain before using it to prevent a watery dip. Place a cheesecloth (or paper towel) in a strainer over the bowl. Add the ricotta and loosely wrap it. Use a rubber spatula to press it into an even layer. Cover with plastic and refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight.
- Adjust the sugar. Give the dip a taste test and see if it’s as sweet as you’d like. If it’s not, stir in a small amount of extra powdered sugar.
- Make ahead. For the best flavor, make the cannoli dip a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate.
Dipper Ideas
There are so many options for serving this cannoli dip! Fresh fruit, like strawberries, is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dip.
Graham crackers, broken waffle cones, chocolate chip cookies, and vanilla wafers are also good options. Pizzelle cookies, thin, crisp Italian cookies, similar to waffle cookies, are one of my favorites. Premade cannoli shells also work.
Proper Storage
- Fridge. Keep leftover cannoli dip tightly covered in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
- Freezer. This dip can also be frozen. Transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Easy Cannoli Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta freshly opened and drained (see notes)
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips plus more for topping
- Serve with dippers of choice such as waffle cones, cookies, fruit or broken cannoli shells
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the ricotta and cream cheese together until smooth and fully combined.
- Add in the vanilla, whipping for another 30 seconds.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top with more chocolate chips.
- Serve with your favorite dippers.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
- Use high quality ricotta cheese. I recommend fine-grained, whole milk ricotta for a smooth and creamy texture.
- If your ricotta is watery, place a cheesecloth (or paper towel) in a strainer over a bowl. Add the ricotta on the cheesecloth and loosely wrap it over the top. Press the ricotta into an even layer using a rubber spatula. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. Removing the access water prevents the dip from becoming runny.
Nutrition
Leave a Review!
We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.
Your email address will not be published.
6 comments on “Cannoli Dip”
So yummy! Make sure to refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour before serving for best result.
Thanks Dar!
Very easy and tasty. Didn’t use it as a dip. Used it as a cookie topping for a fruit pizza. Thanks for the posting.
I have made this recipe before and my great grandsons love it. I serve it with graham crackers.
Easy to make and very tasty! Served with broken up waffle cones.
So good!!