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cannoli dip easy recipe

Easy Cannoli Dip

This easy cannoli dip tastes just like classic Sicilian cannoli filling but takes only minutes to make. Smooth whipped ricotta, mascarpone, vanilla, powdered sugar, orange zest, and mini chocolate chips create a creamy, scoopable dessert that pairs beautifully with crunchy cookies or fruit.
Prep Time 10 minutes
draining time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Dessert, Party Dip
Cuisine: Italian, Sicilian-Inspired
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 2 cups whole-milk ricotta well drained
  • ½ cup mascarpone or 4 oz cream cheese if needed
  • ½ –¾ cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest optional but recommended
  • Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg optional
Add-ins
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips plus extra for topping
Optional Dippers
  • Broken cannoli shells
  • Pizzelle
  • Waffle cones or waffle cookies
  • Biscotti
  • Strawberries or sliced fruit

Method
 

Drain the ricotta.
  1. Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth or paper towels. Add ricotta and let it drain 1–2 hours, or at least 30 minutes if rushed, until it can hold its shape.
Whip the cheeses.
  1. Add the drained ricotta and mascarpone to a bowl. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer and beat for 3–5 minutes until smooth, thick, and glossy.
Add sweetness and flavor.
  1. Sift powdered sugar into the bowl a little at a time. Add vanilla and orange zest. Beat just until combined and silky.
Fold in chocolate chips.
  1. Add the mini chips and fold gently with a spatula so the mixture stays airy. Save a few for topping.
Taste and adjust.
  1. If you want a sweeter dip, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it feels too thick, fold in 1 tablespoon cold cream.
Chill and serve.
  1. Chill for 30–60 minutes. Before serving, let the dip sit out for 10–15 minutes so it softens. Serve with crunchy dippers or fruit.

Notes

  • Drain the ricotta well—this is the key to a thick, scoopable dip that doesn't get watery.
  • Mini chocolate chips hold their shape best. Stir them in right before serving if you want them extra crisp.
  • Let the dip rest at room temperature before serving so it scoops smoothly.
  • Avoid the freezer. Ricotta doesn’t thaw well and becomes grainy.