Cannoli Dip Recipe

If you’ve ever loved the crispy, creamy goodness of cannoli but want a quicker, crowd-pleasing treat, this Cannoli Dip Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how this dip captures all the classic cannoli flavors with way less fuss—and trust me, everyone at my gatherings goes crazy for it. Stick around, and I’ll share all my personal tips so you nail it every single time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients here really makes a difference—fresh ricotta, creamy mascarpone, and just enough sweetness to balance it out. I always drain my ricotta thoroughly to avoid a watery dip because that can really throw off the texture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Draining it well ensures your dip is thick and creamy, not runny—definitely worth the extra step.
• Mascapone Cheese: This is the magic ingredient for authentic flavor; substitute with cream cheese only if you’re in a pinch.
• Powdered Sugar: Sift it to avoid lumps and make mixing smooth.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives this dip a warm, inviting aroma that’s just so comforting.
• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They add little bursts of chocolatey goodness without overpowering the dip.
• Dippers of Your Choice: I love pizzelle cookies or broken cannoli shells, but you can also go with graham crackers, strawberries, or even waffle cones.

Variations

I love to mix things up depending on the season or my mood. This Cannoli Dip Recipe is super adaptable, so don’t hesitate to tweak it and make it truly yours.

• Flavored Extracts: Once, I swapped the vanilla for a splash of almond extract, and it was such a hit; added that nutty depth that screams Italian dessert.
• Whipped Cream Addition: When I want a lighter, fluffier dip, I fold in some whipped cream—totally changes the texture and makes it feel extra special.
• Dairy-Free Version: Using coconut-based ricotta alternatives and dairy-free cream cheese can work if you’re catering to dietary needs.
• Chocolate Mix-Ins: Try swapping mini chocolate chips for chopped pistachios or candied orange peel to shake things up.

How to Make Cannoli Dip Recipe

Step 1: Drain and Blend Your Cheeses

The most important starting point is properly draining your ricotta cheese—my go-to method is to place it on layers of paper towels and gently press out the moisture a few times. This keeps the dip thick and creamy. Then, toss the drained ricotta and mascarpone into a mixing bowl and use a hand mixer to blend them on medium-high until super smooth. You’ll notice how the mixture instantly becomes luxuriously velvety—it’s hard not to sneak a taste right here!

Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor

Start your mixer on low before adding the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. I’ve learned the hard way that adding powdered sugar on high speed turns your kitchen into a snow globe—so slow and steady wins this race. Beat until everything is fully combined and silky smooth, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chill

Next, gently fold in most of the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving a little to sprinkle on top for a pretty, inviting look. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour if you can—you’ll find that the flavors meld beautifully and the texture firms up just right. If you’re in a hurry, 15 minutes will do, but I promise the wait is worth it!

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top and optionally dust with a little powdered sugar. Gather your favorite dippers and watch everyone dive in with happy smiles. This is the best part—it’s casual, fun, and totally irresistible.

How to Serve Cannoli Dip Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the dip with a few extra mini chocolate chips for that pretty finishing touch, and sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a hint of extra sweetness and a classic look. You could even sprinkle crushed pistachios for texture and color—my family adores the crunch it adds!

Side Dishes

This dip pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples. I also like serving it alongside crunchy cookies or broken waffle cones, which bring that perfect mix of creamy and crispy textures. For a party, I set out an assortment of dippers so everyone can customize their experience.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentation tricks is to serve the dip in a hollowed-out cannoli shell or a pretty glass bowl surrounded by colorful dippers on a wooden board. For special occasions, I’ve also piped the dip into small individual cups and topped them with chocolate shavings and pistachios—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cannoli dip covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The texture might firm up a little, but a quick stir brings back the silky creaminess.

Freezing

From my experience, freezing dip isn’t ideal because the texture changes once thawed—it can get grainy and separate. I recommend making just what you need or enjoying leftovers refrigerated within a few days for the best experience.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t really necessary for cannoli dip since it’s meant to be served chilled. But if it firms up too much in the fridge, letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and giving it a gentle stir will soften it back up perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I made this Cannoli Dip Recipe for a family gathering—everyone was asking for the “secret” and coming back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s become my go-to dessert when I want something easy, crowd-pleasing, and seriously delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to try it out soon—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this sooner!

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