Description
Delicious Cannoli Cheesecake Bars combining the flavors of classic cannoli with a creamy cheesecake base.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios (optional)
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Chocolate chips and pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and press the mixture evenly into the base of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- In another large bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and pistachios, if using.
- Evenly spread the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are firm with a slightly jiggly center.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
- Once firm, remove the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and top each square with a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with additional chocolate chips and pistachios, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
- Substitute nuts based on preference or allergy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg