If you adore classic Italian desserts but want a fresh and fun twist, this Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Taking the flavors you love from traditional cannoli fillings and pairing them with golden, flaky puff pastry squares creates an irresistible treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Each bite offers creamy ricotta sweetness with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, perfectly balanced by the crispy, buttery pastry base. Whether you’re prepping for a family gathering or craving a sophisticated everyday dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, approachable, and each one plays a key role in delivering the authentic ricotta cannoli taste and that perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides the flaky, buttery crust that forms the base of your squares, making each bite irresistibly light.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top to ensure a golden color and add a rich, luxurious finish.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on the pastry before baking to create a slight caramelized crunch.
- Ricotta cheese: The star of the filling, offering creaminess and mild sweetness; draining fresh ricotta helps avoid excess moisture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta filling smoothly and dusts the finished squares with a delicate touch.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm aromatic notes that enhance the overall filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Gives a subtle spice that complements the ricotta beautifully.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): Provide little bursts of chocolate that make the dessert even more festive and flavorful.
- Crushed pistachios (optional): Add a lovely crunch and vibrant green color as a topping.
- Orange zest (optional): Brings a bright, citrusy zing that uplifts the entire dish.
How to Make Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet if needed. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into approximately nine squares. These will form the crisp, flaky base that supports the ricotta filling beautifully.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Place the puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each one with melted butter, which helps them bake to a perfect golden brown. Then sprinkle granulated sugar on top for that light caramelized crunch. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed up and golden, and let them cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling
While your pastry cools, prepare the indulgent ricotta filling. In a large bowl, mix together drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and if you’re using it, freshly grated orange zest. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this velvety texture is the heart of the dessert.
Step 4: Assemble the Squares
Once the pastry squares have cooled down completely, spoon a generous amount of ricotta filling onto each square. Spread it gently, leaving a neat border around the edges to show off the golden crust. This method keeps the presentation clean and inviting.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios over the creamy filling if you want to add contrasting flavors and textures. The chocolate adds sweetness and fun, while the pistachios provide a fantastic nutty crunch and a pop of color.
Step 6: Final Touch
Right before serving, dust the tops of your ricotta-filled squares with powdered sugar. This final touch makes them look festive and adds an elegant sweetness that’s just the perfect finishing note.
How to Serve Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate the experience of enjoying these squares. Consider adding a light sprinkle of extra orange zest or a few whole pistachios on top for a colorful, aromatic touch. A drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce can also intensify the sweetness if serving to guests with a big sweet tooth.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing drinks like an espresso, cappuccino, or even a sweet dessert wine. Serving alongside fresh fruit salad with berries or citrus segments can brighten the plate and balance out the richness of the ricotta.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe the star of any dessert table, arrange the squares on a rustic wooden board or a sleek ceramic platter. Layer with edible flowers or mint leaves for a stunning presentation. For a party, serve each square in a small decorative paper cup to make it easy for guests to grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep your ricotta cannoli squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, but enjoy them sooner for the best texture since the pastry can soften over time from the moist filling.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for this recipe. The puff pastry and fresh ricotta filling won’t hold up well after thawing; the pastry loses its crispness and the filling may become watery. If you must freeze, freeze only the baked pastry squares without filling, and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness of leftover pastry squares, reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the ricotta filling. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the ricotta filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ricotta filling up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before assembling the squares to ensure smooth creaminess.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you could try using phyllo dough sheets brushed with butter for a lighter, crispier alternative. However, the texture will be different from the classic puff pastry base.
Is it necessary to drain the ricotta cheese?
Draining your ricotta ensures the filling isn’t watery, which helps keep the puff pastry crisp and prevents the squares from becoming soggy.
Can these squares be made vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute ricotta with a vegan cheese alternative or homemade cashew ricotta. Adjust sweetness and spices accordingly.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive dessert you can whip up on a whim.
Final Thoughts
This Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of cannoli without any fuss. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you get a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting. Give it a try – I promise it will brighten up any occasion and have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Ricotta Cannoli Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Ricotta Cannoli Squares offer a delightful twist on traditional cannoli by using flaky puff pastry squares filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta mixture. Topped with mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios, they provide a perfect balance of texture and flavor in an easy-to-make dessert that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Ricotta Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (drained if using fresh ricotta)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for added flavor)
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the puff pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into about 9 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Bake the crust: Place the puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each piece with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make the ricotta filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and orange zest if using. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the squares: Once the puff pastry squares have cooled, spoon a generous amount of the ricotta filling onto the center of each square. Spread gently, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and crushed pistachios over the ricotta filling if desired to add flavor and texture.
- Serve: Dust the assembled ricotta cannoli squares with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta is well-drained to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
- You can substitute granulated sugar with cinnamon sugar for a spiced crust.
- These squares are best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to customize toppings by adding dried fruit or other nuts.
- Use chilled puff pastry for better puff and flakiness.
