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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inch)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cannoli cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, cannoli dessert, ricotta cheesecake, easy dessert, no egg cheesecake