Irresistible Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These Irresistible Cannoli Cheesecake Bars blend the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the delightful texture of ricotta and mini chocolate chips, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Baked to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, these bars offer an elegant yet easy-to-make dessert that captures the beloved flavors of cannoli in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, packed tightly)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted melted butter
Filling
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Finishing
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted for dusting
Instructions
- Preparing the Crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this firmly and evenly into a lined baking pan, making a slight lip around the edges to hold the filling.
- Making the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides as needed. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips to preserve the creamy texture throughout the batter.
- Baking: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the edges are set and golden, while the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cooling: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about one hour. Then place them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to chill completely and develop their flavors fully.
- Finishing Touches and Serving: Just before serving, dust the top of the bars evenly with sifted powdered sugar. For neat slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. Serve the bars chilled, or allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften for a creamier texture.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother cheesecake batter.
- Using mini chocolate chips prevents sinking in the batter and evenly distributes flavor.
- Press crust firmly but avoid compacting it too much to preserve a slight crunch.
- Do not overbake; the center should retain a slight jiggle to avoid dryness.
- Chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture, making bars easier to slice.
Keywords: cannoli cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, ricotta cheesecake, chocolate chip cheesecake, graham cracker crust dessert, Italian dessert bars
