Want the flavors of a traditional cannoli without all the fuss? Cannoli dip is the answer! It’s a super easy and delicious treat that’s perfect for parties or any time you’re craving something sweet.
The best cannoli dip starts with creamy ricotta cheese, gets a sweet kick from powdered sugar, and is studded with mini chocolate chips. Some recipes call for mascarpone cheese to be added, but ricotta cheese is the traditional ingredient used in a cannoli.
This article will give you a complete guide to making the perfect cannoli recipe dip, so get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet satisfying dessert!
Essential Ingredients for Cannoli Dip
Let’s talk ingredients. This dip is super easy to make, but there are a few things you need to know to get it just right.
Ricotta Cheese: The Foundation
You absolutely must use whole milk ricotta cheese for this recipe. It’s what gives the dip that rich, creamy texture we’re after. You can use part-skim ricotta, but be warned, it won’t be quite as decadent.
Also, don’t skip the draining step! Ricotta has a lot of moisture, and if you don’t get rid of some of it, you’ll end up with a runny dip. Use a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or even a few layers of paper towels to drain the cheese. You can even put something heavy on top to press out more of the liquid.
Sweeteners and Flavorings
Powdered sugar is the way to go here. It dissolves right in, giving you a smooth, dreamy dip. Granulated sugar? Not so much. It can leave you with a gritty texture, and nobody wants that.
Vanilla extract is a must, but almond extract is the secret weapon that really makes it taste like a cannoli. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cinnamon or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a little extra something special.
Step-by-step guide to making cannoli dip
Ready to try your hand at making cannoli dip? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Preparing the ricotta cheese
- First, you’ll need to drain your ricotta cheese really well. An old Italian trick is to wrap the ricotta in several layers of paper towels and then squeeze it to get rid of any excess moisture. The ricotta should hold its shape after you squeeze it.
- If your ricotta has any lumps, you can blitz it in a food processor until it’s nice and smooth.
Combining the ingredients
- Grab a big bowl and mix the drained ricotta cheese with powdered sugar. Beat until everything’s smooth and well combined.
- Now, stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and if you want, a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of lemon juice. Mix it all up until the spices and extracts are evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and some optional pistachios. Make sure those chocolate chips are spread out evenly in the dip.
Whipping cream (optional)
- If you want to make your dip extra fluffy, whip up some heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Using “heavy” whipping cream will give you the best results.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture. Just be careful not to deflate the whipped cream while you’re doing it!
Troubleshooting Common Cannoli Dip Issues
Even the best recipes sometimes go awry. Here’s how to handle some common problems you might encounter when making cannoli dip:
Preventing a Runny Dip
Ricotta cheese that’s too watery is probably the #1 reason cannoli dip turns out soupy. So, be sure to drain the ricotta really, really well.
Also, avoid using low-fat or skim ricotta, since those tend to have a higher water content.
Addressing a Grainy Texture
Always use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar. Granulated sugar won’t dissolve properly, and it’ll leave your dip with a gritty texture.
Dip Too Stiff?
If you’ve drained the ricotta extra well and the dip is too thick, add a small splash of cold heavy cream or half-and-half to make it looser.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Options
This cannoli dip is so versatile, it’s practically begging to be paired with a variety of crunchy, sweet, and even fruity dippers.
Homemade Cannoli Chips
For the ultimate cannoli experience, why not make your own cannoli chips? It’s surprisingly easy. Simply cut wonton wrappers into strips and fry them in 350-degree oil until they’re golden brown and delightfully crispy. These homemade chips offer a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy dip perfectly.
Other Dipping Options
If you’re short on time or prefer store-bought options, the possibilities are endless. Consider serving the dip with:
- Cannoli chips
- Pizzelle
- Waffle cookie crisps
- Butter crisps
- Broken waffle cones
- Graham crackers
- Wafers
- Nilla wafers
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Milano cookies
- Oreos
- Biscotti
For a lighter and more refreshing option, try dipping fresh fruit like strawberries, peaches, or apples. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy dip.
Don’t limit yourself to just dipping! This cannoli dip also makes a fantastic topping for pancakes, waffles, or crepes. Imagine a stack of warm pancakes drizzled with this creamy goodness – pure bliss!
Variations and alternative ingredients
Like any great recipe, this cannoli dip can be modified according to your preferences.
Mascarpone cheese
For an even creamier dip, consider using mascarpone cheese. Its smooth, rich texture gives this dip an extra-decadent mouthfeel.
Cream cheese
While I don’t recommend it, cream cheese can be used if you can’t find mascarpone. You may need to play around with the amount of powdered sugar you use to get the flavor just right.
Flavor extracts
Try some different extracts to put your own spin on this recipe. A little orange extract would be amazing!
Storage and Handling Tips
To keep your cannoli dip fresh and delicious, make sure to:
- Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It’ll last for up to a week.
- Let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving. This softens it up and brings out the flavors.
- Don’t leave it out for more than two hours.
- If your dip gets runny after being stored, that means you didn’t drain the ricotta well enough. Try to be more thorough next time!
Closing Thoughts
Cannoli dip is easy to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack for a party or a fun dessert for a weeknight, cannoli dip is a great choice.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dipping options. Try fresh fruit, biscotti, or even broken waffle cones. You can also add different flavors to the dip itself, like chocolate chips, pistachios, or a hint of citrus zest. The possibilities are endless!
So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy your homemade cannoli dip!