How to Make Cannoli Dip: Easy 10-Minute Treat for Any Occasion

Our golden rule for creating a dessert spread is the more the merrier. We like serving a wide array of cookies and candy, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And while those treats are hard to beat, it’s also nice to make room for a wildcard dessert that guests aren’t expecting. Adding one more dish to the menu may sound tedious, but it doesn’t have to be. This “lazy” cannoli dip recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and is guaranteed to impress your guests. In fact, we tried it to see if it measured up to our dessert standards — and were deliciously pleased with the results. Keep reading for tips on making this sugary spread in a snap!

What is cannoli dip?

This dessert dip contains a mixture of ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract and chocolate chips. It resembles the sweet, creamy and decadent flavor of traditional cannoli filling. But rather than being stuffed into a fried pastry shell, it’s served in a bowl with pizzelles (Italian waffle cookies), sliced apples, graham crackers or fresh strawberries.

Why cannoli dip is a party-friendly snack

While party dips are often savory, this sweet version is a tasty dessert option. It only requires five ingredients and 10 minutes to make from scratch. Afterwards, you can serve it right away. Or tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You’re also savoring the flavors of a cannoli without the mess of dealing with a crumbly pastry shell. For these reasons, it’s no secret why cannoli dip is worth trying.

3 ways to make delicious cannoli dip

Small ingredient tweaks make a huge difference for a yummier dip. Here are three simple ways to create a more flavorful batch of cannoli dip.

1. Use this soft cheese instead of cream cheese.

For an ultra-rich and creamy flavor, Jessica Randhawa, owner and head chef at The Forked Spoon, suggests substituting the cream cheese in most recipes with mascarpone cheese. This soft cheese is typically made with heavy cream, giving it a heartier taste than cream cheese — which contains milk and cream. “The ricotta provides that classic cannoli flavor, while the mascarpone adds a luxurious richness,” she says. Allow the mascarpone to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so it’s soft and easy to whip.

2. Swap semi-sweet for white chocolate chips.

If you’re not a fan of dark or semi-sweet chocolate, you can replace them with white chocolate chips. This variety’s sweet and buttery flavor works well to satisfy sugar cravings. Also, mini white chocolate chips blend perfectly with creamy ingredients compared to normal-sized morsels.

3. Add a splash of alcohol.

When making cannoli dip, Jeanette Hurt, recipe developer and author of The Unofficial ALDI Cookbook (Buy from Amazon, $14.36), stirs in a little alcohol for a spiked twist. “If you have some sweet brandy, chocolate liqueur or Tuaca (a vanilla-and-spice-flavored sweet Italian brandy), add 1 tablespoon for extra flavor,” she says. Add the alcohol just before folding in the chocolate chips and then savor that extra layer of sweetness in the dip.