Indulge in Italian Sweetness: The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip Recipe

Prepare to be enchanted by a dessert that captures the essence of classic Italian cannoli in an incredibly easy-to-make, shareable dip format. Our Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip is a luxurious blend of creamy ricotta and rich mascarpone cheeses, sweetened to perfection with powdered sugar, and generously studded with delightful mini chocolate chips. It’s a no-bake wonder that promises to be a showstopper at any gathering or a blissful treat for a quiet evening in.

This dessert dip takes everything you love about the crispy, cream-filled Italian pastry and transforms it into a smooth, decadent scoopable delight. Forget the fuss of frying shells; with this recipe, you can enjoy all the authentic flavors of cannoli with minimal effort. Its elegant presentation and irresistible taste make it an instant favorite for everyone, from dessert connoisseurs to those simply looking for a quick and satisfying sweet treat.

Discover the Magic of Homemade Cannoli Dip

For lovers of Italian desserts, cannoli hold a special place. The crispy shell encasing a sweet, creamy ricotta filling is pure bliss. Our Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip takes that beloved flavor profile and simplifies it, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This easy dessert dip retains all the authentic taste and texture you crave without the time-consuming process of making individual cannoli. It’s the perfect solution when you want a gourmet dessert with minimal fuss.

What makes this dip so incredibly magical? It starts with the perfect balance of cheeses. Whole-milk ricotta provides a subtly grainy, light texture that is characteristic of traditional cannoli filling, while smooth, luxurious mascarpone cheese adds a velvety richness and depth of flavor. Whipped together with fine powdered sugar, the base becomes exquisitely creamy and sweet. The final touch, of course, is a generous scattering of mini chocolate chips, which provide bursts of chocolatey goodness and a delightful textural contrast with every scoop.

Perfect for Every Occasion: From Date Nights to Grand Gatherings

This creamy chocolate chip cannoli dip is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into a variety of social settings. Looking for a special treat for a date night in? This dip is sophisticated yet playful, offering a delightful shared experience. Its simple preparation means you spend less time in the kitchen and more quality time with your loved one. Pair it with a selection of elegant dippers like fresh strawberries or pizzelle cookies for a truly romantic dessert.

Entertaining friends or hosting a family gathering? A dessert dip is always a fantastic choice. Unlike individual desserts that require plating, this cannoli dip encourages communal enjoyment. Set out a beautiful platter surrounded by an array of dippers, and watch as your guests gather around, chatting and scooping. It’s an interactive dessert that sparks conversation and creates memorable moments. Its effortless elegance makes it suitable for holidays, game days, potlucks, or simply a casual get-together.

For those times you simply crave something sweet, this no-bake dessert is your answer. It’s a quick fix that delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or simply want a delicious snack, this dip is easy enough to whip up on a whim. Its vibrant flavors and comforting creaminess make it a dessert you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Essential Ingredients for a Heavenly Dip

Creating this irresistible homemade cannoli dip requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving its signature flavor and texture. Opting for high-quality components will truly elevate your dessert experience.

The Creamy Base

• Whole-milk ricotta: This is crucial for the authentic cannoli taste and texture. Ensure you use whole-milk ricotta, as its higher fat content contributes to a richer, creamier dip. Draining it thoroughly is also key to prevent a watery consistency.
• Mascarpone creamy spreadable cheese: Known for its luxurious, velvety texture and subtly sweet, buttery flavor, mascarpone adds incredible richness and smoothness, complementing the ricotta beautifully.

Sweetness & Crunch

• Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar): This finely milled sugar dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dip with a perfectly balanced sweetness. You can adjust the amount to your personal preference.
• Mini chocolate chips: These tiny treasures are essential! They distribute evenly throughout the dip, offering a delightful pop of chocolate in every bite. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are recommended for a balanced flavor that isn’t overly sweet, but feel free to use your favorite.

Delightful Dippers – Your Canvas for Creativity

The fun of any dessert dip lies in the dippers! This cannoli dip pairs beautifully with a wide array of options, allowing you to customize your serving platter to suit any taste or occasion.

• Fresh Fruits: Crisp, juicy strawberries are a classic choice, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy dip. Sliced bananas or apple wedges also work wonderfully.
• Crispy Treats:
  • Broken waffle cone pieces: Provide a delightful crunch and hint of vanilla.
  • Broken cannoli shells: For the ultimate authentic cannoli experience!
  • Pizzelle cookies: Light, crisp Italian waffle cookies that are perfect for scooping.
• Classic Cookies:
  • Honey graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers: A comforting and sturdy dipper.
  • Chocolate chip cookies: A match made in heaven, doubling down on the chocolatey goodness.
  • Vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies: Offer a buttery, sweet complement.

Necessary Equipment

• Stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer): Essential for achieving a smooth, well-combined, and airy dip.
• Serving bowl and platter: For an attractive presentation that invites everyone to indulge.
• Plastic wrap: To keep your dip fresh and allow it to chill properly in the refrigerator.

Crafting Your Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip: A Simple Guide

This quick dessert comes together in mere minutes, making it an ideal choice when time is of the essence but you don’t want to compromise on flavor. Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious cannoli dip.

1. Prepare the Cheese Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the whole-milk ricotta and mascarpone cheese. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. Ensure there are no lumps, which is key for a silky dip. (If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer works perfectly well.)
2. Sweeten and Combine: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cheese mixture, beating on medium speed until it’s fully incorporated and the dip is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
3. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as vigorous stirring can deflate the creamy texture.




4. Chill for Perfection: Transfer the finished dip to your chosen serving bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the dip firm up to the perfect scoopable consistency.




5. Serve with Style: Once chilled and ready to serve, place the bowl of cannoli dip on a decorative platter or board. Artfully arrange your selection of dippers around the bowl. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the top of the dip with a sprinkle of additional mini chocolate chips and, if desired, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Cannoli Dip Ever

• Drain Ricotta Thoroughly: Ricotta cheese can hold a lot of moisture. For the creamiest, firmest dip, place your ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter over a bowl for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours, to allow excess liquid to drain away. This prevents a watery dip.
• Room Temperature Cheeses: Ensure both your ricotta and mascarpone are at room temperature before beating. This helps them combine more smoothly and creates a more homogenous, lump-free dip.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the powdered sugar is incorporated, avoid overmixing the dip, especially after adding the chocolate chips. Overmixing can cause the mixture to lose its light, airy texture.
• Chill Time is Key: While the dip is delicious right away, the refrigeration period is crucial. It allows the flavors to deepen and mingle, and the dip to achieve the perfect firm-yet-creamy consistency, making it much easier to scoop.
• Garnish Generously: A final sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving makes the dip look even more inviting and professional.

Exciting Variations and Customizations

While the classic Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip is phenomenal on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and textures to make it uniquely yours. This Italian dessert dip is incredibly adaptable!

• Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest folded into the dip can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing zing, just like some traditional cannoli fillings.
• Spices: A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth, enhancing the overall “Italian” profile.
• Different Chocolates: Instead of mini chocolate chips, try using finely chopped dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even chocolate shavings for a gourmet touch.
• Nuts: Toasted chopped pistachios, almonds, or candied pecans can add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, reminiscent of decorated cannoli.
• Extracts: A tiny splash of almond extract or pure vanilla bean paste can elevate the aromatic complexity of the dip.

Storing Your Sweet Creation

This easy dessert dip is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored. Transfer any remaining Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for a quick snack or to satisfy a sudden sweet craving.

Please note: This dip does not freeze well. The texture of the ricotta and mascarpone will become grainy and unpleasant once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy it within the recommended refrigeration period.

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip

• Author:
  The BakerMama
• Prep Time:
  5 minutes
• Total Time:
  5 minutes
• Yield:
  6-8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip is a sweet, creamy dessert dip made from ricotta and mascarpone cheeses studded with mini chocolate chips.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
• 1/2 cup mascarpone creamy spreadable cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for garnishing
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for garnishing

Dippers:

• strawberries
• broken waffle cone pieces
• broken cannoli shells
• pizzelle cookies
• honey graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers
• chocolate chip cookies

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the ricotta and mascarpone on medium speed until smooth. (You can also use a hand mixer) Add the powdered sugar and beat on medium speed until well combined.
2. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
3. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. When ready to serve, place the dip bowl on a platter or board and surround it with dippers.
5. Garnish the dip with mini chocolate chips. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dip does not freeze well as it will become grainy when thawed.

If you make this irresistible Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dip, we’d love to see your delicious creation! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with us on Instagram @thebakermama. If you’re on Facebook, come join our Friends of The BakerMama group to connect with fellow food lovers and share all the fun and yummy recipes you try. We genuinely enjoy seeing how inspired and creative you get with the ideas we share. Enjoy every creamy, chocolatey bite!

xoxo,