Description
Creamy Cannoli Cheesecake Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, rich ricotta-cream cheese filling, chocolate chips, and a hint of citrus the perfect mash-up of cheesecake and classic Italian cannoli.
Ingredients
Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
16 oz ricotta cheese
16 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Topping (optional):
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Powdered sugar for dusting
Chopped pistachios for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened.
3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat ricotta and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
6. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest; beat until fully combined.
7. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
8. Pour filling over the crust and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before slicing into bars.
11. Before serving, sprinkle with extra chocolate chips, powdered sugar, and chopped pistachios if desired.
Notes
For a thicker crust, add an extra 1/2 cup of crumbs.
Make sure to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
These bars freeze beautifully — store individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cannoli cheesecake bars, ricotta cheesecake, chocolate chip cheesecake bars, Italian dessert bars