Cannoli Cheesecake Bars: The Perfect Marriage of Creamy Cheesecake & Classic Italian Cannoli Flavor

Craving the delightful, creamy taste of a classic cannoli but in a portable, easy-to-share form? Look no further than these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars! Featuring a buttery waffle cone crust, a luscious ricotta-mascarpone filling, and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, these bars will transport you straight to dessert heaven. With every bite, you'll experience the smooth, rich flavors of cannoli with the added indulgence of creamy cheesecake. Whether you’re serving these at a party or keeping them all to yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Cannoli is a beloved Italian dessert known for its crisp shell filled with sweet ricotta cream. Cheesecake, on the other hand, is a creamy, decadent treat that no one can resist. By combining the best of both worlds—ricotta, mascarpone, and chocolate chips—these cheesecake bars perfectly capture the essence of cannoli while delivering the creamy richness of cheesecake. This dessert is not only easy to make but also versatile, perfect for any occasion from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

Why You’ll Love Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

• Waffle Cone Crust: Adds a fun and crunchy twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Ricotta & Mascarpone Filling: The rich blend of these Italian cheeses creates a luscious texture with authentic cannoli flavors.
• Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top add just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
• Portable & Shareable: These bars are perfect for parties or potlucks, easy to slice and serve!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Sugar: 15g

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are delightful on their own, but a dusting of powdered sugar on top will give them that traditional cannoli look and an extra touch of sweetness. Serve these bars chilled, paired with a hot espresso or cappuccino for a classic Italian touch. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle a little melted chocolate or caramel over the bars for an extra decadent treat.

Storage and Freezing Tips

These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them a great make-ahead dessert option. To keep them even longer, store them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, or serve directly from the freezer for a cool, refreshing treat on a warm day.

Fun Fact: Cannoli’s Sicilian Origins

Did you know that cannoli originated in Sicily? This famous dessert was first made for the Carnevale, a festival held before Lent. Since then, it’s become a beloved Italian treat, enjoyed all over the world in various forms and flavors.

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Cooking Tips

• Strain the Ricotta: If your ricotta cheese is too watery, be sure to strain it overnight to prevent a runny cheesecake filling.
• Graham Cracker Crust Option: If you don’t have waffle cones on hand, you can substitute with graham cracker crumbs for a more traditional cheesecake base.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: For the cleanest slices, make sure the bars are fully chilled before cutting. You can even freeze them for a short time to make slicing easier.

Optional Variations

• Orange Zest Kick: If you love a citrusy flavor, feel free to increase the amount of orange zest in the filling for an extra burst of freshness.
• Almond Twist: Add a tablespoon of almond extract to the filling for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.
• Nut-Free Option: If you need to avoid nuts, skip the orange zest and opt for lemon zest instead, and use nut-free chocolate chips.

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Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• • 1 ½ cups waffle cone crumbs (about 10-12 cones) or graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• For the Filling:
• • 8 ounces ricotta cheese (full fat, room temperature, and strained overnight if needed)
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (full fat, room temperature, and strained overnight if needed)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
  • Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom and two sides of a 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the waffle cone crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the ricotta, mascarpone, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and ground cinnamon until just combined.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly over the top of the filling.
5. Bake: Bake the cheesecake for 30-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. (Baking times may vary based on your oven or pan size, so check at the 30-minute mark and adjust accordingly.)
6. Cool & Chill: Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight to set.
7. Slice & Serve: For easy slicing, refrigerate or freeze the cheesecake bars for a few hours. Once chilled, cut into bars of your preferred size. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy these rich, creamy Cannoli Cheesecake Bars that deliver all the flavor of a classic cannoli in a more convenient, shareable form!

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Cannoli Cheesecake Bars bring the best of two beloved desserts—cheesecake and cannoli—together in one irresistible bite. With their smooth ricotta filling, crunchy crust, and chocolatey goodness, these bars are bound to become a new favorite. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special events, they’re sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or sharing them with loved ones, every bite will remind you of the classic cannoli taste, but with an indulgent twist!