Ricotta Cannoli Squares: Creamy, Indulgent Perfection
Ricotta Cannoli Squares have long been a beloved Italian-American dessert, captivating taste buds with their irresistible combination of creamy ricotta filling and crisp, flaky pastry. These irresistible treats are the perfect balance of indulgence and sophistication, making them a perennial favorite for gatherings, special occasions, and quiet moments of self-care.
Whether you’re a seasoned cannoli enthusiast or new to the world of Italian desserts, these Ricotta Cannoli Squares are sure to delight your senses and leave you craving more. With their rich, velvety texture and warm, comforting flavors, they’re a true culinary delight that will have your guests raving long after the last crumb has been savored.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Beyond their mouthwatering taste, Ricotta Cannoli Squares offer a wealth of benefits that make them a must-try for any home cook. The combination of creamy ricotta and crisp pastry creates a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor, providing a truly unique experience with every bite. Additionally, the accessibility of the ingredients and the make-ahead versatility of the recipe make it an ideal choice for busy cooks and those seeking a hassle-free dessert option.
Ricotta Cannoli Squares are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Whether you’re looking to reduce the fat content, increase the protein, or accommodate dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily modified to meet your requirements without compromising the core flavors that make it so beloved.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Ricotta Cannoli Squares ❓
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1 sheet (about 9×9 inches or 23×23 cm) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water for egg wash
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
The beauty of this Ricotta Cannoli Squares recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, fragrant vanilla, and warm cinnamon creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made cannoli recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Ricotta Cannoli Squares Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
• Step 3: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 9 equal squares (each about 3×3 inches or 7.5×7.5 cm).
• Step 4: Place the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the ricotta mixture into the center of each square, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Step 5: Brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash.
• Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
• Step 7: Remove the Ricotta Cannoli Squares from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
• Step 8: Dust the cooled squares with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 18-22 minutes
• Total time: 33-37 minutes
Compared to traditional cannoli, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Ricotta Cannoli Squares recipe saves you nearly 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 9 servings):
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 111mg
These Ricotta Cannoli Squares provide approximately 8% of your daily protein requirements and 4% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the granulated sugar with a low-calorie sweetener, and use a keto-friendly puff pastry or almond flour-based crust.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the ricotta cheese with a creamy dairy-free alternative, such as cashew-based “ricotta” or whipped coconut cream.
• Added protein: Fold in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or finely chopped nuts to the ricotta filling for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Grate or finely chop some zucchini or carrot and fold it into the filling for added nutrition and moisture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Ricotta Cannoli Squares.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the Ricotta Cannoli Squares with a cup of strong espresso or a glass of sweet Marsala wine for an authentic Italian-inspired experience.
• Complement the squares with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad for a light and balanced meal.
• For a brunch or tea party, serve the Ricotta Cannoli Squares alongside other bite-sized pastries and finger foods.
• Create an elegant dessert platter with the squares, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts or shredded coconut.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Underbaking the pastry: Make sure to bake the squares long enough to ensure the pastry is golden brown and crispy, as an undercooked crust can become soggy.
• Letting the filling get too cold: If the ricotta filling cools too much before assembling, it can become stiff and difficult to work with. Keep the filling at room temperature while assembling the squares.
• Forgetting the egg wash: The egg wash helps the pastry achieve a beautiful, shiny golden-brown finish, so don’t skip this important step.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Make sure to leave enough space between the puff pastry squares on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and expansion.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Ricotta Cannoli Squares retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the squares up to the point of baking, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the squares to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked squares to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped squares in an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Ricotta Cannoli Squares in advance?
Yes, you can easily prepare the Ricotta Cannoli Squares in advance. The unbaked squares can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to bake them fresh whenever you need them. Alternatively, the baked squares can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese with another type of cheese?
While ricotta cheese is the traditional filling for cannoli, you can experiment with other types of soft cheese, such as mascarpone or cream cheese. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different, but these alternatives can work well in the Ricotta Cannoli Squares recipe.
How can I make a dairy-free version of this recipe?
To make a dairy-free version of the Ricotta Cannoli Squares, you can replace the ricotta cheese with a creamy, dairy-free alternative, such as cashew-based “ricotta” or whipped coconut cream. You may also need to use a dairy-free puff pastry or a keto-friendly crust made with almond flour or other nut-based ingredients.
What if my puff pastry squares don’t seal properly?
If the puff pastry squares don’t seal properly around the ricotta filling, try using a bit of the egg wash as a “glue” to help the pastry adhere. You can also try pressing the edges firmly with a fork to crimp and seal them. If the filling still leaks out during baking, the squares may be a bit messy, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I add any extra flavors or ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! The Ricotta Cannoli Squares recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors. You can fold in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a bit of lemon or orange zest to the ricotta filling. Additionally, you can sprinkle the finished squares with a dusting of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or chopped pistachios for added texture and visual appeal.
Conclusion
These Ricotta Cannoli Squares represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a decadent dessert at a dinner party or enjoying them as a sweet indulgence with your morning coffee, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, indulgent filling and crisp, flaky pastry. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Ricotta Cannoli Squares demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible taste of homemade Ricotta Cannoli Squares today?
