When you’re craving the luscious flavor of classic Italian cannoli but don’t want to deal with frying shells, these Classic Cannoli Squares are your answer. They’re creamy, crunchy, and packed with the same sweet ricotta filling you know and love, all layered in an easy-to-slice dessert bar. It’s the perfect solution for entertaining or when you need a crowd-pleasing treat without the fuss.

These squares are a hybrid between a creamy no-bake cheesecake and a chilled pastry, and they offer all the cannoli charm with a whole lot less work. Each bite delivers a contrast of silky filling, crisp buttery base, and a sprinkle of chocolate that makes them feel downright celebratory.

Why You’ll Love These Classic Cannoli Squares

They offer the indulgence of cannoli without needing to roll or fry any shells. They’re incredibly simple to prepare and serve, making them ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy weekends when you want something special. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, which means one less thing to stress about.

What Kind of Ricotta Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, use whole milk ricotta cheese. If it feels a bit wet, just strain it through cheesecloth for 30 minutes to remove the excess moisture. This helps keep your filling thick, creamy, and easy to cut into perfect squares.

Ingredients for the Classic Cannoli Squares

This easy dessert uses pantry staples plus a few Italian essentials that bring the classic cannoli flavor to life.

Graham crackers provide a buttery base that mimics the crunch of a cannoli shell.

Unsalted butter binds the crust and adds richness without overwhelming the filling.

Whole milk ricotta is the heart of the filling. Creamy, mild, and slightly sweet, it gives that unmistakable cannoli texture.

Powdered sugar sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and rounds out the dairy richness.

Mini chocolate chips bring that nostalgic cannoli flair with each bite.

Heavy cream gets whipped to fold into the ricotta mixture, making the filling extra fluffy and sliceable.

Cinnamon adds just a whisper of warmth that ties the filling together beautifully.

How To Make the Classic Cannoli Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Crush the graham crackers until finely ground, then mix them with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8 inch pan. Chill in the fridge while you make the filling.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream, then stir in the mini chocolate chips.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once fully set, cut into squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.

How to Store and Serve Cannoli Squares

These bars are best served cold, straight from the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. If you’re serving a crowd, you can even freeze the bars for up to a month. Just defrost overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This recipe makes about 9 generous squares or up to 12 smaller ones, perfect for parties or family-style desserts.

What to Serve With Classic Cannoli Squares?

Espresso or Strong Coffee

The bold bitterness of espresso cuts through the creamy sweetness and adds a lovely Italian touch.

Fresh Berries

A handful of raspberries or strawberries brightens up the dessert and balances the richness.

Limoncello or Dessert Wine

A splash of citrusy liqueur pairs surprisingly well with the cinnamon and chocolate flavors.

Toasted Pistachios

Sprinkle a few over the top before serving for a pop of color and crunch.

Vanilla Gelato

Double the creamy indulgence with a small scoop of gelato on the side.

Whipped Cream

For those who just can’t get enough fluff, a swirl of whipped cream takes it over the top.

Cinnamon Dusting

Just a touch on top adds warmth and that signature cannoli scent.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If these Classic Cannoli Squares are your kind of sweet, check out some more creative takes on beloved classics:

• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
• Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies for an indulgent mash-up of campfire and cookie jar.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe if you love a zesty, creamy bite.
• Chocolate Smores Cupcakes for when you want your dessert to surprise.
• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies if you want cinnamon sugar fun in every bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add orange zest? Try pistachios in the crust? Did the kids fight over the last square?

I love hearing how others bring their own spin to these treats. Questions welcome too!

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Conclusion

Classic Cannoli Squares are the kind of treat that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to pull off. Whether you’re making them for a party, bringing them to a potluck, or just treating yourself midweek, these no-fuss bars bring all the comfort and flair of a traditional Italian dessert without any of the hassle. Just slice, serve, and enjoy that sweet ricotta magic.