This creamy cannoli dip gives you all the flavor and texture of a classic Italian cannoli pastry. Whip up the fancy dessert dip for your next party, and watch it disappear!
The best chocolate chip cannoli dip
I count myself lucky to come from a large extended Italian family, where gatherings always include an abundance of authentic dishes.
Think lasagna, cacciatore, focaccia, antipasti, pignoli cookies, and my favorite ricotta filled homemade cannoli.
As a child, I loved to eat the cannoli filling first before the shell. Everyone knows the filling is the best part.
This quick no bake cannoli dip is easy to make and whips up in under a minute. Plus it is a huge crowd pleaser.
If you like the packaged cannoli dip from Trader Joe’s, you will love my 5 ingredient homemade version even more.
Just don’t expect any leftovers!
Also try this popular Protein Cookie Dough Dip
Cannoli dip recipe video
Key ingredients
You will need cream cheese, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, pure vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips.
Cream cheese – Use any full fat Philadelphia style cream cheese, or choose plant based cream cheese for a vegan cannoli dip. Low fat or fat free cream cheese may also work, but I have not tried these.
Ricotta – To mimic the texture of traditional cannoli filling, use whole milk ricotta cheese or a dairy free alternative. Mascarpone may be substituted in an equal amount.
Powdered sugar – Regular powdered sugar, or confectioners’ sugar, works. Or process coconut sugar in a blender to make unrefined powdered sugar. For a keto cannoli dip, use powdered erythritol or a monk fruit blend.
Vanilla – For the best flavor, look for pure vanilla extract. Do not omit this ingredient or substitute artificial vanilla flavoring, because the taste will not be the same.
Chocolate chips – I like semi sweet mini chocolate chips. Go with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips of any size if you prefer.
Leftover cream cheese? Make Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Step by step instructions
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature so it will be easier to blend. This step is important to achieve a smooth texture.
- Gather all of your ingredients, as well as a stand mixer, food processor, or hand beaters and a medium serving bowl.
- Blend the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract until thick and smooth.
- Turn off the beaters, and stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
- Transfer the whipped cannoli cream to your serving bowl. Or if making the recipe ahead of time, scoop it into a container and store overnight in the refrigerator.
- When ready to enjoy, dust with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of chocolate chips or roasted pistachios.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to a week. Frozen dip will yield an icy texture once thawed, so I do not recommend freezing the recipe.
Cannoli dessert dip flavors
Snickerdoodle: Whip up to two teaspoons of ground cinnamon in with the other ingredients, and omit the chocolate chips.
Dark chocolate: Add one third cup of cocoa powder, increase the powdered sugar to two cups, and increase the vanilla extract to one tablespoon.
Pumpkin pie: Add one teaspoon each of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. Replace two ounces of the ricotta with canned pumpkin puree.
Strawberry shortcake: Buy strawberry flavored cream cheese. Serve with sliced strawberries and shortbread or pound cake cut into small squares.
Peanut butter cup: Whip in a fourth cup of softened peanut butter until smooth. Or try almond butter, cashew butter, or Homemade Nutella.
Tiramisu: Throw in a half teaspoon of instant coffee powder before blending. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder, and arrange on a platter with ladyfingers for dipping.
How do you serve cannoli dip?
Serve on a tray with graham crackers, Oreo cookies, or ginger snaps.
Or create a cannoli charcuterie board with pizzelle or broken up waffle cones, fresh berries, apple slices, bananas, and other fruit.
Add it as frosting in between layers of Chocolate Almond Flour Cake.
The recipe is also fantastic as a healthy, low calorie spread over quick breads instead of butter or cream cheese.
Try it on top of this Strawberry Bread or my Chocolate Banana Bread.
- 8 oz cream cheese or plant based alternative
- 16 oz ricotta cheese or vegan ricotta
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar or erythritol
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or more as desired
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To prepare the no bake cannoli dip, let cream cheese come to room temperature. Use a stand mixer, food processor, or hand beaters to blend all ingredients except chocolate chips until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand, then transfer the recipe to a serving bowl. Garnish with powdered sugar and serve with fresh strawberries and pizzelle if desired. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to a week.View Nutrition Facts
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