Description

These delicious Cannoli Bars combine the classic flavors of cannoli in an easy-to-make bar form. Featuring a buttery, spiced cookie crust topped with a creamy, sweet ricotta and cream cheese filling studded with mini chocolate chips, these bars are baked to perfection and chilled for a luscious, set texture. Garnished with pistachios for a nutty crunch, they make a perfect dessert or snack inspired by traditional Italian cannoli.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Filling

2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (about 16 oz / 450 g), drained if very wet
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
1 tablespoon orange zest (or lemon zest for variation)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (about 130 g)
1/4 cup pistachios, finely chopped (optional, for topping)

Other

Parchment paper for lining the baking pan
Nonstick spray or butter, optional, for lightly greasing the pan under parchment

Instructions

Prep the pan and oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving overhang on two opposite sides to create handles. Lightly grease the pan under the parchment if desired to help keep it in place.
Mix the cookie crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted, slightly cooled butter and vanilla extract. Stir until mixture resembles damp sand and clumps when pressed.
Press and par-bake the crust: Firmly and evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan using fingertips or a measuring cup bottom. Bake for 10–12 minutes until set and slightly puffed but not browned.
Beat cream cheese and ricotta: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed with a hand mixer for 1–2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add ricotta and beat until very smooth and combined, scraping bowl sides as needed.
Add sugars, flavorings, and salt: Add granulated sugar, powdered sugar, kosher salt, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and orange zest. Beat on medium speed until creamy and slightly thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
Incorporate eggs and chocolate chips: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Assemble the bars: Let the crust cool about 5 minutes after baking. Pour ricotta filling evenly over the warm crust and spread to the corners. Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios evenly on top if using.
Bake the cannoli bars: Return pan to oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until edges are set and center is mostly firm with slight wobble. A toothpick inserted near center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
Cool and chill: Remove bars from oven and place on wire rack. Cool completely to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight until filling is fully set.
Slice and serve: Use parchment overhang to lift bars out of pan onto a cutting board. For clean cuts, dip a sharp knife in hot water, dry it, and slice into 16–20 bars, wiping knife between cuts. Serve chilled or slightly cool.

Notes

Drain ricotta well if it is very wet to avoid a soggy filling.
Almond extract is optional but enhances the traditional cannoli flavor.
Pistachios add a nice crunch and garnish but can be omitted.
For clean cutting, warm your knife under hot water before slicing.
Letting the bars chill thoroughly helps the filling set perfectly for best texture.
These bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: cannoli bars, ricotta bars, Italian dessert, baked cannoli, cream cheese dessert, chocolate chip dessert bars, easy Italian dessert