If you have a sweet tooth and a love for Italian-inspired desserts, you’re going to adore this Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars capture everything that makes traditional cannoli so irresistible — creamy ricotta and cream cheese filling, a hint of orange zest, and mini chocolate chips — all nestled on a buttery, cinnamon-kissed graham cracker crust. It’s the perfect blend of cheesecake richness with a cannoli twist, offering a delightful dessert that’s both shareable and impressive with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the best part of this recipe because each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crumbly crust to the luscious filling, these elements come together beautifully to make your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe shine.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a crunchy and slightly sweet base that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Used in both crust and filling, it sweetens subtly without overpowering.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy note that elevates the crust with subtle spice.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust crumbs together and adds rich flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: Gives the filling its light, creamy, and slightly grainy texture that’s classic in cannoli.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds smoothness and richness to complement the ricotta.
- Powdered sugar: Balances the texture and sweetness in the filling perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the creamy mix.
- Orange zest (optional): Offers a fresh citrus zing that brightens the entire dessert.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help set the cheesecake filling firmly.
- Mini chocolate chips: Bring delightful pockets of melty chocolate reminiscent of classic cannoli filling.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Finishing touch to make your bars look irresistible and bakery-fresh.
How to Make Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly into the bottom of a lined baking pan to create a sturdy and flavorful base that will hold the luscious filling perfectly.
Step 2: Whip Up the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add in vanilla extract and orange zest for that signature cannoli twist, then mix in eggs one at a time to ensure everything blends seamlessly without curdling.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold mini chocolate chips gently into the filling. These little bursts of chocolate will melt during baking, offering joyful bites of sweetness in every bar.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. This texture ensures creamy, not dry, bars.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours. Chilling is essential for firm, sliceable bars that hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Dust your bars generously with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant, snow-kissed look. For an extra special touch, sprinkle on a few mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate curls to enhance both appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
These bars pair famously well with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A fresh berry compote also adds a bright, fruity counterpoint that complements the creamy richness without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe on a decorative platter lined with fresh mint leaves and slices of candied orange. You can also cut them into mini squares and serve on toothpicks for fun, bite-sized treats that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their creamy texture and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Since these bars are best served chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta gives these bars their signature light and slightly grainy texture reminiscent of classic cannoli filling, so substituting it with only cream cheese may result in a denser, less authentic flavor.
Is it necessary to add orange zest?
While optional, orange zest adds a wonderful citrus brightness that lifts the filling. If you don’t have it, the bars will still be delicious, just a bit less zesty.
Can I use frozen mini chocolate chips?
It’s best to use fresh mini chocolate chips to prevent altering the filling texture. If you only have frozen ones, let them come to room temperature before folding into the batter.
How do I cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing also helps keep neat edges.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies, and you’ll have a gluten-free version just as tasty.
Final Thoughts
Give this Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. It’s the perfect way to combine the best features of two iconic treats into one beautiful bar that friends and family will rave about. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus 3 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of traditional cannoli filling with the convenience of a cheesecake bar. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a luscious blend of ricotta and cream cheese, sweetened and flavored with vanilla and a hint of orange zest, these bars are studded with mini chocolate chips for delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Additional mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using), and continue to mix until fully combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time until the filling is creamy and smooth. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set the cheesecake bars.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the bars with powdered sugar and sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top if desired. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Allow the cheesecake bars ample chilling time to ensure a firm texture and easier slicing.
- Orange zest is optional but adds a subtle citrus flavor that complements the sweetness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
