Description

These luxurious Cannoli Cheesecake Bars capture all the beloved flavors of traditional Italian cannoli in an easy-to-make dessert format. Creamy ricotta and cream cheese blend beautifully with hints of vanilla and lemon, while mini chocolate chips and pistachios add delightful texture. The graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for these rich, indulgent bars that are sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz ricotta cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped pistachios (optional)

Topping:

1 cup whipped cream
Chocolate chips and pistachios for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Press this mixture into the pan evenly to form the crust.
In a large bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and pistachios if using them.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are firm but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Once chilled, lift the cheesecake from the pan with the parchment paper. Cut into squares and top each with dollops of whipped cream. Garnish with additional chocolate chips and pistachios as desired.

Notes

otes:

Make sure both cheeses are at room temperature for the smoothest mixing
Don’t overbake – the center should still jiggle slightly when done
For cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean between each slice
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days
Can be frozen for up to 2 months without toppings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 320
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: cannoli, cheesecake bars, ricotta, Italian dessert, make-ahead