There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of creamy cheesecake and the delightful crunch of cannoli. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of Cannoli Cheesecake Bars, where every bite is a perfect harmony of rich ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus zest. Vegan apple pie cookies Cream cheese cookie recipe The aroma fills your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around and share in the joy of this decadent dessert. For more inspiration, check out this Chocolate Ice Cream Bars recipe.
I remember the first time I made these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars for my family during a holiday gathering. The looks on their faces were priceless as they took their first bites, their eyes lighting up with delight. Cherry crumble bars These bars have become an essential part of our celebrations, creating sweet memories filled with laughter and love. Maraschino cherry cake.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are easy to prepare and surprisingly quick to bake
- Rich flavors blend perfectly, creating a memorable dessert experience
- Visually stunning, they add flair to any occasion
- Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends
Whenever I whip up these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars, my friends and family can hardly contain their excitement.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture that captures authentic cannoli flavor.
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Mascarpone Cheese: This adds richness; opt for high-quality mascarpone for the best results.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweeten to taste; adjust based on personal preference or dietary needs.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile beautifully; avoid imitation varieties if possible.
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Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add that classic cannoli touch; feel free to use mini chips for even distribution.
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Fresh Zest (Lemon or Orange): A sprinkle of citrus zest brightens the flavors; choose organic fruits when possible.
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Graham Cracker Crumbs: For the crust, finely crush graham crackers or buy pre-made crumbs for convenience.
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Melted Butter: Combine with graham cracker crumbs for a rich, buttery crust that holds together perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This creates a hassle-free cleanup.
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well mixed. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer using your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup.
In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese and mascarpone until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest while continuing to beat until everything is combined beautifully.
Fold in chocolate chips gently into the cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want those lovely pockets of chocolate throughout.
Pour this luscious mixture over the graham cracker crust in your pan. Spread it evenly using your spatula so each slice will have that perfect balance of crust to filling.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until slightly set but still jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and let cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least two hours to firm up properly.
Once chilled, lift out using parchment paper overhang and slice into bars. Serve as they are or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish that makes these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars truly shine!
You Must Know
- Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on classic Italian desserts
- The creamy filling and crunchy crust create a heavenly combination
- Perfect for parties, they will impress your guests with their rich flavors and elegant presentation
- Enjoy the aroma of vanilla and chocolate wafting through your kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first, allowing it to cool while mixing the cheesecake filling. This ensures a seamless blending of flavors and textures for perfect Cannoli Cheesecake Bars.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different flavored extracts or add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling. You can also sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for an extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cannoli Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving, if desired.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are perfect, use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing
- Avoid overbeating the filling to keep it light and airy
- Letting them chill overnight enhances flavor and texture, making them irresistible!
Sharing these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars with friends at my last dinner party led to rave reviews! Everyone said they were even better than traditional cannoli, making me feel like a dessert wizard. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.
FAQ
What makes Cannoli Cheesecake Bars different from regular cheesecake?
Cannoli Cheesecake Bars blend classic cheesecake with cannoli flavors like ricotta and chocolate chips.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free options for the crust.
How long do these bars need to chill?
Let Cannoli Cheesecake Bars chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving.
Cannoli Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of Italian flavors with these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars. Each bite offers a creamy blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, enriched by sweet chocolate chips and a hint of citrus zest. These bars are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual get-together, these decadent bars will impress your guests and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, combine ricotta and mascarpone until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and zest; mix until well incorporated.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips. Pour filling over crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until slightly set but still jiggly in the center. Cool completely before refrigerating for at least two hours.
- Lift out using parchment paper, slice into bars, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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