Classic Cannoli Squares are a dessert that will make your taste buds dance like no one is watching. Picture this: a crispy, golden crust cradling a creamy, sweet filling that tastes like it was flown in fresh from Italy. Each bite is an explosion of vanilla and chocolate chips that makes you feel like you’re lounging in a sun-soaked Italian piazza, complete with the gentle strumming of a mandolin in the background.
Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with these delightful treats. It was at my Aunt Rosa’s kitchen during family gatherings, where she would whip up these Classic Cannoli Squares while simultaneously yelling at the TV during her favorite soap opera. The aroma of baked pastry filled the air as we all eagerly awaited the moment when she would slice into them, revealing that luscious filling. Trust me, if you can resist these squares, you might want to check for a pulse!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Classic Cannoli Squares are easy to prepare and perfect for impressing guests
- The flavor profile combines sweet creaminess with crunchy texture for an irresistible treat
- Their visual appeal is simply stunning, ideal for any occasion or celebration
- Plus, they are versatile enough to be customized with various fillings and toppings!
Ingredients for Classic Cannoli Squares
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the crust; it provides structure and allows for that perfect crispiness.
- Sugar: Sweeten the crust and filling; granulated sugar works best, but feel free to experiment!
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for a flaky texture; it adds richness and flavor to your crust.
- Ricotta Cheese: A must-have for that authentic cannoli filling; choose whole-milk ricotta for creaminess.
- Powdered Sugar: This gives sweetness without grittiness; it’s essential for achieving that velvety filling.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips add bursts of flavor throughout the filling; who doesn’t love chocolate?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Classic Cannoli Squares
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray so those squares don’t stick like they owe you money.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until you achieve a crumbly texture. It should feel like sandy beach vibes—you know what I mean? Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. The smell will make you wonder why you didn’t start baking sooner—seriously.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in mini chocolate chips because life is too short not to enjoy chocolate!
Step 5: Assemble
Once your crust has cooled slightly (patience is key here), spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the crust. Make sure every nook and cranny gets some love!
Step 6: Final Bake
Return your assembled masterpiece to the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes until everything melds together beautifully. When done, let it cool before slicing into squares—if you can wait that long.
Transfer to plates and serve with an extra dusting of powdered sugar on top for that Instagram-worthy finish!
You Must Know
- These Classic Cannoli Squares are not just a dessert; they are a ticket to flavor town!
- Easy to make and even easier to devour, they are perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself
- Get ready for a sweet Italian adventure!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your filling while the pastry bakes. Allow the crust to cool completely before spreading the filling evenly for optimum flavor. Finally, dust with powdered sugar right before serving to keep it fresh and inviting.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta with mascarpone for a creamier texture. You can also add chocolate chips or citrus zest to your filling for a unique twist. Customize these squares to fit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Classic Cannoli Squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, reheat gently in the oven so they maintain their delightful texture without becoming soggy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect Classic Cannoli Squares, make sure your pastry is golden brown but not overdone
- Use whole milk ricotta for richer flavor
- And always let them chill to set the filling beautifully!
Sharing these squares at family gatherings always brings smiles and compliments. One time, my Aunt Rosa took one bite and declared I was officially her favorite niece—no pressure, right?
FAQs:
What Are Classic Cannoli Squares?
Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert, cannoli. Instead of being served as rolled pastries filled with ricotta, these squares feature a creamy ricotta filling layered between two delicious pastry sheets. This easy-to-make dessert allows you to enjoy the flavors of cannoli in a more accessible form, perfect for gatherings or family treats.
How Do I Store Classic Cannoli Squares?
To store Classic Cannoli Squares, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to prepare them in advance, consider making the pastry ahead of time and filling it just before serving. This helps maintain the crunchiness of the pastry while ensuring a fresh taste.
Can I Customize the Filling for Classic Cannoli Squares?
Absolutely! While the classic filling uses ricotta cheese, you can customize your Classic Cannoli Squares by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, candied orange peel, or even nuts. For a chocolate twist, mix cocoa powder into the ricotta filling. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor this dessert to your preferences and make it uniquely yours.
Are Classic Cannoli Squares Suitable for Special Diets?
While traditional recipes may not suit all diets, you can easily adapt Classic Cannoli Squares to be gluten-free or dairy-free. Use gluten-free flour for the pastry and substitute dairy-free cream cheese or ricotta alternatives for the filling. With a few modifications, you can enjoy this classic treat while accommodating various dietary needs.
Conclusion for Classic Cannoli Squares:
Classic Cannoli Squares present a delightful way to savor the flavors of traditional cannoli in a simpler format. With their creamy ricotta filling and crisp pastry layers, they make an ideal dessert for any occasion. These squares are not only easy to prepare but also offer room for customization to suit personal tastes or dietary requirements. Whether you serve them at parties or enjoy them at home, Classic Cannoli Squares are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Classic Cannoli Squares
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Classic Cannoli Squares are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert, offering a crispy golden crust filled with a rich, creamy ricotta mixture. Each square bursts with flavors of vanilla and chocolate chips, making them perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Simple to prepare yet visually stunning, these squares will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for something sweet. Customize them with your favorite toppings to make them uniquely yours.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Once the crust cools slightly, spread the ricotta mixture evenly over it.
- Bake again for 20-25 minutes until set. Let cool before slicing into squares and dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
