Cannoli Dip Recipe
If you love traditional cannoli but don’t feel like fussing with the shells, this no-bake Cannoli Dip recipe gives you the same sweet, creamy flavor with just 5 ingredients! It’s rich, smooth, and loaded with mini chocolate chips that make every bite irresistible. Whip it up for parties and holidays because it’s definitely a crowd favorite, and only takes 10 minutes to make!
Get the Scoop!
Sweet & Creamy: All the flavors of an Italian cannoli in a quick dessert.
Party Favorite: Everyone loves the creamy flavor of cannoli filling.
Quick to Make: Just mix, chill, and serve for best results.
I’ve always loved Italian cannoli, but only saw it served at weddings and fancy restaurants. That’s until I made this delicious dessert dip that tastes just like cannoli filling! You still get that classic flavor, but it’s ready in only 10 minutes. I like to serve it chilled so it scoops easily with cookies or broken waffle cones. It’s a party waiting to happen!
If you’re planning a dessert bar, serve this recipe for cannoli dip alongside a bowl of hot cocoa dip and a delicious strawberry cheesecake spread that will cause your guests to start double dipping!
What You’ll Need
Below are the ingredients you’ll need for your trip to the grocery store. To view quantities, check out the printable recipe card.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta gives the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Soften to room temperature to blend easily.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners sugar, it gives this dip the perfect sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings that classic cannoli cream taste.
- Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Add a little crunch and lots of flavor.
Step by Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in the powdered sugar until everything is creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips until evenly mixed.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight if desired.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Serve cold with waffle cones or your favorite dippers.
Favorite Dippers
- Broken waffle cones
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla wafers
- Fresh strawberries
- Apple slices
Make It Yours!
- Add a touch of orange zest for a light citrusy flavor.
- Turn it into a chocolate dream with cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
- Try mascarpone cheese for an even richer dessert.
- Whip in a spoonful of heavy cream for a fluffier texture.
- Top with crushed cannoli shells or pistachios for crunch.
- Make a fun party version by scooping it inside mini phyllo shells!
Dip Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly.
- Chill before serving so it sets and firms up.
- Drain the ricotta in a colander for a thicker texture.
- If your dip feels too thick, stir in a spoonful of heavy cream or milk to loosen it up.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, it’s even better after it chills for a few hours. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Garnish at the last minute.
This usually happens when the ricotta has too much moisture. Try draining it in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth before mixing. You can also add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Whole milk ricotta gives the best flavor and texture. If you use low-fat ricotta it may separate and become too thin.
Storage Guide
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do Not Freeze: This dessert loses its texture once thawed.
- Serve Cold: Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Cannoli Dip
*See notes in post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Equipment
- large bowl
- spatula
- serving bowl and spoon
- hand or stand mixer
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese - whole milk
- 8 ounce package cream cheese - softened
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips - divided
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix the powdered sugar into the cheese mixture until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the mixture and mix together until well incorporated.
- Chill the cannoli dip covered in your refrigerator for up to 1 hour or overnight if desired. Once ready to serve, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips.
- Serve chilled with broken waffle cones.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly.
- Chill before serving so it sets and firms up.
- Drain the ricotta in a colander for a thicker texture.
- If your dip feels too thick, stir in a spoonful of heavy cream or milk to loosen it up.
Nutrition
*Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
