Description
These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, chocolate-studded dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, rich ricotta cheesecake filling, glossy chocolate topping, and fluffy whipped cream garnish. They are perfect for party desserts, holiday dessert ideas, easy recipe planning, make-ahead sweets, food ideas for gatherings, and anyone who loves a quick dessert-style bar with classic cannoli flavor.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained if watery
1/2 cup sour cream
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup whipped cream, for topping
2 tablespoons extra mini chocolate chips, for garnish
2 tablespoons cookie crumbs or crushed cannoli shells, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the pan.
3. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, then set aside.
4. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in ricotta, sour cream, and 2/3 cup sugar.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips.
6. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35 to 42 minutes, until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
8. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the bars rest for 15 minutes.
9. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
10. Heat heavy cream until steaming, pour over semi-sweet chocolate chips, rest for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
11. Spread the chocolate topping over the chilled cheesecake layer.
12. Add whipped cream, extra mini chocolate chips, and cookie crumbs before slicing and serving.
Notes
Drain watery ricotta before using so the cheesecake layer sets smoothly.
Do not overmix after adding the eggs, as too much air can cause cracks.
Chill the bars fully before slicing, and use a warm clean knife for neat squares.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 88mg
Keywords: Cannoli Cheesecake Bars, cheesecake bars, cannoli dessert, Italian dessert, easy dessert recipe, party desserts, holiday dessert ideas, make-ahead dessert