Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of traditional cannoli filling with a luscious cheesecake texture on a cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust. Mini chocolate chips add delightful bursts of flavor in every bite. Perfectly baked and chilled, these bars are a delightful twist on two classic Italian desserts, ideal for parties, dessert tables, or an indulgent treat at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Additional mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust layer.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add both granulated sugar and powdered sugar, then stir in vanilla extract and optional orange zest. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is mostly firm but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the bars fully set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Serve: Cut the cheesecake into 12 bars and serve chilled to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For easier removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper extending over the edges.
- Orange zest is optional but adds a lovely citrus note reminiscent of traditional cannoli filling.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter without lumps.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly as it will firm up while cooling.
- Chilling the bars thoroughly before cutting helps them hold their shape better.
Keywords: Cannoli cheesecake bars, cannoli dessert, cheesecake bars, Italian desserts, easy cheesecake, dessert bars
Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/cannoli-cheesecake-bars-recipe/
