Easy Cannoli Dessert Bars

removing a slice of cannoli dessert bars

Cannoli Dessert Bars are a simple yet indulgent twist on the classic Italian treat. Featuring a buttery pistachio shortbread crust and a rich, creamy filling made with ricotta, cream cheese, mini chocolate chips, and toasted pistachios, these bars deliver all the flavor of traditional cannolis without the hassle of frying shells. Perfect for parties or a special dessert at home, these bars stay fresh and crunchy, unlike regular cannolis that tend to get soggy.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

refrigeration 1

Total Time 1 35

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings

Calories 231 kcal

Ingredients

Pistachio Crust

1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup pistachios toasted
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2/3 cup softened butter

Cannoli Filling

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp sour cream
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup pistachios toasted & chopped (plus more for garnish)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips plus more for garnish
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

To make the crust, pulse the flour and pistachios together in a food processor until finely ground. Add the powdered sugar and softened butter, and pulse until the mixture forms fine crumbs. Press this mixture into a 9x13-inch baking pan and bake at 350°F for about 13-15 minutes, or until it’s just starting to turn golden. Set aside to cool.
Mix the ricotta, cream cheese, powdered sugar, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy. Stir in the mini chocolate chips and toasted pistachios. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cheese mixture.
Once the crust has cooled, spread the filling evenly on top. Garnish with extra mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios for that classic cannoli look. Pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour before cutting into squares.

Notes

When it comes to the nutrition information provided for recipes, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s just an estimate. The actual nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Be mindful that any nutritional information provided is intended as a general guideline rather than exact values.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 113mgPotassium: 79mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 523IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 1mg

Keyword cannoli bar recipe, cream cheese, italian dessert, ricotta, toasted pistachios

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