No-Bake Cannoli Delight
No-Bake Cannoli Delight is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings all the sweet, creamy flavor of traditional cannoli without turning on the oven. Layered with ricotta, mascarpone, chocolate chips, and crushed cookies or graham crackers, it’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something special and simple.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese drained well if watery
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese if preferred
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed cannoli shells waffle cookies, or graham crackers (for layers)
- Extra mini chocolate chips and cookie crumbs for topping
Instructions
- Make the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or spatula.
- Fold in chocolate chips:
- Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Layer the dessert:
- In a serving dish or trifle bowl, spread a layer of the cheese mixture, then sprinkle a layer of crushed cookies or cannoli shells. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with the cream on top.
- Chill (optional):
- For best texture, refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle the top with more mini chocolate chips and cookie crumbs. Serve with extra cookies for dipping or just a spoon!
Notes
- Make sure to drain ricotta if it’s watery—excess moisture can cause the filling to be runny.
- You can substitute cream cheese for mascarpone for a tangier flavor.
- Add chopped pistachios or orange zest for a more traditional cannoli twist.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.