Introduction
Cannoli Squares offer a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert, combining the rich flavors of cannoli filling with a convenient, easy-to-serve square format. With a crisp crust, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar, these squares are perfect for entertaining or satisfying a sweet tooth at home.
Unlike their tubular counterparts, these squares eliminate the hassle of filling pastry shells and are a fun dessert that can be made in advance. Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, they bring everyone together to enjoy a piece of Italy on a plate.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
The backbone of the crust, all-purpose flour provides the structure needed to hold the squares together. It creates a light, flaky texture that perfectly complements the creamy filling. - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the crust while balancing the creamy filling's richness. It also contributes to browning, giving the crust a buttery golden color. - 1/4 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor profile, bringing out the sweetness in the sugar and balancing the sweetness in the filling. It is essential for highlighting the flavors of the other ingredients. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Cold butter creates a tender and flaky crust by preventing excess gluten formation when mixed with flour. It also contributes a rich flavor and mouthfeel to the finished squares. - 1 large egg yolk
The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the crust together. It also contributes to the flavor and color of the crust, enhancing the overall appearance of the dessert. - 1 cup ricotta cheese
Ricotta forms the base of the heavenly filling, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor. It is key to achieving the signature cannoli taste that makes this dessert so beloved. - 1 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the filling and helps it achieve a smooth consistency. It's also used for dusting on top, which creates that classic dessert look. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the overall taste with its aromatic profile that complements the ricotta beautifully. - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon evokes warmth and adds a hint of spice, enriching the filling's flavor. This classic pairing lifts the taste of the cheese while tying the dessert to its Italian roots. - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Mini chocolate chips provide little bursts of sweetness and texture in the filling. They can be increased or substituted for dried fruits or nuts to fit personal preferences.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating your oven is vital for ensuring that your crust bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. An adequate temperature allows the butter to melt properly, creating a flaky texture without overbaking the crust.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Combining dry ingredients thoroughly helps ensure the sugar and salt are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for balancing flavors throughout the crust, leading to a uniform taste and texture.
Step 3: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
This step is key to achieving a flaky texture. By cutting in the cold butter instead of mixing it, you create small pockets of fat that will melt during baking, resulting in a tender crust.
Step 4: Add the egg yolk and mix until combined.
Incorporating the egg yolk binds the dough together and adds richness. It's important not to overmix at this stage, as you want to maintain a tender texture in your crust.
Step 5: Press the crust mixture into a greased baking pan.
Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan ensures it holds its shape while baking. An even, flat surface is critical to delivering a consistent texture in every bite of the final product.
Step 6: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until golden.
Baking until golden provides a contrast to the creamy filling and enhances the nutty flavor of the crust. Keep a close eye, as every oven is different; you want a nice golden brown without burning.
Step 7: While the crust cools, prepare the filling by beating ricotta with powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Beating the ricotta cheese until smooth ensures a creamier filling. Gradually adding the powdered sugar helps achieve a perfectly sweet mixture without creating lumps, ensuring a luxurious texture.
Step 8: Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Gently folding in the chips helps maintain the smooth texture of the filling while still adding delightful bursts of chocolate. This step allows for an even distribution of flavors without compromising the filling's integrity.
Step 9: Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Spreading it evenly ensures every bite contains the right balance of flavors and textures. This also helps in presentation, making for an inviting dessert that appeals to guests.
Step 10: Refrigerate the squares for at least 2 hours before serving.
Chilling helps the filling firm up, making it easier to cut into squares without smearing. This also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.
Step 11: Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
The final touch of powdered sugar not only beautifies the dessert but adds a sweet note that complements the creamy filling and flaky crust. It completes the classic cannoli look and feel that everyone loves.
The Essence of Cannoli Filling
One of the defining characteristics of Cannoli Squares is their creamy filling, consisting primarily of ricotta cheese. This ingredient is not just a base; it embodies the essence of traditional cannoli, offering a luscious texture that’s both smooth and slightly grainy. Flavoring it with vanilla and cinnamon creates a symphony of taste, reminiscent of authentic Italian pastry shops that transport you straight to a bustling Roman street.
A Shortcut to Layered Delight
The beauty of Cannoli Squares lies in their simplicity. Unlike classic cannoli that require meticulous piping into crisp shells, these squares provide a fuss-free way to enjoy a beloved dessert. This square format maintains all the flavors and textures but transforms the serving experience, making it perfect for potlucks, parties, or casual family dinners. Everyone can indulge without the hassle of cutting and filling, creating shared moments over a delicious treat.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness
Achieving the right level of sweetness in the filling is essential. The combination of powdered and granulated sugar plays a significant role in balancing flavors. While the powdered sugar sweetens the filling to perfection, the granulated sugar in the crust creates a textural contrast, enhancing the overall dessert experience. This careful calibration ensures that each bite delivers a satisfying balance between creamy and crunchy, allowing the flavors to shine without overpowering sweetness.
FAQs
What should I do if my filling is too thin?
If your filling is too thin, consider adding more ricotta cheese and a bit of powdered sugar to thicken it. Mixing in a small amount of cornstarch can also help create a firmer texture.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese with mascarpone?
Yes, you can substitute mascarpone for ricotta cheese for a richer, creamier filling. Just keep in mind that mascarpone is sweeter, so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
What can I do if my crust is too tough?
If your crust turns out too tough, it might be due to overworking the dough. Make sure to handle it gently and not mix it too much after adding the butter. You could also consider adding a little more butter to enrich the texture.
How can I incorporate additional flavors into the filling?
To add more flavor, consider incorporating citrus zest, such as orange or lemon. You could also try using different extracts, like almond or even coffee, to elevate the taste of the filling.
What if the crust burns before the filling sets?
If your crust begins to burn before the filling sets, tent the top with aluminum foil to shield it from direct heat while allowing the filling to cook through and set properly.
Can I use other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can substitute mini chocolate chips with dried fruit, such as figs or candied orange peel, or even chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cannoli Squares are an inviting, delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian dessert in a simpler, shareable form. With a delightful balance of creamy filling and crisp crust, these treats will please any crowd. Each square is a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, making them a welcomed addition to any dessert table.
Whether enjoyed as a sweet end to a meal or as an afternoon snack, these squares promise to satisfy. Give them a try, and create your own delicious memories with Cannoli Squares that everyone will love.
Recipe Card
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.