Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts – creamy Italian cannoli filling meets rich, indulgent cheesecake in a no-bake treat that’s easier than you think. This dessert captures all the flavors you love about traditional cannoli without the hassle of frying shells or piping filling.

I still remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. My Italian grandmother took one bite and said it reminded her of the cannoli from her favorite bakery in Brooklyn, but even creamier. The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect base for the ricotta and cream cheese filling, studded with mini chocolate chips and pistachios. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something sweet and impressive, these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars deliver authentic Italian flavor with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need for These Dreamy Bars

Before you start, I always recommend bringing your cream cheese and ricotta to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This makes mixing so much smoother and prevents lumps in your filling. If your ricotta seems watery, drain it in a fine-mesh sieve while you prep everything else.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios

Pro tip: I prefer whole milk ricotta over part-skim because it creates a richer, more authentic cannoli flavor. The quality of your ricotta really matters here, so choose a good Italian brand if possible.

How to Make Perfect Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

I recommend lining your pan carefully with parchment paper, making sure you have enough overhang on all sides. This makes lifting out the finished bars so much easier and gives you cleaner cuts.

Step 1: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving at least 2 inches of overhang on opposite sides. This acts as handles for easy removal later.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until all the crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture looks like wet sand.

Step 3: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it down really well. A firm crust prevents your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars from falling apart when you slice them.

Step 4: Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s completely smooth and fluffy with no lumps remaining. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.

Step 5: Add the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese. Beat on medium speed just until everything is well combined and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully and stop mixing as soon as it’s blended. Overmixing after adding ricotta can make the texture grainy instead of silky.

Step 6: Using a spatula, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios until they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling. This keeps the mix-ins from sinking to the bottom.

Step 7: Pour the filling over your prepared crust and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, making sure it reaches all the corners.

Step 8: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight (8 to 12 hours is ideal). The bars need this time to firm up completely. I usually make mine the night before I need them.

Step 9: Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhangs. Place on a cutting board, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry between cuts) to slice into 12 squares.

Perfect Pairings for Your Cannoli Bars

These bars are rich and creamy, so they pair beautifully with a simple espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness.

Fresh Berries: Serve your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color and freshness.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture contrast to the dense, creamy filling.

Biscotti: Keeping with the Italian theme, serve alongside almond or chocolate biscotti for dipping in coffee. This creates an authentic Italian dessert experience.

Vanilla Gelato: For an extra indulgent treat, serve a small scoop of vanilla gelato on the side. The cold, creamy gelato complements the chilled bars perfectly.

More Italian-Inspired and Creamy Desserts to Try

These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are perfect for anyone who loves creamy, indulgent desserts with authentic Italian flavor. For another protein-rich sweet treat, the High Protein Mini Biscoff Cheesecakes offer individual portions with a delicious cookie butter twist that pairs wonderfully with coffee, just like these cannoli bars.
When planning a dessert spread, consider adding complementary flavors like the rich Healthy Chocolate Cake for chocolate lovers, or the tender Maple Pecan Scones for a lighter breakfast option. The nutty flavors in the scones echo the pistachios in these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars beautifully. For a fruit-forward alternative, the Strawberry Danish provides a flaky pastry option that complements the creamy texture of these no-bake bars.

Keeping Your Bars Fresh and Delicious

Store your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.

These bars actually taste even better on day two after the flavors have had time to meld together. The crust softens slightly while still maintaining its structure, and the filling becomes even creamier.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Pro tip: I prefer freezing them before adding any garnish, then topping with fresh chocolate chips and pistachios after thawing for the best appearance.

Your Questions About Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Answered

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