The classic Italian Cannoli dessert gets turned into a quick and easy Cannoli Dip! All the same great flavors, but a million times easier.
Another Italian favorite dessert we converted into an easy dip is our Tiramisu Dip – serve them both and watch everyone fight over them!
What is Cannoli?
Have you ever had Cannoli? You’d know if you have. And you’ve probably been daydreaming about it ever since.
Cannoli are Italian pastries, which consist of deep fried pasty dough that is tube-shaped and stuffed with a sweet, creamy filling. They are incredibly delicious. This Cannoli Dip recipe takes the components of the classic dessert and converts it into an easy no-bake dessert dip!
Easy Cannoli Dip Recipe
I love eating deep fried food, but I hate preparing it. I even have a deep fryer! But, alas, it just collects dust. So not only are Cannolis fried, but we don’t eat out at a lot of Italian restaurants where I can get my fill. So what’s a gal to do? Make Cannoli Dip, that’s what!
This cold dessert dip is way easier to make and super fast. Got 10 minutes? Then you’ve got time to make it! All you need is a bowl and a hand held electric mixer. Be warned: you may find yourself standing at the counter eating this directly off a spoon. And that’s ok. You’re not alone.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a few items to make this dessert dip:
(Scroll below to the complete printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Mascarpone cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Mini chocolate chips
- Orange zest, optional
How to Make Cannoli Dip
Making cannoli dip is crazy easy! You simple combine all the ingredients in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Then garnish with some mini chocolate chips and serve with your choice of dippers. To make this recipe, scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.
Tips for Success
- Use an electric mixer: An electric mixer is ideal for this recipe. You can just use a wooden spoon, but you’ll need to put some serious muscle into it, and even then the ingredients probably won’t get blended thoroughly.
- How to thicken cannoli dip: If your ricotta isn’t particularly firm or has excess liquid, you’ll want to drain it. You can use a cheesecloth or simply place a coffee filter in a mesh sieve. You can also use a little bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
- What to dip in cannoli dip? So many options for dippers! I found these super cute and tasty waffle cookies, but you could buy waffle cones and break them up into small pieces, or serve this cannoli dip with Pizzelle, pretzels, or fresh fruit.
Proper Storage
This dip is best served within a few hours, but can be made the night before stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Any leftovers should be stored the same way for up to 3 days. Remove from the refrigerator a bit before you’re planning on serving, so it can soften enough for dipping. If it looks like the dip components have separated a little, just stir it all together again until smooth.
More Easy Dessert Dips:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Cannoli Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 7 ounces full-fat ricotta cheese (drained of any excess liquid)
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
- orange zest , optional
- waffle cones, pizzelle, or strawberries , for serving
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, beat until completely combined and creamy. (If the texture seems too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it seems too thick, use a bit more cream. Keep it mind it will thicken as it sits and chills.)
- Serve right away or chill for later.
- Delicious dippers include waffle cones, pizzelle, pretzels, or fresh fruit.
This was a big hit for game night!
Delish! Didn’t want to stop eating it.
This was the best dip ever! I’m going to try it with fresh fruit next! Thanks!
Made this today and needed to add a touch more powdered sugar to thicken it up. It definitely thickens up more once chilled. So delicious!
Absolutely delicious!!! Made this for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. It was gone fast and I was asking to bring it every year to every holiday gathering ?
This stuff is addictive and dangerous!! My son loves cannolis but they’re a pain to make so I made a double recipe of this dip. We got our own bowls and went crazy looking for different dippers~fingers work best but not in public!! Great recipe thank you!
Served this for Sunday brunch and nobody could stop eating it. I love how easy it was and that there’s no deep frying involved. Not that it’s healthy, but still…
Eh, I’ve decided I’ll worry about my pants after the new year. Along with everyone else. :P For now…more dip please!
Can you tell me where I can get those mini pizzelle? Your presentation looks terrific and this would be perfect for a bridal shower I am hosting.
Hi Elizabeth! We just buy them at our local grocery stores. They’re with all the other cookies.
I never have made or eaten a sweet dip before! Definitely think I have been missing out on something seriously delicious.. this cannoli dip is a recipe i need to try!
I felt sugar-overloaded before Thanksgiving was even over… And that definitely hasn’t gotten any better. I don’t even have elves to blame — it’s all my own fault! ;) Love this dip! I could eat the entire bowl by myself. Pinned!
Dude. This is genius.
This dip is what dreams are made of!
I don’t want to talk about the fact I live in yoga pants for days. Oh well, more room for this!
This. Looks. Delicious.
This is a brilliant recipe for parties! I did a test run and will be making it again for New Years. Loved it!
This is a great, easy dessert dip.
Made this for poker night. Big hit and so easy!
NEED THIS.
Whipped cream + ricotta – what’s not to love!
Made this for a baby shower and everyone begged for the recipe!
Oh my goodness, this dip. It really does taste like a deconstructed cannoli. SO GOOD!!
This dip is amazing!! Worth my pants getting tight over. Lol.