If you have a craving for something that combines the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the delightful crunch and sweetness of classic Italian cannoli, then you absolutely need to try this Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars are a glorious marriage of smooth ricotta and cream cheese filling, speckled with mini chocolate chips and nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. The subtle hint of orange zest gives them such a fresh, bright note, making each bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving these at a family gathering or simply indulging yourself, these bars hit the perfect balance between cheesecake richness and cannoli charm, turning any day into a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dessert that’s both easy and elegant. Each component has a specific role, from the crunchy, spiced crust to the luxuriously creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for the crust, providing a sweet, crunchy base that holds everything together.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Adds necessary sweetness, balancing the tangy cheese with gentle caramel notes.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the crust a warm, aromatic kick that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Binds the crust ingredients together with a rich, buttery flavor.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Central to the filling’s authentic cannoli flavor, providing a light, fluffy texture.
- Cream cheese, softened (1 cup): Adds velvety richness and classic cheesecake creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Helps create a silky smooth filling without graininess.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon, optional): Offers a bright citrus lift that brightens the filling beautifully.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for structure, helping the filling set just right.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Add bursts of melty, bittersweet goodness in every bite.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: The final touch that adds a pretty, delicate snowfall look.
- Additional mini chocolate chips (optional): For extra decoration and chocolatey appeal.
How to Make Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a square baking pan with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl to evenly distribute the flavors. Pour in the melted butter and stir everything together until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a sturdy, delicious base. Bake this crust for about 10 minutes to set it perfectly before adding the decadent filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust is baking, whip up the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you’re using orange zest, fold it in now to infuse the filling with a fresh burst of flavor. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure the batter is silky and combined without overbeating. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake the bars at a moderate temperature for roughly 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. This ensures a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture once cooled. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Chill and Finish
Once cooled, place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or even overnight if you can wait that long! Chilling is essential for the flavors to meld and for the bars to firm up to the perfect sliceable consistency. Before serving, dust the surface liberally with powdered sugar and sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips if desired for an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars really shine with simple, complementary garnishes. A generous dusting of powdered sugar instantly adds a delicate, festive look. You can also sprinkle crushed pistachios for a subtle crunch and color contrast, or add fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and freshness. A drizzle of chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream takes the presentation up another notch.
Side Dishes
While these bars are wonderfully indulgent on their own, pairing them with a fresh fruit salad can add brightness and balance. Think juicy berries or citrus segments to offset the richness. For a beverage, a cup of strong espresso or a chilled dessert wine makes a perfect companion, enhancing the Italian-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving the Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe in individual dessert cups, layering broken pieces with whipped cream and extra chocolate chips for a parfait style. Another fun idea is to use cookie cutters to make festive shapes or add edible flowers for an elegant touch at brunch or holiday parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself fortunate enough to have leftovers, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days, which is perfect for enjoying a sweet treat throughout the week.
Freezing
To keep these bars longer, you can freeze them. Cut into serving portions and wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Stored this way, they’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve that amazing creamy consistency.
Reheating
Because these bars are best served chilled, reheating isn’t generally recommended. However, if you prefer them slightly less cold, leave at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before enjoying. This subtle warm-up enhances the luscious texture without compromising the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of ricotta?
This Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe specifically benefits from the ricotta cheese’s lighter, grainy texture, which mimics traditional cannoli filling. Using only cream cheese will make the filling denser and richer, which is delicious but less authentic to the cannoli experience.
Is the orange zest necessary?
While the orange zest is optional, it really brightens the filling and adds a lovely hint of citrus that elevates the overall flavor. If you don’t have oranges, a little lemon zest can be a great substitute.
Can I make mini versions of these bars?
Absolutely! Just use a mini muffin tin or smaller baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly, usually reducing it by 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling is essential to help it set and stay crisp. Also, make sure the butter is fully melted and mixed so the crust holds together well.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
You can definitely fold in chopped pistachios or almonds for extra texture and flavor if you love a little crunch in your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I am so excited for you to try this Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe because it truly captures the best of two beloved desserts in one easy-to-make treat. Each bite is creamy, chocolatey, and just a little bit magical. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a way to brighten your day, these bars will quickly become a treasured favorite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious journey of creating these delightful bars!
Print
Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the sweet, crunchy texture of cannoli-inspired ingredients. Featuring a spiced graham cracker crust, a smooth ricotta and cream cheese filling enhanced with vanilla and orange zest, and studded with mini chocolate chips, these bars are an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest; mix well to combine. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles. Remove from oven and let cool completely to room temperature.
- Chill the bars: Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to allow the bars to firm up properly.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips if desired. Cut into 12 bars and enjoy this rich, cannoli-inspired treat.
Notes
- You can omit the orange zest if you prefer a more traditional flavor.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped pistachios on top.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Use mini chocolate chips for even distribution throughout the bars.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
