Cannoli Dip
If you ask me I’d vote cannoli, tiramisu, and gelato are top ranking for best Italian desserts. But each can be time consuming to make. So what to do in a hurry? Make a super simple and fast cannoli dip instead and pair it with a variety of sweet crackers. Or if you want to go all out pair it with the homemade cannoli chips like I’ve done here. They are from my cannoli shell recipe but you don’t need any special forms. Instead the dough is just cut into bite size triangles and deep fried for that perfectly crisp finish. It’s an exciting and unique variation on traditional cannoli and equally just as delicious. Light and fluffy cannoli dip paired with crisp and flakey cannoli chips are a dream come true! It’s a party fav an loved by people of all ages.
Cannoli Dip Recipe Ingredients
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Part skim ricotta will work too the dip just won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Powdered sugar: I don’t recommend using granulated sugar or the dip can be gritty. Lemon juice: This is optional but adds a hint of extra flavor. Vanilla extract: Seeds of one vanilla bean would be delicious here instead or vanilla bean paste. Cinnamon: A tasty flavor upgrade in traditional cannoli filling that is so delicious here. Heavy cream: Don’t use just whipping cream, look for “heavy” in the labeling even if it’s “heavy whipping cream” that is fine. The “heavy” stuff whips up better. Mini semi sweet chocolate chips: In a pinch finely chopped dark chocolate will work well too. Unsalted pistachios: These are optional but add that welcomed nutty flavor.
How to Make Cannoli Dip
What to Serve with Cannoli Dip for Dipping
Homemade cannoli chips (featured) Waffle crisps crackers Anna’s orange crackers Graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers Shortbread crackers Pizzelle cookies Fried flour tortilla chips Fried wonton chips Broken waffle cone pieces Fresh strawberries
Possible Variations
Mascarpone: I’ve also made this with 8 oz. mascarpone in place of heavy cream if that’s what you have on hand. Cream cheese: For an American variation add in 8 oz softened cream cheese (that’s been whipped until fluffy) in place of the heavy cream. Increase powdered sugar to 1 1/2 cups since cream cheese is quite tangy. Orange flavor: Try adding some fresh orange zest into the dip for an orange flavor variation. Homemade ricotta: If you have extra time try it with homemade ricotta cheese in place of store-bought. It’s actually really easy to make.
Helpful Tips
Be sure to strain the ricotta or the dip will be runny. You can do this the quick and easy way by spreading over paper towels. Whip the heavy cream to very firm stiff peaks to add some fluff and stabilization to the dip. It should lose it’s wet sheen as it’s whipped. If ricotta is lumpy you can blitz it in a food processor before adding to the dip so it’s smooth.
Storage
Cannoli dip should not sit out longer than 2 hours at room temperature. Dip should be stored in the fridge, it will keep for up to 2 days. Store in an airtight container. Keep in mind it may not be as fluffy as it rests.
More Cannoli Desserts to Try!
Baked Cannoli Bites Cannoli Cream Puffs Cannoli Cones Cannoli Cupcakes Traditional Cannoli
Recipe updated Dec. 2023. Mascarpone has been omitted from the recipe. I re-tested again and preferred this option better for a more traditional flavor.
