Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe
We love Cannoli Cheesecake Bars because they’re an easy dessert to make ahead and serve a crowd. What makes them worth making tonight is the combination of a crunchy cannoli shell crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and the convenience of being bars.
Kitchen Note
One thing to watch out for when making Cannoli Cheesecake Bars is the baking time, as the edges can quickly go from perfectly golden to too dark. Also, don’t overmix the cheesecake batter, as this can lead to a dense texture. Lastly, let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
What makes this Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe worth repeating
- The combination of textures from the crunchy shell, creamy cheesecake, and sweet chocolate chips.
- A flavor profile that balances the tanginess of the cheesecake with the sweetness of the chocolate and the cannoli shells.
- Prep time is under 30 minutes, making it realistic for a weeknight dessert.
- Best of all, it serves a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
What you’ll need
The cannoli shells and the high-quality chocolate chips are crucial for the texture and flavor of these bars, so don’t skimp on those.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped candied citron
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Tips for getting this right
- Pressing the cannoli shell crust mixture into the pan evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.
- Avoiding overbaking, which can dry out the cheesecake.
- Letting the bars cool completely in the pan before refrigerating them to set.
- Making them a day ahead and storing them in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Swaps and substitutions
Storing and reheating
These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. For reheating, let them come to room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container.
Common questions
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. In fact, making them a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just store them in the fridge overnight and slice them when you’re ready to serve.
Preparation time is under 30 minutes, making these bars a quick and easy dessert option for any occasion.
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
Cannoli Cheesecake Bars
🧂 Ingredients
👩🍳 Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
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2Prepare crust: Mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into baking dish.
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3Bake crust: 10 minutes. Let cool.
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4Prepare cheesecake: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in ricotta and confectioners’ sugar.
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5Stir in citron, pistachios, and chocolate chips.
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6Pour cheesecake mixture over crust.
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7Bake: 25-30 minutes or until edges are set.
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8Cool completely in pan.
We hope you enjoy making and eating these Cannoli Cheesecake Bars as much as we do. Let us know in the comments how they turn out for you and if you have any favorite variations or substitutions.