Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe

For those who love the creamy, sweet indulgence of a classic cannoli, these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are a dream come true. This recipe brings together the rich, smooth texture of cheesecake with the delightful, crispy essence of a cannoli. A buttery graham cracker crust is topped with a creamy ricotta and cream cheese filling, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. The result is a dessert that’s both familiar and unique, offering the best of two beloved treats in one.

With their perfect balance of textures—crispy, creamy, and crunchy—these cheesecake bars will quickly become your go-to dessert for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet indulgence after a busy day. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, these bars are sure to impress. Plus, with a quick prep time and easy instructions, you don’t need to be a professional baker to make these delicious, mouth-watering cheesecake bars at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich Cannoli Flavor: The ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips give these cheesecake bars a distinctive cannoli taste that is creamy, sweet, and satisfying.
2. Perfect Texture: With a crisp graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and crunchy chocolate chips, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures.
3. Easy to Make: This recipe combines simple ingredients and steps, making it an accessible and foolproof dessert for any baker, no matter your skill level.
4. Make-Ahead Option: These cheesecake bars need to be refrigerated for a few hours or overnight, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy hosts.
5. Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings or even add extra flavors like cinnamon or almond extract to personalize these bars to your taste.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Ricotta cheese
• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest (optional)
• Large eggs
• Mini chocolate chips

For the Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar
• Extra mini chocolate chips

Variations

• Add Fruit: Top the cheesecake bars with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
• Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pistachios or almonds on top for a crunchy finish that complements the cheesecake’s smoothness.
• Flavor Twists: Add a dash of cinnamon, almond extract, or even a splash of coffee to the filling to enhance the flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, use dairy-free cream cheese and a flax egg substitute to create a vegan-friendly cheesecake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare your baking pan by lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
3. Mix the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press the crust into the prepared pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed and tightly packed.
5. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add vanilla extract and orange zest (if using), mixing until well combined.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
3. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to allow the bars to set completely.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.
3. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top for a classic cannoli-inspired look.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother filling, make sure both the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
• Chill Properly: Be sure to refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps the filling firm up and enhances the flavor.
• Add More Chocolate: For extra chocolatey goodness, add more mini chocolate chips to the filling or sprinkle extra on top.
• Easy Removal: Using parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the cheesecake out of the pan and slice into neat bars.

How to Serve

• Serve as a Dessert: These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars make an impressive dessert for a dinner party, holiday gathering, or a special occasion.
• Great for Parties: Slice into smaller pieces to serve at a buffet or potluck. They’re easy to share and perfect for finger-food dessert tables.
• Pair with Coffee or Dessert Wine: These bars pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, espresso, or a light dessert wine like Moscato.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture will stay creamy, and the flavors will continue to develop.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

These cheesecake bars are best served chilled and do not need to be reheated. Enjoy them straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use a different type of cookie for the crust, such as digestive biscuits, Oreos, or even a shortbread cookie base.

2. Can I make these bars without orange zest?

Yes, orange zest is optional. You can skip it or substitute it with lemon zest for a citrusy twist.

3. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done?

The edges of the cheesecake should be golden, and the center should be set with a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

4. Can I use full-fat cream cheese?

Yes, full-fat cream cheese is preferred for a rich, creamy texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer.

5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make this recipe gluten-free.

6. Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?

Yes, you can freeze these cheesecake bars. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

7. Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more mini chocolate chips to the filling or sprinkle some on top for extra chocolate flavor.

8. Can I make these without ricotta cheese?

Ricotta cheese adds a unique flavor and texture, but you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or more cream cheese if needed.

9. How do I get perfect slices?

For clean slices, make sure the cheesecake bars are well chilled. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

10. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these cheesecake bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Just refrigerate them for several hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the filling set.

Conclusion

These Cannoli Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: creamy cheesecake and the crispy, sweet essence of a cannoli. With their rich, creamy filling, crisp graham cracker crust, and sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, they’re a treat that will make any occasion special. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them for yourself, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Print