Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are an absolute delight for anyone who loves the classic flavors of Italian cannoli, but craves the ease and creamy decadence of a cheesecake—all in a bar you can hold in your hand! These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious ricotta and cream cheese filling, flecked with mini chocolate chips and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just treating yourself, Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are guaranteed to steal the show and satisfy any dessert craving.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a complicated shopping list to make unforgettable Cannoli Cheesecake Bars. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to balance creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey notes, giving you classic Italian dessert magic in every bite.

• Graham cracker crumbs: The base of each bar, they add a satisfyingly crisp texture and buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the creamy filling, making every layer taste just right.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Holds the crust together and gives it that golden, rich finish.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese (drained): Adds authentic cannoli flavor and a slightly grainy, luxurious texture you can’t do without.
• Cream cheese (softened): Makes the filling extra smooth and creamy, blending perfectly with ricotta.
• Powdered sugar: Contributes a gentle sweetness and helps with the silken texture of the filling.
• Large eggs: Set the filling so your bars cut cleanly and hold their shape.
• Pure vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma that rounds out the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a classic, subtle warmth reminiscent of the best cannoli pastries.
• Mini chocolate chips: Sprinkle in rich chocolatey bites throughout, evoking the classic cannoli experience.
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Gives the bars that picture-perfect look and a touch of elegance.
• Extra mini chocolate chips for garnish (optional): A final flourish for extra chocolatey pizzazz.

How to Make Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This little trick will make lifting your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars out of the pan a breeze after they’ve set. Trust me, this step makes all the difference when it comes time to slice and serve.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and the melted butter until the texture is evenly moist—like damp sand at the beach. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it’s tight and even so your bars have a sturdy, crunchy base. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, just until set, and then let it cool slightly while you whip up the creamy filling.

Step 3: Create the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the drained ricotta and softened cream cheese until the mixture is ultra-smooth and well blended. This step is key for that signature Cannoli Cheesecake Bars texture. Add the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, eggs, pure vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Continue mixing until everything is creamy and unified. Now, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips—you’ll start to see the filling transform into a dreamy, speckled masterpiece!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over your prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to get every corner. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set and doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken. This is when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible, hinting at the magic to come. Once baked, let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge for at least 3 hours (or overnight, if you’re planning ahead) to chill and set perfectly.

Step 5: Slice and Garnish

Once your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are thoroughly chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into sixteen neat squares. For the finishing touches, dust the tops with powdered sugar and sprinkle on a few extra mini chocolate chips. Each square looks like a little bakery gem, ready to vanish in seconds!

How to Serve Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

For that show-stopping, bakery-style finish, a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a scattering of mini chocolate chips goes a long way. If you’re feeling fancy, try adding a strip of orange zest or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a grown-up twist. A few pistachio crumbles can also add a subtle crunch and a pop of color that make your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars look straight out of a pastry shop.

Side Dishes

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are rich enough to shine on their own, but they’re even more delightful when served alongside fresh berries—think strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a juicy, tangy bite. A cup of bold espresso, cappuccino, or even a sweet dessert wine can elevate your dessert table, bringing Italian café vibes right to your home.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try serving Cannoli Cheesecake Bars on a gorgeous platter, staggered between fresh fruit and a few extra cannoli shells for a playful nod to the original. You can also cut the bars into triangles or mini bite-sized cubes and spear them with decorative toothpicks for party-ready treats. Layering them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries is another fun, eye-catching way to surprise your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars fresh and delicious, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay perfect for up to 4 days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for any occasion or surprise guest drop-ins!

Freezing

These bars actually freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When cravings hit, simply thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator, and they’ll taste just as dreamy and creamy as when first baked. Just be sure to add powdered sugar or garnishes after thawing for the best presentation.

Reheating

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If they’re coming straight from the fridge, let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to take the chill off and the flavors will bloom even more. If you’ve just taken them out of the freezer, a slow thaw in the refrigerator overnight is all you need!

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Whole milk ricotta gives these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars their signature creamy richness and authentic texture, but you can substitute part-skim ricotta in a pinch. Just know that the bars may be a touch less luscious, and be sure to drain the ricotta thoroughly for the best consistency.

Do I need to drain the ricotta cheese before using?

Absolutely! Draining the ricotta using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer is essential to achieve that dense, creamy cheesecake texture instead of a watery or loose filling. Don’t skip this step—it really makes a difference.

Can I use a different crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can! Vanilla wafer cookies, chocolate cookies, or even traditional cannoli shell crumbs make fantastic crust alternatives if you want to experiment. Each option brings its own unique twist while keeping your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars irresistibly delicious.

How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?

You’ll know your bars are ready when the center is just set and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The edges might be ever-so-slightly puffed, but be careful not to overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool and chill, resulting in creamy, dreamy squares.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You sure can! Just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on that center for doneness. More Cannoli Cheesecake Bars means more happy guests—never a bad thing!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how special homemade Cannoli Cheesecake Bars can be. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these bars are pure joy in every bite. Give them a try—you might just find yourself reaching for seconds (or thirds)!

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