Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: Cannoli Cheesecake Bars! I still remember the first time I made them—my kitchen was filled with the most heavenly aroma of creamy cheesecake mingling with a hint of cinnamon. These bars are the perfect treat, combining the classic flavors of cannoli with a luscious, creamy filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust that gives you that satisfying bite. Seriously, they’re like a little piece of Italy in every bite! I love how easy they are to whip up, and trust me, once you taste that silky smooth filling studded with mini chocolate chips, you’ll be hooked. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because it’s a Tuesday, these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup whipped cream

How to Prepare Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Cannoli Cheesecake Bars! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a luscious dessert that’ll impress everyone.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your oven is nice and ready for those bars once we’ve mixed everything!
In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Use a fork to mix them until the crumbs are thoroughly coated. It should look like wet sand. This mixture is going to form the crust, so make sure it’s well combined!
Next, press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down, ensuring it holds together nicely when baked.
Now onto the filling! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ricotta cheese together until smooth. I usually start on a low speed to avoid splattering, then gradually increase it.
Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is beautifully combined. Trust me, the smoother, the better!
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and cinnamon. This adds that signature cannoli flavor that I absolutely adore.
Finally, carefully fold in the whipped cream. This step is crucial—don’t mix too vigorously, or you’ll lose that lovely lightness!
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over your graham cracker crust. Make sure it’s nice and smooth on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the center is set. You want it to be firm but still slightly jiggly in the middle.
Once baked, let it cool to room temperature, then pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld and for the bars to firm up perfectly!
When you’re ready to serve, cut them into bars and try not to eat them all at once—though I won’t judge if you do!

Why You’ll Love Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for any occasion!
Deliciously creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Crunchy graham cracker crust that adds the perfect contrast.
Filled with mini chocolate chips for that sweet surprise.
Every bite delivers the classic flavors of cannoli.
Great for serving a crowd or enjoying as a sweet treat for yourself!

Tips for Success with Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

To make sure your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips for you! First off, always use fresh ingredients—especially your cream cheese and ricotta. It makes a huge difference in flavor and texture! When you’re folding in the whipped cream, do it gently. You’re aiming for that light, airy texture, so be kind and don’t overmix. Also, let your bars cool completely before refrigerating; this helps them set up nicely. If you can, give them a bit longer in the fridge—overnight is even better! And hey, feel free to play around with toppings. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios or a drizzle of chocolate ganache can elevate these bars to a whole new level. Trust me, your friends will be begging for the recipe!

Variations of Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars! For a fruity twist, try adding some diced candied orange peel or mini marshmallows into the filling for that classic cannoli taste with a pop of flavor. You could also mix in some toasted nuts like pistachios or almonds for an extra crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.

Feeling chocolatey? Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top before serving or even fold chocolate hazelnut spread into the filling for a decadent chocolate cannoli experience. And let’s not forget about toppings! A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a layer of fresh berries can elevate these bars to a whole new level. The best part is, you can customize them based on what you love—get creative and have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Cannoli Cheesecake Bars is super easy! Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 5 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re too good! If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat—serve them chilled for the best flavor and texture!

Nutritional Information for Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

When it comes to indulgence, it’s always good to know what you’re getting into! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guide. Each Cannoli Cheesecake Bar typically contains around 250 calories, 15g of fat, 4g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates, including 15g of sugar. While these bars are definitely a treat, they’re worth every single calorie for that creamy, dreamy goodness. Enjoy them in moderation, and savor every bite!

FAQ About Cannoli Cheesecake Bars

Can I use different cheeses? Absolutely! While I love the combination of cream cheese and ricotta for that classic cannoli flavor, you can experiment with mascarpone or even goat cheese for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste and texture a bit.

How do I know when it’s done? You want to look for a slightly jiggly center when you pull them out of the oven. The edges should be set, but the middle should still have a little wiggle—it’ll firm up as it cools!

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, these bars are perfect for making a day in advance! Just let them chill in the refrigerator and they’ll be ready when you are. Plus, the flavors deepen overnight for even more deliciousness!

What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs? No worries! You can use crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or even Oreos for a fun flavor twist. Just adjust the sugar as needed since some cookies are sweeter than graham crackers.

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars: 10 Creamy Joys in Every Bite

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious cannoli cheesecake bars with a creamy filling and a crunchy crust.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese, ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Add mini chocolate chips and cinnamon, then mix well.
Fold in whipped cream gently.
Spread the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
Bake for 30 minutes or until set.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Top with additional chocolate chips if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Cannoli Cheesecake Bars, dessert, cheesecake

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