Have you ever craved the sweet, creamy filling of cannoli but wanted a quicker, more accessible way to enjoy it? Classic Cannoli Squares are not just an homage to the beloved Italian dessert; they’re a deliciously simple twist that delivers all the indulgent flavors without the fuss of making individual shells. I fell in love with this recipe the first time I made it for a family gathering. Guests couldn’t believe how quickly it came together, and the unique layers of baked crescent dough complemented the rich ricotta filling perfectly. Serve these delightful squares at a brunch, a festive holiday celebration, or just because you want a treat, and watch them disappear!

Why you’ll love this dish

These delightful squares aren’t just a delicious dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Here are a few reasons you should try making these Classic Cannoli Squares at home:

Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes in the oven, you can create a dessert that feels like it took hours to prepare.
Kid-Friendly: The sweet filling and fun toppings make these squares a hit with younger palates. They make for a great cooking project to do together!
Cost-Effective: Using readily available ingredients like crescent roll dough and ricotta cheese means you can enjoy a gourmet dessert without breaking the bank.
Versatile: Whether it’s a weekend treat, a family gathering, or holiday festivities, these squares fit right in.

"These Cannoli Squares were a huge hit at our family reunion! They were so easy to make, and everyone asked for the recipe!"

Step-by-step overview

Creating Classic Cannoli Squares is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Here’s how it comes together:

You’ll start by preparing the filling, combining ricotta cheese and sugar for sweetness, and vanilla for a lovely aroma.
Then roll out the crescent roll dough to create your base.
Spread the luscious filling, fold, and bake until golden.
Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, and voila! You have a show-stopping dessert.

What you’ll need

Gather these items to make your Classic Cannoli Squares:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 package crescent roll dough
1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Substitutions/Notes: If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using part-skim ricotta. Almond extract can be a great alternative to vanilla for an interesting flavor twist.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips until everything is well combined.
Roll out the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet and press the seams to seal.
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, making sure to seal the edges tightly.
Brush the top with a beaten egg for a golden finish, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios if you’d like extra flavor and crunch.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough is beautifully golden brown.
Allow the squares to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Best ways to enjoy it

These squares shine when served with a simple garnish of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair them with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can elevate your presentation and taste experience.

How to store & freeze

To keep your Classic Cannoli Squares fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them unbaked. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and then in foil, allowing you to bake them fresh at a later date!

Pro chef tips

For the creamiest filling, use ricotta that has been drained of excess moisture. This prevents the filling from becoming too watery.
Let your squares cool before dusting with powdered sugar to keep it from melting into the squares.
Consider chilling your dough for 15 minutes before rolling it out; it can make handling easier and improve texture.

Creative twists

Feeling like getting creative? Here are some variations to try:

Substitute the chocolate chips with dried fruit like figs or mango for a more Mediterranean flavor.
Add a touch of espresso or coffee extract to the filling for a caffeinated kick!
For a nut-free option, simply omitting the pistachios will still yield a delicious result.

Your questions answered

How long does prep take?
Prep time for these cannoli squares is about 15 minutes, and baking takes an additional 20-25 minutes.
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Almonds or walnuts can be great alternatives to pistachios.
Is it safe to freeze?
Yes, these squares can be frozen! Just ensure they’re wrapped properly to avoid freezer burn, and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.

These Classic Cannoli Squares are not just a dessert; they’re a delightful way to bring a taste of Italy into your home cooking. Enjoy making them, sharing, and indulging!

Classic Cannoli Squares

A quick and easy twist on traditional cannoli, these delightful squares feature a rich ricotta filling encased in baked crescent dough, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 squares

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

For the Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese Use drained ricotta for a creamier filling.
1/2 cup powdered sugar For sweetness.
1 tsp vanilla extract For flavor.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips Optional, for added sweetness.

For the Squares

1 package crescent roll dough To form the base.
1/4 cup chopped pistachios Optional, for garnish.
1 egg egg (for egg wash) To achieve a golden color.
Powdered sugar (for dusting) For a finishing touch.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips until well combined.
Roll out the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet and press the seams to seal.
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, sealing the edges tightly.
Brush the top with a beaten egg and sprinkle with optional chopped pistachios.

Baking

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough is golden brown.
Allow the squares to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.

Notes

These squares can be served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For storage, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze unbaked squares wrapped individually for later use.

Keyword Baked Desserts, Cannoli, Dessert Squares, Quick Desserts, Ricotta Dessert