Name: Best Cannoli Dip with Mascarpone
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487343H15M35S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature); 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained); 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup mini chocolate chips

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious, this cannoli dip with mascarpone is the perfect choice! It combines creamy mascarpone and ricotta cheese, a hint of vanilla, and mini chocolate chips to bring the flavors of a classic cannoli into a dip format. Ideal for game day or holiday parties, this dip requires just 15 minutes to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

Best Cannoli Dip with Mascarpone

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings the rich, creamy, and slightly tangy taste of traditional cannoli filling into a dip form, making it super easy to enjoy. It’s a no-bake dessert that’s ready in no time and is perfect for any occasion. The mascarpone gives the dip a luscious texture, while the mini chocolate chips provide that signature cannoli flavor. It’s quick, it’s easy, and best of all—it’s made with just five ingredients!

Ingredients

1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup mini chocolate chips

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Begin by draining the ricotta cheese through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove excess water. This step is important to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone and ricotta cheeses using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips by hand to maintain their texture.
Chill the dip in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before serving. You can refrigerate it for up to 48 hours for convenience.
Serve the cannoli dip with your choice of dippers such as pizzelle cookies, broken waffle cones, or fresh fruit.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes.
Chill Time: 10 minutes to 48 hours in the fridge.

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to modify this recipe! You can add a dash of cinnamon or a little citrus zest to the dip for a different twist. If you can’t find pizzelle cookies or want something more accessible, graham crackers, wafer cookies, or even broken waffle cones make great alternatives for dipping. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or apple slices, can also be a refreshing way to enjoy this dip.

Storage/Reheating

The best part about this cannoli dip is how well it keeps! Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. I recommend serving it chilled, so just take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving if it has been stored for a while. Since this is a no-bake dip, it doesn’t need to be reheated—just enjoy it straight from the fridge!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

While mascarpone gives the dip its signature creamy texture, you can substitute regular cream cheese if needed. However, the dip might be slightly less rich, so I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the best results.

2. How can I prevent the dip from being runny?

To prevent the dip from becoming too watery, make sure to drain the ricotta cheese thoroughly. You can do this by using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove as much liquid as possible. Full-fat ricotta works best for a thick and creamy dip.

3. Can I make this dip in advance?

Yes, you can! This dip is ideal for prepping ahead of time. You can prepare the dip without the mini chocolate chips, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Just add the chocolate chips right before serving.

4. What are some other good dippers for this cannoli dip?

Pizzelle cookies are a classic choice, but you can also serve this dip with broken waffle cones, graham crackers, or even fresh fruit like strawberries, apple slices, or pear slices. Just make sure to serve the dippers separately to avoid them getting soggy in the dip.

5. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people. If you’re having a big gathering, just double the ingredients and follow the same preparation instructions. You might need a larger mixing bowl, though!

Conclusion

This cannoli dip with mascarpone is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, simple, and offers all the flavors of a traditional cannoli in dip form. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, a game day gathering, or just as a sweet treat for your family, it’s sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and effort, this dessert dip is a must-try!