It all began one Friday evening when I was running late from work, and my husband texted me, “We’re out of dessert… any ideas?” That’s usually code for “please save the night with something sweet.” I opened the fridge and spotted a half tub of ricotta from last night’s lasagna, a container of mascarpone from a cheesecake experiment, and a bag of mini chocolate chips the kids had been sneaking from all week. That’s when it hit me, Cannoli Dip!

⁠

Back in college, my best friend Gina used to bring homemade cannoli to every party. They were crispy, creamy, and messy in the best way possible. I always thought making them was a marathon task, but one day she told me, “Edie, you can skip the shells and still have all the flavor.” That tip changed my dessert game forever.

When I made it that night, the house smelled faintly of vanilla and sweet cream as I whipped everything together. My daughter Lily couldn’t resist dipping a waffle cone piece straight into the bowl before I even had a chance to chill it. My husband, who pretends not to like sweets, ended up finishing half of it while watching a movie. It’s been a family favorite ever since, especially for potlucks and busy weekends when I want to whip up something impressive in minutes.

This Best Cannoli Dip is creamy, lightly sweet, and packed with chocolate chip goodness. It tastes just like the filling of a cannoli, without the hassle of frying shells. It’s simple, elegant, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Short Description

Creamy and indulgent Best Cannoli Dip made with ricotta, mascarpone, and mini chocolate chips—an irresistible no-bake dessert perfect for parties, holidays, or a quick family treat.

Key Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) ricotta cheese, well drained
8 oz (225 g) mascarpone or cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
½ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped pistachios or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
For serving: waffle cones, graham crackers, cookies, or fresh fruit

Tools Needed

Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Fine sieve or cheesecloth (for draining ricotta)
Serving bowl or individual jars

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and mascarpone (or cream cheese). Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes. If the ricotta seems watery, drain it first using a cheesecloth or paper towel to remove excess moisture—this ensures a thicker dip.

Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat again until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly glossy. The aroma of vanilla should fill your kitchen, giving a cozy bakery scent. Taste and adjust the sweetness if desired by adding a tablespoon more powdered sugar.

Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins
Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently using a spatula. Save a handful for topping. At this point, the mixture should look creamy with tiny specks of chocolate scattered throughout.

Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour. This helps the dip thicken slightly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately for a softer, mousse-like texture.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the dip into a decorative bowl. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and chopped pistachios or walnuts on top for texture and color. Serve with waffle cones, cookies, graham crackers, or even fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples for dipping.

Troubleshooting tip: If the dip feels too thick after chilling, stir in 1 tablespoon of milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required—ready in under 15 minutes!

Rich, creamy, and full of authentic cannoli flavor

Customizable with your favorite mix-ins or toppings

Great for parties, potlucks, or quick family desserts

Kid-approved and perfect for dipping fruit, cookies, or crackers

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using undrained ricotta
Excess moisture from ricotta can make your dip watery and loose.
Solution: Drain ricotta in a fine mesh sieve or wrap it in paper towels for at least 15 minutes before mixing.

Overbeating the mixture
Beating for too long can make the dip thin and runny.
Solution: Mix until just creamy and combined—don’t overwork it.

Skipping the chilling step
The flavors won’t fully develop, and the texture might feel too soft.
Solution: Chill for at least 1 hour to allow everything to set and meld.

Adding too much sugar at once
It can overpower the delicate mascarpone and ricotta flavors.
Solution: Start with ¾ cup, taste, then add more if needed.

Storing uncovered
Air exposure causes the dip to dry out on top.
Solution: Always store covered tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a dessert centerpiece with waffle cones, biscotti, vanilla wafers, or sliced apples.

Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a fancier presentation.

Layer the dip in small glass jars with crushed cookies for easy mini desserts.

Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato.

For parties, arrange a dip board with strawberries, biscotti, graham crackers, and pretzel sticks for a sweet-salty mix.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Stir gently before serving to restore the creamy texture.

Add a splash of milk or cream if the dip becomes too thick.

Do not freeze, as the cheese can become grainy after thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use only ricotta without mascarpone or cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter and less creamy. Adding mascarpone or cream cheese gives richness and structure.

2. My dip seems too runny—how can I fix it?
Drain your ricotta longer or mix in 1–2 tablespoons of powdered sugar or more cream cheese to thicken.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Garnish right before serving to keep it fresh-looking.

4. What are the best dippers for cannoli dip?
Waffle cones, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, strawberries, or even sliced pears.

5. Can I make it lighter or healthier?
Yes! Swap mascarpone for Greek yogurt, reduce powdered sugar by half, and use dark chocolate chips. It’s still delicious but lighter.

Tips & Tricks

Always use high-quality ricotta for the smoothest texture.

For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel before serving.

Mix in orange zest for a subtle citrus fragrance.

If making for kids, use colorful sprinkles instead of nuts for a fun twist.

For the perfect party look, serve in mini shot glasses topped with crushed pistachios.

Recipe Variations

Light and Lively Greek Yogurt Cannoli Dip: Replace mascarpone with 1 cup Greek yogurt and reduce powdered sugar to ¾ cup. Beat everything as directed. The result is tangier, lighter, and protein-packed.

Citrus Cannoli Dip: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest or lemon zest to the mixture. It gives a fresh, zippy flavor that pairs beautifully with fruit dippers.

Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt 2 oz of dark chocolate and drizzle over the dip before serving. The contrast between creamy and rich chocolate is heavenly.

Holiday Cannoli Dip: Fold in 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies and garnish with white chocolate chips. Perfect for festive gatherings!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Best Cannoli Dip never lasts long in my house. It’s one of those desserts that feels fancy but comes together in minutes, a lifesaver for busy evenings and spontaneous get-togethers. It captures all the charm of a classic Italian cannoli without any frying or fuss.

At gatherings, there’s always that moment when someone takes their first dip and says, “You made this?” with genuine surprise, and that reaction never gets old. That’s the real beauty of cooking: turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

Best Cannoli Dip