Growing up, Cannoli Squares were a staple in our household. I can still remember the aroma of freshly baked pastry wafting through the kitchen, and the sound of my grandma’s laughter as she carefully filled each square with the rich, creamy filling. It was a special occasion when she’d make them, and we’d all gather around the table, eagerly awaiting our turn to savor the delightful combination of flaky dough and sweet, indulgent cheese.
Cannoli Squares hold a warm place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you. This isn’t just any Cannoli Squares recipe – it’s the one that’s been passed down through generations, perfected over the years, and guaranteed to become your new go-to.
Why This Cannoli Squares Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cannoli Squares
What sets this Cannoli Squares recipe apart is the attention to detail and the perfect balance of flavors. We’ve taken the traditional Sicilian recipe and given it a modern twist, resulting in a dessert that’s both classic and contemporary. The key is in the homemade pastry dough, which is flaky and buttery, and the creamy, slightly sweetened ricotta filling that’s just bursting with flavor.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the pastry dough, providing structure and a delicate texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and complements the filling.
- Eggs: Bind the dough together and add a subtle richness.
- Ricotta cheese: The star of the filling, providing a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Dusted on top, it adds a lovely finishing touch and a hint of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
Step-by-Step Cannoli Squares Instructions
Preparing Your Cannoli Squares
Making Cannoli Squares is a straightforward process that takes just a little over an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, like a food processor, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet, but the end result is well worth the effort.
1- Begin by making the pastry dough. In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the eggs and pulse until the dough just starts to come together.
2- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
4- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5- Roll the chilled dough out onto a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
6- Place the squares onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Cannoli Squares turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to work with.
- When rolling the dough, be gentle and avoid overworking it. This will help maintain the flakiness.
- Be careful not to overfill the squares with the ricotta mixture, as this can cause them to leak or become messy.
- If the squares puff up too much during baking, gently press them down with a fork or the back of a spoon.
Serving and Storing Your Cannoli Squares
Perfect Pairings for Cannoli Squares
Cannoli Squares are the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events. They pair beautifully with a steaming cup of espresso or a glass of sweet Marsala wine. For a more indulgent treat, try serving them with a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cannoli Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, you can bake the pastry shells and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply fill the shells with the ricotta mixture and dust with powdered sugar.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cannoli Squares
Creative Cannoli Squares Variations
While the classic Cannoli Squares recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding a touch of lemon zest or orange zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy twist. Alternatively, you could swap out the ricotta for a blend of cream cheese and mascarpone for an even richer texture. For a festive touch, fold in chopped pistachios or chocolate chips into the filling.
Making Cannoli Squares Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make Cannoli Squares a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the pastry dough. To make them vegan, replace the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta alternative and use a non-dairy milk in the filling. For a low-carb option, you can experiment with a keto-friendly pastry dough and sweeten the filling with a sugar-free powdered sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a store-bought pastry dough instead of making it from scratch?
A: While you can certainly use a store-bought pastry dough, I highly recommend making the dough from scratch. The homemade version is flakier, more buttery, and really elevates the overall flavor and texture of the Cannoli Squares.
Q: How long do the Cannoli Squares need to bake?
A: The Cannoli Squares should bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as oven temperatures can vary.
Q: Can I make the Cannoli Squares ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the pastry shells in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply fill the shells with the ricotta mixture and dust with powdered sugar.
Q: How many Cannoli Squares does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe makes approximately 24 Cannoli Squares, depending on the size you cut the dough into. The servings can be adjusted by simply scaling the recipe up or down as needed.
Q: What if the Cannoli Squares puff up too much during baking?
A: If the Cannoli Squares puff up excessively during baking, you can gently press them down with a fork or the back of a spoon to help them maintain their shape.
Cannoli Squares
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 16
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy taste of homemade Cannoli Squares – a quick and easy version of the beloved Italian dessert. With a flaky crust and a decadent ricotta filling, these squares are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. – In a medium bowl, beat the ricotta and sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. – Fold in the chocolate chips and cinnamon.
7. – Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. – Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. – Allow the Cannoli Squares to cool completely before cutting into squares.
10. – Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use full-fat ricotta cheese. You can also substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. Store the Cannoli Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
Cannoli Squares are a delightful, indulgent treat that are sure to become a new family favorite. With their flaky pastry shells and creamy, rich filling, they’re the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the same joy and nostalgia that I feel every time I make them. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
