If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances creamy richness and a satisfying crunch, then treat yourself to Cannoli Cheesecake Bars. These luscious bars combine the dreamy texture of cheesecake with the classic flavors of cannoli filling and a delightful crispy shell, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to become your new favorite sweet indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a casual weekend dessert, or just because, Cannoli Cheesecake Bars stand out as an easy-to-make showstopper dessert you’ll love serving and sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Creamy and Crunchy: The smooth cheesecake layer paired with crunchy cannoli shell bits offers wonderful contrast in each bite.
Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples that are easy to find and blend seamlessly for incredible flavors.
Quick Prep Time: You can whip these bars up in less than an hour, perfect for last-minute dessert needs.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Everyone from kids to adults will adore the sweet ricotta-inspired filling.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Looks and tastes fancy enough for parties but simple enough for an everyday treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Cannoli Cheesecake Bars is a breeze because each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect blend of creamy texture and sweet crunch. From rich cream cheese to crispy cannoli shells, every component brings something special to the table.

Cream Cheese: Provides the rich and silky base that’s essential for the cheesecake texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds traditional cannoli cream flavor and a light, slightly grainy texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly without any graininess.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
Cannoli Shells: Crush these for a crunchy crust or topping to mimic authentic cannoli crunch.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Mix into the filling or sprinkle on top for delightful bursts of chocolate.
Butter: Melts into the crust, binding those crunchy crumbs and adding a flavorful richness.

Variations for Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it adapts to match your personal taste or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe truly your own.

Nutty Upgrade: Add crushed pistachios or almonds to the crust or sprinkle on top for an extra nutty crunch.
Fruit Twist: Swirl in some raspberry or lemon preserves into the cheesecake filling for a bright, fruity contrast.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use cocoa powder in the crust and extra chocolate chips inside the filling for a chocolate-infused delight.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free cannoli shells or a nut-based crust to make the recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Dairy-Free Swap: Substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and butter replacements while keeping other flavors intact.

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Creamy Dessert You’ll Love

How to Make Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by crushing the cannoli shells into fine crumbs, then mix them with melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking pan to form the crisp and flavorful crust.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and mini chocolate chips, blending gently to distribute throughout the filling without overmixing.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 35-40 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to firm up perfectly before slicing into squares.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle extra crushed cannoli shells or powdered sugar on top just before serving for a picture-perfect finish with added crunch and sweetness.

Pro Tips for Making Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Makes for easier mixing and a super smooth filling.
Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking keeps the bars creamy and perfectly dense rather than dry or crumbly.
Chill Thoroughly: Cooling the bars for several hours improves texture and flavor melding immensely.
Crush Cannoli Shells Finely: Ensures the crust binds well and gives the ideal crunchy texture.
Add Mini Chocolate Chips Last: To prevent them from sinking or melting completely into the filling.

How to Serve Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, or a drizzle of melted chocolate will take your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars to the next level of eye-catching appeal and flavor depth.

Side Dishes

Pair these creamy bars with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla gelato for a decadent dessert plate your guests will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the bars in individual mini dessert cups layered with fresh fruit or cream, or decorate a dessert tray with edible flowers and mint leaves for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cannoli Cheesecake Bars covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Since these bars are best served chilled, avoid reheating. Instead, let frozen bars thaw fully in the fridge for the best creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, but ricotta provides that traditional cannoli flavor and lighter texture, so using both together works best for authentic taste and creaminess.

How long do Cannoli Cheesecake Bars stay fresh?

They stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Traditional cannoli shells contain gluten, but you can substitute gluten-free shells or use a nut-based crust to make the recipe gluten-free.

Can I make these bars without eggs?

This recipe does not require eggs, which makes it easy and suitable for those avoiding eggs.

What’s the best way to serve Cannoli Cheesecake Bars?

Serve chilled with optional garnishes like powdered sugar, chopped nuts, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate for the perfect presentation and flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the best of creamy cheesecake and crunchy cannoli flavors, these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are the perfect choice. They’re easy to make, irresistible to eat, and customizable to fit any taste or occasion. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every luscious bite!

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly blends creamy cheesecake texture with the traditional flavors and crunch of cannoli shells. Featuring a smooth ricotta-enhanced filling, crushed cannoli shell crust, and mini chocolate chips, these bars offer a luscious, crowd-pleasing treat that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

1 1/2 cups crushed cannoli shells (about 8–10 shells)
6 tablespoons melted butter

For the Filling

16 oz (450g) cream cheese, room temperature
15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Start by crushing the cannoli shells into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form a crisp, flavorful crust.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and mini chocolate chips, folding gently to evenly distribute without overmixing.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm up fully before slicing into squares.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle extra crushed cannoli shells or powdered sugar on top just before serving for added crunch and sweetness.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
Do not overbake; the bars should be slightly jiggly in the center to keep a creamy texture.
Chill thoroughly for best texture and flavor melding.
Crush cannoli shells finely to ensure a well-binding crust with ideal crunch.
Add mini chocolate chips last to prevent sinking or melting into the filling.