Cannoli Dip

Need a last-minute dessert that feels fancy but takes zero effort? This 5-minute cannoli dip is your new go-to.

It’s smooth, sweet, and packed with chocolate chips in every bite.

Just mix, chill (if you want), and dig in with your favorite dippers. So easy and so good 🙂

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This is the best cannoli dip recipe because it combines the classic flavors of cannoli filling in a quick, easy-to-make format that’s perfect for gatherings.

With just a few ingredients—ricotta, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips—you can prepare this dip in minutes. Simply add your ingredients to a bowl and whisk. It just doesn't get any easier than that!

Additionally, this easy cannoli dip highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste. Swap the chocolate chips for pistachios, add a touch of almond extract, or incorporate citrus zest for an extra layer of flavor. 

Furthermore, this creamy dip pairs well with various dippers. Elevate your dip with tasty and delightful additions like pizzelles, graham crackers, fruits, and even gluten-free cookies. Adding the right pairings makes it a crowd-pleaser that suits different tastes and dietary needs. 

Ingredients

Ricotta:

Ricotta cheese is essential to any cannoli recipe, so of course, it's included in our cannoli dip recipe. Howver, ricotta cheese has a high moisture content so, to prepare the ricotta for your dip, strain it through cheesecloth for a few hours or overnight. This will allow you to create a thicker, creamier cannoli dip. If you don't have any ricotta or access to it, you can substitute with blended cottage cheese as it has a similar consistency to ricotta. For a vegan version, try replacing traditional ricotta cheese with a vegan ricotta made from almonds or cashews.

Sugar:

While white sugar is used in this recipe, powdered sugar is also an excellent option, as it allows you to maintain a thick, creamy consistency in your dip. Additionally you can use honey, male syrup, or coconut sugar to sweeten your homemade cannoli dip.

Cream Cheese:

Cream cheese adds a thick, creamy texture and a subtle tangy flavor to this easy cannoli dip. If you prefer, mascarpone is a great option that is traditionally used in cannoli. Greek yogurt can also work, offering creaminess with a slight tang, though it may make the dip a bit thinner. Try a plant-based cream cheese for a vegan option.

Vanilla Extract:

There are many ways you can choose to add extra flavor to your sweet cannoli dip, including the vanilla extract that this recipe calls for. Additionally, almond extract is a delicious option that adds a nutty, aromatic flavor, while orange or lemon zest can also be used for a bright and fresh twist.

Mini Chocolate Chips:

Mini chocolate chips are a classic addition to cannoli dip, providing a bit of crunchy texture in every bite. If you don't have mini chocolate chips, you can substitute with chopped dark chocolate chocolate, dairy-free chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, cinnamon, mini M&M's, or chopped fruit like cherries or cranberries.

How to Make Cannoli Dip

Step One: 

Add the ricotta cheese, sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract to a bowl and mix until combined.

Step Two: 

Stir the chocolate chips in, a bit at a time, until it has enough to suit your taste.

Step Three: 

Chill the dip in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This will allow it the time to set and the flavors to meld.

Step Four: 

Serve your homemade cannoli dip with pizzelle triangles, and enjoy!

Tips

• If you have an electric mixer, use it to whip your dip for a few minutes before folding in the chocolate chips. This will result in a lighter, airier texture for your cannoli dip.
• If you're in a hurry, you can eat it right away, but it's even better after a little chill time.

What to Serve With Cannoli Dip

Cannoli dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers that complement its creamy texture and sweet flavor. Classic options like pizzelle cookies and graham crackers are always a hit.

For a lighter option, air-fried strawberries or apple chips offer a delightful textural contrast. You can also serve your creamy cannoli dip with lemon cookies or sugar cookies for added variety. Experiment with gluten-free pretzels for a salty-sweet combination that will make your dip even more irresistible!

FAQs

Is this recipe for gluten-free cannoli dip?

Yes, this recipe is for a naturally gluten-free cannoli dip. However, ensure any packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free and that any dippers that you serve with it are also gluten-free, as pizzelles are not naturally gluten-free.

How do I thicken my cannoli dip if it's too runny?

If you've strained the ricotta and your dip is still too runny, try mixing in more cream cheese or sugar to help it set and let it chill for longer.

Alternatively, if your dip is too thick, stir in some cream or milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

What's the best way to store leftover cannoli dip?

You can store your leftover cannoli dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, transfer the dip to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for it to expand, then freeze for 1 month.

Dessert Recipes

This Italian cannoli dip is a creamy and indulgent way to cure your sweet tooth craving, fast and with minimal effort. However, if this recipe doesn't fit the bill, then maybe one of these dessert recipes will!

Churro Chips

Oreo Fluff

Fruit Dip With Cool Whip

Crepe Rolls