Classic Cannoli Squares Dessert (Printable Format)

Indulge in crisp crust and creamy filling with chocolate chips in these classic cannoli-inspired bars.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Cannoli Filling

01 - 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
02 - 1 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

→ Crust

06 - 14 ounces pre-made pie crusts
07 - 1 large egg, beaten
08 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

→ Optional Garnishes

09 - Chopped pistachios
10 - Maraschino cherries
11 - Additional chocolate chips

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
02 - If desired, pass the ricotta through a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess moisture for a thicker filling.
03 - Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
04 - Roll out the pre-made pie crust to fit a 9×9-inch baking dish or unroll and press it into the dish, making sure there are no gaps or cracks.
05 - Evenly spread the ricotta filling onto the prepared crust, leaving a small border around the edges to minimize overflow.
06 - Roll out the second pie crust and lay it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
07 - Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown, monitoring to avoid over-browning.
08 - Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes. Cut into squares and plate as desired.
09 - Garnish with chopped pistachios, maraschino cherries, or additional chocolate chips before serving, if desired.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - Draining excess liquid from ricotta yields a thicker filling and prevents sogginess in the finished squares.