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- 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mascarpone cheese - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips - 1 package phyllo pastry (about 20 sheets) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped (for garnish) - Fresh mint leaves (for garnish) When choosing ricotta cheese, opt for whole milk for a creamier texture. You can find mascarpone in most grocery stores, but if unavailable, cream cheese works too. Always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. For the phyllo pastry, check the package for instructions on thawing. Fresh mint adds a nice touch and bright flavor to the dessert. 1. Mixing bowls 2. Whisk or electric mixer 3. Baking pan (9x13 inches) 4. Pastry brush 5. Knife or pizza cutter 6. Measuring cups and spoons 7. Cooling rack These tools will help you prepare the cannoli squares with ease. Each item plays a role in making the process smooth and enjoyable. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for getting a nice golden color on the phyllo. Next, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mascarpone cheese, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. Set this delicious filling aside for later. Now, take out your phyllo pastry, about 20 sheets total. Lay 5 sheets on a clean surface. Brush each sheet with melted butter. This step keeps the layers crisp. Repeat this with 5 more sheets, making a stack of 10. Cut the layered phyllo into squares, about 4x4 inches. Place these squares in a greased baking pan, overlapping them slightly if you need to. Bake the phyllo squares in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Once they are done, take them out and let them cool. Cooling is important, as it helps the squares hold their shape when you add the filling. Once your phyllo squares have cooled, spread a generous layer of the ricotta filling on each square. Top with more mini chocolate chips for added taste. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the filling for a nice crunch. To make them look pretty, place a fresh mint leaf on each square. Finally, slice the squares for serving. Enjoy your tasty cannoli squares! To get crispy phyllo, you must keep it dry and layered. Use fresh phyllo sheets. If they dry out, cover them with a damp cloth. Brush each layer with melted butter. This helps create a golden, flaky crust. Also, don't skip the baking step. Bake at 375°F for crisp texture. Soggy layers can ruin this dessert. To prevent them, cool the baked phyllo squares completely before adding the filling. Use the right amount of filling. Too much can add moisture. Spread the filling evenly and avoid the edges. This keeps the phyllo crisp and delicious. You can make cannoli squares a day ahead. Bake the phyllo and cool it. Store it in an airtight container. Add the filling just before serving. This keeps the layers crispy. For serving, garnish with chopped pistachios and fresh mint. These add color and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ricotta and mascarpone cheese. This will enhance the taste of your cannoli squares significantly. Layering Technique: Make sure to brush each layer of phyllo pastry with melted butter to achieve a crispy and flaky texture. Don't skip this step! Cooling Time: Allow the phyllo squares to cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents the filling from melting and keeps the layers intact. Garnishing Options: Get creative with your garnishes! Besides pistachios and mint, consider using crushed almonds or fresh berries for added flavor and visual appeal. {{image_2}} You can mix things up with your filling. Try adding lemon zest for a fresh twist. You can also swap in orange zest for a citrusy flavor. If you love nuts, consider adding finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts. For chocolate lovers, mix in cocoa powder or use dark chocolate chips instead of mini chips. You can even add a splash of almond extract for a deeper taste. Each option brings a unique flair to your cannoli squares. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free phyllo pastry. Many stores offer this choice, making it easy to enjoy. Always check the package to ensure it's certified gluten-free. You can also make your own gluten-free pastry if you feel adventurous. Just use a mix of gluten-free flours like almond flour and tapioca flour. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten. Serving your cannoli squares can be fun. You can serve them warm or chilled, depending on your taste. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds extra sweetness. For a nice touch, serve with fresh berries or a fruit salad. You can also add a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a perfect match. These ideas make your dessert even more enjoyable. To keep your cannoli squares fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting soggy. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers. This keeps the filling from sticking to the phyllo. Store the container in the fridge for the best results. Cannoli squares last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After this time, the phyllo may lose its crispness. If you notice the squares getting soggy, it’s best to eat them sooner. They taste best fresh, so enjoy them quickly! You can freeze cannoli squares for later enjoyment. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To restore some crispness, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes. Enjoy your sweet treat even after some time! To cut phyllo pastry, stack your sheets first. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Cut the sheets into squares, about 4x4 inches. Make sure to cut quickly to avoid drying out the edges. Yes, you can make cannoli squares without mascarpone. You can use more ricotta cheese instead. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious. You may want to add a touch of cream or yogurt for creaminess. Phyllo pastry is perfectly baked when it turns golden brown. It should look crispy and feel light. The edges can be darker, but not burnt. Keep an eye on it after 10 minutes in the oven. Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese. Cream cheese is a good option. Greek yogurt can work too, but the flavor will change slightly. Taste your filling to ensure it suits your liking. In this blog post, we covered how to make classic cannoli squares. We explored ingredients, including key notes on tools needed. You learned step-by-step instructions for making the filling, layering phyllo, baking, and assembling the squares. I shared tips for crispy layers and ways to avoid sogginess. We also discussed tasty variations and smart storage methods. Now it's time to try this simple recipe. Enjoy your cannoli squares and impress your friends!

Classic Cannoli Squares

Delicious squares filled with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone filling, topped with chocolate chips and pistachios.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 package phyllo pastry (about 20 sheets)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 bunch fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Set aside.
  • Lay 5 sheets of phyllo pastry on a clean surface, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next one. Repeat with 5 more sheets, creating a stack of 10 sheets total.
  • Cut the layered phyllo pastry into squares (about 4x4 inches) and place them in a greased baking pan, overlapping slightly if necessary.
  • Bake the phyllo squares in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
  • Once the phyllo squares have cooled, spread a generous layer of the ricotta filling on each square.
  • Top with additional mini chocolate chips and sprinkle chopped pistachios over the filling for added crunch.
  • For garnishing, add a fresh mint leaf on top of each square.
  • Slice into squares for serving and enjoy your delicious cannoli squares!

Notes

Serve chilled for the best flavor.
Keyword cannoli, dessert, squares