When it comes to dessert, there’s something irresistibly creamy and rich about cannoli, especially when you can enjoy its delightful flavors in a more accessible form, like Classic Cannoli Squares! These squares capture the traditional Italian flavors of cannoli without the fuss of filling individual pastries. Imagine a luscious ricotta filling nestled between layers of a soft, crumbly crust—sounds delicious, right? Fun fact: Cannoli originate from Sicily, where they were traditionally made to celebrate special occasions. This dessert is sure to impress your family and friends and is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it takes very little time to prepare! So, gather the ingredients and let’s dive into making these scrumptious squares that everyone will love.
You’ll love how easy these Classic Cannoli Squares are to whip up, especially if you’re a fan of our other dessert recipes, like the delightful Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by pastry-making or prefer a less time-consuming option, these squares will quickly become your go-to dessert. Trust us, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over again. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking!
What are Classic Cannoli Squares?
Ah, the name “Classic Cannoli Squares”! Doesn’t it just make you want to dive in headfirst? But why are they called “cannoli”? Well, like the classic Italian pastry, these squares are creamy, sweet, and oh-so-fun to eat. The term “squares” might stem from our modern twist on a traditional recipe, making it a convenient treat for sharing. Imagine cutting into a slice and discovering the creamy filling – it’s the stuff that dessert dreams are made of! And let’s be honest: who hasn’t heard the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? If that holds true, these squares might just take the cake—or should we say, the “square”? Give this recipe a try, and you might just win over a few hearts!
Why You’ll Love Classic Cannoli Squares
When it comes to Classic Cannoli Squares, there are several reasons why this dessert should be at the top of your must-make list. First and foremost, the creamy ricotta cheese mixed with delightful sweet flavors is a high-point that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The second reason is that making these squares at home can save you money compared to buying expensive pastries from a bakery. Who doesn’t love a delicious dessert that won’t break the bank? Finally, you can enhance these squares with various toppings—think chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh fruit, making this dessert endlessly customizable. If you adore classic desserts but want an easier twist, you might also enjoy our classic cheesecake recipe. So why not roll up your sleeves and give these squares a shot? You won’t regret it!
How to Make Classic Cannoli Squares
Quick Overview
Classic Cannoli Squares bring together the creamy texture and flavorful profile of the beloved cannoli in an easy-to-make dessert. The great news is that you won’t need any complicated pastry skills to create this treat! With simple ingredients and a short preparation time, you’ll have these delectable squares ready in no time. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience as you enjoy the rich flavors of this dessert.
Key Ingredients for Classic Cannoli Squares
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Classic Cannoli Squares:
- For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- For the topping:
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
- Chopped pistachios or nuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until it resembles a crumbly dough. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking pan evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Make the filling: In another bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Beat until smooth, and then fold in the mini chocolate chips, if you’re using them.
- Assemble the squares: Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread the ricotta filling evenly over it, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled squares for at least 2 hours to let the filling set.
- Serve: Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios or nuts if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Classic Cannoli Squares
To make your Classic Cannoli Squares even better, here are some helpful tips:
- Choose quality ricotta: Using fresh and high-quality ricotta will enhance the flavor of your filling immensely.
- Drain the ricotta: Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta cheese, as this will prevent your filling from becoming too wet.
- Customize your toppings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings! Try adding shredded coconut or fresh fruit to give it a unique twist.
- Be patient: Allow the squares to chill in the refrigerator for the full time recommended; this helps the filling set properly and makes cutting easier.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you ever have leftovers of these delightful Classic Cannoli Squares (which is unlikely!), you can store them for later. Place the squares in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to three days. For best results, serve cold or at room temperature, as reheating is not recommended. This way, you can savor the delightful taste for days to come!
There you have it! A perfect recipe for Classic Cannoli Squares that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing them with friends, these squares are bound to be a hit. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start making this delicious dessert today!
Classic Cannoli Squares
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, drained Make sure to drain well
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the topping
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
- Chopped pistachios or nuts (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until it resembles a crumbly dough.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking pan evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
Making the filling
- In another bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Beat until smooth.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips, if you’re using them.
Assembling and chilling
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread the ricotta filling evenly over it, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the assembled squares for at least 2 hours to let the filling set.
Serving
- Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios or nuts if desired.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
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