Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious Cannoli Square, where creamy ricotta meets sweet chocolate chips, all nestled in a crispy pastry crust. The aroma wafts through the air like a siren’s call, beckoning you to take that first delightful bite.
Now, picture yourself at a family gathering, with laughter echoing around the kitchen as you present this dessert masterpiece. Everyone’s eyes widen in delight as they dig in, and you can’t help but feel like the reigning dessert champion of the day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cannoli Squares are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings.
- The flavor is a heavenly blend of sweet and creamy, with a crunchy twist that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Visually stunning, they add charm to any dessert table with their inviting layers.
- They are versatile enough for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.
I remember the first time I made Cannoli Squares for my friends. Their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning when they tasted them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture that makes every bite unforgettable.
Powdered Sugar: Choose finely sifted sugar for smooth sweetness without any gritty texture.
Vanilla Extract: Go for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for an authentic flavor boost.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for adding just the right amount of richness.
Puff Pastry Sheets: Use thawed puff pastry from the freezer section; it’s quick and adds delightful flakiness.
Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon enhances the flavors beautifully; don’t skip it!
Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens up the filling, making it taste fresh and vibrant.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cannoli Squares
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a floured surface until thin and even; this ensures a flaky base.
Cut the pastry into squares about 4 inches wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; this will keep them from sticking and ensure even baking.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, lemon zest, and chocolate chips until smooth. Taste it—a little spoonful never hurt anyone!
Spoon the luscious filling generously onto half of each pastry square. Fold over the other half to create little pockets of joy and seal edges with fork prongs.
Bake in preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up—your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Once they’re out of the oven and cooled slightly (if you can wait), dust them with powdered sugar before serving them hot or at room temperature.
Enjoy your Cannoli Squares while basking in compliments from family and friends who’ll be begging you for seconds!
Content
Tip: Use fresh ricotta for a creamy texture. Fresh ricotta makes your Cannoli Squares irresistibly delicious and rich. I once made a batch with store-bought ricotta, and let’s just say the texture was a bit like cement.
Tip: Chill the filling before assembling. Chilling helps the filling set up nicely, making it easier to spread. I learned this the hard way when my first batch became a gooey mess.
Tip: Dust with powdered sugar right before serving. This keeps the sugar from melting into the squares, preserving that beautiful presentation. I once forgot this step, and my dessert looked like it had been in a snowstorm!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the filling while the dough is chilling in the fridge. Then, roll out the dough and cut it into squares for efficient assembly. Finally, bake until golden brown for perfect Cannoli Squares.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add chocolate chips or citrus zest to the filling for an extra flavor punch. You can also swap out vanilla extract for almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store Cannoli Squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh them without losing texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always taste your filling before assembling; adjust sweetness as needed.
- The baking time may vary based on your oven; keep an eye on those squares!
- Let them cool completely before dusting with sugar for that professional touch.
I still remember the first time I brought these to a family gathering; they disappeared faster than you could say “delicious!” Watching everyone’s delighted faces made all my effort worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought dough for Cannoli Squares?
Yes, using store-bought dough can save time without sacrificing too much flavor.
How can I make my Cannoli Squares gluten-free?
You can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends suitable for baking.
What can I do if my Cannoli filling is too runny?
If your filling is runny, try adding more powdered sugar or some crushed cookies to thicken it up.
Cannoli Squares
Indulge in the delightful experience of Cannoli Squares—a dessert that combines creamy ricotta, sweet chocolate chips, and a crispy pastry shell. This easy-to-make treat is sure to impress at any gathering, leaving your loved ones craving more. With its heavenly blend of flavors and stunning presentation, these Cannoli Squares are the perfect centerpiece for your dessert table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (finely sifted)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a floured surface until thin.
- Cut the pastry into 4-inch squares and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, lemon zest, and chocolate chips until smooth.
- Spoon filling onto half of each pastry square, fold over and seal edges with a fork.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use fresh ricotta for a creamier texture. Chill the filling prior to assembly for easier spreading. For extra flavor, consider adding almond extract or additional citrus zest.
