Make Heavenly Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe at Home Today!

Sweet ricotta cannoli squares bring a delightful twist to the classic Sicilian dessert.

Layers of crisp pastry and creamy filling dance together in every bite.

Our family’s recipe balances traditional flavors with a modern presentation that surprises and delights.

Rich mascarpone and delicate ricotta blend seamlessly, creating a texture that melts on your tongue.

Each square tells a story of culinary heritage and personal passion.

Crumbly edges and smooth centers promise a sensory adventure that beckons you to indulge.

You’ll want to savor this dessert slowly, celebrating each delectable moment.

Serving Ideas for Cannoli Squares

• Rich, amber-colored Marsala wine complements the creamy ricotta filling, adding depth and traditional Italian warmth to your dessert experience.
• Strong, dark espresso cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust contrast that cleanses the palate and highlights the cannoli squares' delicate flavors.
• Dark chocolate curls sprinkled on top add a luxurious touch, introducing a bitter note that balances the creamy ricotta and enhances the overall dessert complexity.
• Almond-flavored Amaretto creates a harmonious pairing, echoing the nutty undertones often found in traditional cannoli and providing a smooth, sweet finish.

Flavors to Try in Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Gluten-Free Cannoli Squares: Swap puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough made from alternative flours like almond or rice flour.
• Vegan Ricotta Alternative: Replace traditional ricotta with cashew-based ricotta or tofu ricotta, using plant-based egg wash and dairy-free alternatives.
• Low-Carb Cannoli Squares: Substitute puff pastry with thin almond flour crackers or keto-friendly pastry alternatives, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Chocolate-Infused Version: Mix cocoa powder into ricotta filling or drizzle melted dark chocolate over finished squares for a rich chocolate experience.

Highlights of Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Perfect for dessert tables at birthdays, potlucks, and family gatherings where guests love bite-sized treats.
• Create an impressive dessert using just puff pastry, egg, and filling ingredients everyone already has at home.
• Kids and adults alike will adore these crispy, sweet squares that capture classic cannoli flavors without complex pastry-making techniques.

What You’ll Need for Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Delicate, buttery foundation for the dessert that creates a crispy, flaky base.
• Egg: Provides golden shine and helps seal the pastry during baking.

• Ricotta Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that gives the dessert its classic cannoli-like texture, best when fresh and well-drained.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the ricotta filling and adds a soft, smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

• Powdered Sugar, Chocolate Chips: Classic cannoli toppings that add sweetness and decorative touch, semi-sweet chocolate chips recommended for balanced flavor.
• Pistachios, Candied Orange Peel: Optional garnishes that provide textural contrast and traditional Sicilian cannoli flavor profile.

Instructions for Ricotta Cannoli Squares

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets

Warm up the oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab your parchment paper and line two baking sheets, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your pastry adventure.

Step 2: Shape Pastry Squares

Gently roll out the puff pastry sheets, giving them a little extra love. Slice each sheet into 9 equal squares, creating a total of 18 delightful pastry pieces.

Step 3: Egg Wash Magic

Arrange the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheets. Take your beaten egg and lovingly brush each square, giving them a golden, glossy finish that’ll make mouths water.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the hot oven. Let the pastry transform for 12-15 minutes, watching for that gorgeous golden-brown color and irresistible puffiness. Once done, remove and let the squares cool completely, allowing them to reach the ideal texture.

Step 5: Prepare Ricotta Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips
• Orange zest

Whip the ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of orange zest. Mix in chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Assemble Cannoli Squares

Carefully slice each pastry square in half. Generously spread the ricotta mixture on the bottom half, creating a luscious layer of creamy goodness. Top with the other pastry half, creating a delightful sandwich of flavor.

Step 7: Final Touches

Dust the completed squares with a light snowfall of powdered sugar. Garnish with a few extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of orange zest for a professional bakery look.

Baker’s Tips for Ricotta Cannoli Squares

• Master Pastry Perfection: Gently roll out puff pastry to maintain its delicate layers and ensure even baking.
• Egg Wash Magic: Brush pastry squares with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden shine and extra crispness.
• Cooling Technique: Allow pastry squares to cool completely to prevent soggy texture and maintain structural integrity.
• Temperature Control: Ensure oven is precisely preheated to 400F for consistent, even browning of puff pastry squares.
• Precision Cutting: Use a sharp knife to create clean, uniform squares for professional-looking dessert presentation.

How to Keep Cannoli Squares Creamy

• Store leftover cannoli squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Always let squares cool completely before storing to maintain their crispy texture and prevent condensation.
• Warm squares in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispness. Avoid microwave, which can make pastry soggy.
• These delicate squares are most delicious when enjoyed within 24 hours of baking, so try to consume them quickly for optimal taste and texture.

Mouthwatering Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sicilian-inspired ricotta cannoli squares blend creamy sweetness with crisp pastry layers, creating a delightful dessert that whispers Mediterranean charm. Delicate shells cradle rich filling, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this irresistible Italian classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (17.3 ounces / 490 grams) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained well)
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Filling and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal pastry baking.
2. Gently stretch and roll the puff pastry sheets to create an even surface, then methodically slice each sheet into nine precise squares, resulting in 18 uniform pastry bases.
3. Delicately position the pastry squares across the prepared baking sheets, ensuring adequate spacing between each piece.
4. Apply a light, even coating of beaten egg wash over each square, which will enhance the golden color and create a beautiful sheen during baking.
5. Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and allow the pastry squares to bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a rich golden color and signature puffy texture.
6. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the pastry squares cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature before further preparation.

Notes

• Choose high-quality puff pastry for the best flaky texture and golden color.
• Keep pastry chilled until ready to use to ensure maximum rise and crispness.
• Allow squares to cool completely before adding ricotta filling to prevent soggy bottoms.
• Experiment with mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, orange zest, or chopped pistachios in the ricotta for extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg