Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bars

Name: Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon citrus zest (orange or lemon); 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 egg

Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bars topped with chocolate chips and drizzled with chocolate sauce

By :

Claire

December 5, 2025

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Get yours

Jump to Recipe

How to make Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bars

Ingredients :

2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon citrus zest (orange or lemon)
1 cup chocolate chips
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and citrus zest until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips and set aside.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar mix, combining until a dough forms.
Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough. Crumble the remaining dough over the top to create a layer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into squares and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bars

These bars give you the bright ricotta filling from a cannoli in a simple, square form. The ricotta is creamy and light. The citrus zest adds a fresh note. Chocolate chips add a sweet crunch in each bite. The crumbly dough on top and bottom gives a nice contrast to the soft filling. This dish is easy to make and cuts into neat bars for guests or for a packed lunch.

If you like rich, chocolatey treats that are still light, you might also enjoy chocolate chip banana bread as a different way to use chocolate chips and simple batter.

Nutriments benefits

These bars give you a few useful nutrients:

Ricotta is a good source of protein and calcium. It helps make the bars filling and adds creaminess.
Eggs add more protein and help bind the dough.
Citrus zest adds vitamin C, though in a small amount.
Using moderate sugar keeps the dessert sweet but not too heavy.

If you want to explore other dairy-based snack ideas, try a simple savory crunch like cottage cheese chips for a change of taste and texture.

What to Serve With Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bars

These bars work well with many drinks and sides. Try:

A cup of black coffee or espresso. The bitterness pairs well with sweet ricotta.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast.
Fresh berries or an easy fruit salad for brightness.
A light dessert platter with other bars like carrot cake bars for variety when you host.

For a simple brunch, serve the bars with coffee, fresh fruit, and a pot of tea.

How to store Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bars

Store the bars the right way to keep them fresh:

Room temperature: You can keep them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours if your kitchen is cool.
Refrigerator: Place bars in a tight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. They will last 3–4 days. Let them warm at room temperature a little before serving for best texture.
Freezer: Wrap each piece in plastic and place in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature.

For tips on storing bars and how other bars keep, read a simple guide like the one for oatmeal rhubarb bars. That shows basic storage ideas you can copy.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Simple tips that help:

Drain ricotta if it seems watery. Place ricotta in a fine sieve and let excess liquid drip out for 15–30 minutes. This keeps the filling from making the dough soggy.
Soften butter to room temperature. Cold butter will not blend well and will make a crumbly dough that is hard to press.
Do not overmix the dough once you add flour. Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the bars tough.
Press the base dough firmly and evenly so the filling stays in place.
Crumble the top dough in small pieces for a pretty finish and even bake.

Common mistakes:

Skipping the citrus zest. The zest is small but it brightens the whole bar.
Baking too long. The filling should set but still be a bit soft. Overbake and the filling will dry out.

For more ideas on bars and common errors, check a guide like Better Than Anything Bars to see how others handle crumb toppings and texture.

Variation (if any)

These bars are easy to change:

Make them nutty: Add chopped pistachios or almonds to the filling or sprinkle on top.
Flavor swap: Use lemon zest instead of orange for a zippy taste.
Spice it: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for warmth.
Fruit twist: Stir in a half cup of finely chopped dried fruit like cherries or raisins with the chocolate chips.
Low sugar: Use a sugar substitute for a lighter version. Keep in mind texture and sweetness will change.

You can also make mini versions in a muffin tin for single-serve treats.

FAQs

Q: Can I use low-fat ricotta?
A: Yes. Low-fat ricotta works. The bars will be a little less rich but still tasty.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. Wrap the dough and keep it in the fridge for one day. Bring to room temperature before pressing into the pan.

Q: What if my ricotta filling is too runny?
A: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of powdered sugar or a small amount of ricotta cheese that has been drained. You can also chill the filling for 15–30 minutes to help it firm a bit before spreading.

Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of chips?
A: Yes. Chop dark chocolate into small pieces and fold in. Dark chocolate gives a deeper flavor.

Q: How do I cut clean squares?
A: Let the bars cool fully. Chill them for 30 minutes to firm if you like. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Q: Can I bake in a different pan size?
A: Yes. Use a similar volume pan. Bake time may change. Check at 25 minutes and then every 5 minutes until golden.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cannoli Bars bring the taste of a classic cannoli into an easy, shareable bar. They mix creamy ricotta with bright citrus and sweet chocolate for a balanced dessert that feels special but is simple to make. If you want more ideas that follow similar steps or give inspiration for ricotta and cream fillings, see this take on cannoli-style bars at Cannoli Cheesecake Bars (Easy Italian Dessert) – Snappy Gourmet. For another style of cannoli bars and topping ideas, this page is helpful: Cannoli Bars – Parsley and Icing.