If you love Cannoli, you’re absolutely going to love this Cannoli Dip! Here I've used Nonno’s authentic Sicilian recipe, but made into a fun cannoli dip instead! Perfect for parties and movie nights 🙂
Cannoli has to be one of my all time favorite Italian desserts. They originated in Sicily Italy, and are fried pastry shells shaped in a tube and open on both ends. They’re light and crunchy on the outside, filled with a creamy ricotta filling...YUM! My husband's family is Sicilian, so I've become accustomed to eating cannoli on many occasions, lucky me right, hehe! Here I've transformed it to an easy cannoli dip which you can make in less than 20 minutes with 5 ingredients!
Using Nonno’s tips and recipe, the flavors are exactly like authentic cannoli. The concept of making this cannoli dip is also so fun - who doesn't love a good dip at a party?? When it comes to dippers, the options are endless! Some of my favorites are broken cannoli shells or waffle cones, strawberries, Italian biscotti called cantucci, and strawberries to name a few.
Some more traditional Italian recipes I've learnt from my family are minestrone soup, pastina, and pasta alla norma.
To make the authentic cannoli filling, I’ve solely used fresh ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips and a touch of orange zest. This was Nonno’s little secret! He also liked to add a little liquor, but I’ve left it out so that kids will also be able to indulge in this sweet treat. You can then get adventurous with the garnish by adding more chocolate chips or crushed nuts.
You can also serve the dip in small cups or espresso cups for cute individual portions. With every dip, the flavors take me back to Sicily, where you can basically buy them at any pastry shop on any corner and enjoy them roaming the streets... just heaven 🙂
Some more fun no bake desserts to try are my strawberry tiramisu, chocolate avocado mousse and chocolate dates.
Table of Contents
Why you''ll love this Cannoli Dip
- Quick & easy: This cannoli dip recipe comes together in under 20 minutes with only 5 ingredients
- Crazy delicious: Creamy and luscious, layered with chocolate chips ready to dip
- Authentic: Traditional Italian recipe passed down from Nonno, so you get the best cannoli dip recipe!
- Perfect for parties: This cannoli dip is ideal for parties and events, or fun treat to enjoy with family or simply indulge alone
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fresh ricotta cheese is the base and the only cheese used in authentic cannoli. It's always best to use fresh ricotta rather than packaged ricotta which is more watery. Whole milk ricotta cheese is preferred but skim ricotta will also work and be lighter, I also prefer sheep's ricotta. Other recipes use a mixture of mascarpone cheese, cream cheese or even whipped cream, however this isn't authentic and will alter the richness and taste
- Powdered sugar known as icing sugar is the preferred sweetener as its light and smooth and won't be grainy unlike regular sugar
- Pure vanilla extract adds to the delicious flavor. Almond extract is also a popular ingredient in some parts of Sicily along with cinnamon for a different flavor
- Orange zest is optional but highly recommended. A touch of citrus zest adds a bright and refreshing note and is Nonno’s secret touch
- Mini chocolate chips add to the yummy flavor and texture of the cannoli dip, you can also add chocolate shards. Chopped pistachios or other nuts would be great too
How to make Cannoli Dip
This authentic cannoli dip will impress everyone. I've shared it with my Italian friends and they loved it! Follow my simple steps below.
- Drain ricotta to remove the excess liquid. I like to portion ricotta in smaller pieces in between paper towels and put a plate on top for 10 minutes
- Add ricotta to a large bowl, whisk using a hand mixer for a couple of minutes
- Add sifted powdered sugar to the bowl with orange zest and vanilla. Whisk to combine
- Finish by adding mini chocolate chips and fold through using a spatula. It’s ready to serve!
What to use as dippers for the Cannoli Dip
The options are endless! But here are some of my favorites:
- Biscuits or cookies
- Broken cannoli shells
- Waffle cones
- Pizzelle cookies or wafer biscuits
- Italain biscotti - cantucci
- Strawberries
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate chip cookies
Tips and Tricks
- It's best to use fresh ricotta cheese rather than pre-packaged or jared ricotta. It will have much better flavor and packaged ricotta usually has a lot more water content
- Always drain the ricotta as it contains excess liquid. I place it between paper towels with a plate on top, however you can use a cheesecloth or a coffee filter
- If you don't have a stand mixer or hand mixer, that's ok you can mix it manually using a whisk or wooden spoon. You'll need to ensure there are no clumps, so keep mixing until you have a smooth consistency
- Fold through the chocolate chips or nuts right before serving so they stay a little crunchy
- Get creative with dippers. Waffle cones, broken cannoli shells, or any types of your favorite cookies or biscuits are great
Storage Instructions
- This homemade cannoli dip is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days
- Allow it to set at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving
- Technically the dip can also be frozen for up to 2 months. However I don't recommend it, as the ricotta can crystallize in the freezer due to its high water content
FAQs
Cannoli dip is the delicious cannoli filling, but made into a dessert dip! Rather than filling cannoli shells, you dip your favorite cookies or biscuits just like a classic dip
Here I've made it with fresh ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, mini chocolate chips and orange zest
For authentic Sicilian cannoli, fresh sheep's ricotta is best. You can however add some mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor profile, but its not traditional
You can get as creative as you like for the dippers, I always prefer a crunchy dipper. Some ideas are cookies, waffle cones, Italian biscotti or even strawberries go well. I have a more extensive list above also
More Desserts
- Tiramisu
- Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- Lemon Loaf Cake
- Healthy Apple Crumble
- Chocolate Bark
- Baked Donuts
- Chocolate Dates
- Limoncello Tiramisu
More Authentic Italian
- Italian Minestrone Soup
- Limoncello Recipe
- Pasta alla Norma
- No Knead Focaccia
- Pastina
- Pasta e Fagioli
- Pesto alla Trapanese
- Pasta with Peas
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Cannoli Dip photo on Instagram so I can share the love!
Recipe
Authentic Cannoli Dip (Nonno's Recipe)
Ingredients
- 26oz / 750g fresh ricotta cheese - I’ve used whole milk sheep's ricotta
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 orange zested
Garnish (Optional)
- Chocolate chips and crushed pistachios
Instructions
- Drain the ricotta cheese to remove the excess liquid. I use the method of portioning the ricotta into smaller pieces and placing in between paper towels with a plate on top for 10 minutes
- Add the drained ricotta to a large mixing bowl and whisk using a stand mixer or hand mixer for a couple of minutes to create a smooth texture
- Sift the powdered sugar and add to the ricotta along with orange zest and vanilla. Whisk again to combine
- Stir the mixture using a spatula to check that it has a soft creamy texture. Add the mini chocolate chips and fold them through using the spatula and its ready! Serve your delicious creamy cannoli dip with your favorite dippers such as cookies, biscotti or fruit and enjoy!
Maryrose A Meluso says
Delicious easy and authentic not to mention very very versatile!
Bellissimo
Ayeh Manfre says
So happy you love it Maryrose, takes me back to Sicily xx
Sarah says
Delicious! I doubled the recipe and added 24oz mascarpone cheese to replace some of the ricotta. Mixed it up in my kitchen aid with the whisk attachment. Served it with whole strawberries and a variety of cookies ( lemon, chocolate chip and graham crackers). People seemed to like the whole strawberries as dippers! Would totally make this again! Thank you!
Ayeh Manfre says
Sounds delicious! I love dipping with whole strawberries too 🙂 Broken up cannoli shells are another personal favorite