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Cannoli dip is a creamy, no-bake dessert inspired by the classic Italian pastry filling. Made with ricotta, mascarpone, and just a few simple ingredients, this easy cannoli dip recipe delivers that signature sweet, slightly tangy flavor in a smooth, scoopable form.
The key to great cannoli dip is getting the texture just right — thick, rich, and never runny. Using whole milk ricotta and draining it well ensures a creamy, bakery-style dip every time.
Made in minutes with only a handful of ingredients, this no-bake dessert is perfect for parties, holidays, and easy entertaining.
If you enjoy easy no-bake desserts like this, be sure to browse my No-Bake Desserts collection for more simple, crowd-pleasing favorites.
What Is Cannoli Dip?
Cannoli dip is a sweet dessert dip made from the filling of a traditional Italian cannoli. Instead of piping the filling into a fried shell, the mixture is served as a creamy dip alongside cookies, fruit, or waffle cones for scooping.
✨ Before You Begin
✨ Drain the ricotta well: This is the most important step for preventing a runny dip.
✨ Use whole milk ricotta: Skim ricotta contains more water and can lead to a thinner texture.
✨ Bring mascarpone to room temperature: This helps it blend smoothly without lumps.
✨ Use a mixer: A stand or hand mixer creates the light, fluffy texture you want.
✨ Chill before serving: Letting the dip rest helps it thicken and improves the flavor.
Why This Is the Best Cannoli Dip
- Properly drained ricotta: Keeps the dip thick and creamy instead of watery
- Mascarpone for richness: Adds body and smooth texture
- Balanced sweetness: Just enough sugar without overpowering the flavor
- Light, fluffy texture: Whipped to a smooth, scoopable consistency
- Easy, no-bake recipe: Comes together quickly with simple ingredients
Cannoli Dip Ingredients + Key Notes
Whole milk ricotta: The base of the dip. Be sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture and create a thick texture.
Mascarpone cheese: Adds richness and body. Cream cheese can be used as a substitute if needed.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the dip and blends smoothly without a grainy texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness.
Almond extract: Adds that classic cannoli flavor note.
Mini chocolate chips: Provide texture and give you that traditional cannoli finish in every bite.
Can You Make Cannoli Dip Without Mascarpone?
Yes. Cream cheese is the easiest substitute and still gives the dip a rich, creamy texture. The flavor will be slightly tangier, but it’s a great option if mascarpone isn’t available.
Cannoli Dip Dippers
Serve cannoli dip with strawberries, waffle cone pieces, pizzelle cookies, chocolate chip cookies, graham crackers, or your favorite sweet dippers.
If you can find cannoli shells at a local Italian bakery, broken pieces make an especially fun and authentic option. You get all the flavor and crunch of a traditional cannoli shell without having to make the shells yourself — and if you skip them, this dip is still absolutely delicious.
🥣 How to Make Cannoli Dip
Whip the cheeses. Add ricotta and mascarpone to a bowl and beat until smooth and fluffy.
Add the sugar. Mix in powdered sugar gradually until fully incorporated.
Add flavorings. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
Fold in chocolate chips. Gently fold them in, then serve or chill until ready.
Cannoli Dip Tips and Troubleshooting
Why is my cannoli dip runny?
Cannoli dip usually becomes runny when the ricotta hasn’t been drained properly or contains too much moisture. Using whole milk ricotta and draining it well before mixing helps create a thick, creamy texture.
How to thicken cannoli dip
If your dip is too thin, try draining the ricotta longer, adding more mascarpone or cream cheese, or chilling the dip to help it firm up.
How long does cannoli dip last?
Cannoli dip will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. Some liquid may separate over time — simply stir it back in or drain it off before serving.
Can you freeze cannoli dip?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture can become grainy and watery once thawed.
⭐ Pro Tips
⭐ Drain ricotta thoroughly
This is the #1 step to prevent a watery dip.
⭐ Chill before serving
Letting the dip sit for at least an hour improves the texture and flavor.
⭐ Don’t overmix
Overmixing can break down the texture and make the dip thinner.
⭐ Add citrus or pistachios
Orange zest or chopped pistachios are great traditional additions.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the ricotta
- Using skim ricotta
- Overmixing the dip
- Skipping chill time
STORING + FREEZING + MAKE-AHEAD
How Long Can You Keep This in The Refrigerator?
Once made, cannoli dip with mascarpone will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. The liquid may separate after the dip has sat for a day or so. Just drain it off and discard or stir it back in. Store in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze This?
I do not recommend freezing this cannoli chips and dip.
Make-Ahead:
You can prepare the chocolate chip cannoli dip ahead of time.
What to Serve With Cannoli Dip
Fresh + Crisp Options
Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples for a lighter contrast to the rich, creamy dip.
Dessert Pairings
This dip fits beautifully into a dessert spread with brownies, bars, or other no-bake treats for easy entertaining.
Party Presentation
Cannoli dip is perfect for parties, holidays, and gatherings. Serve it in a decorative bowl with a variety of dippers arranged around it for a simple but impressive presentation.
More No-Bake Desserts to Try
Fruit Dip — Light, creamy, and perfect for pairing with fresh fruit, this easy dip is a go-to for parties and gatherings.
Booty Dip — Sweet, fluffy, and completely irresistible, this no-bake dessert dip is always a crowd favorite.
Oreo Fluff — Creamy, cookies-and-cream dessert fluff that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Peanut Butter Bars — Thick, creamy peanut butter bars with a smooth chocolate topping that come together quickly with no oven needed.
Lemon Icebox Pie — A cool, creamy citrus dessert that’s refreshing, easy, and always a hit.
Tried This Recipe?
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Cannoli Dip
Ingredients
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package Mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Drain and discard any excess liquid of the ricotta (15 ounces). Line a large sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and pour ricotta into it. Gently press on the ricotta to push the excess moisture out.
- Add ricotta and Mascarpone cheese (8-ounce) to the bowl of a stand mixer. Whip on medium-high until thick and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups) to the mixture, 1 cup at a time, beating on low after each addition, until incorporated. Add vanilla extract (1 tablespoon) and almond extract (1/4 teaspoon), then beat on medium for 2 minutes.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips (1 cup). Serve!
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- Drain Ricotta: Don't forget to take the time to drain the ricotta.
- Stand-Up Mixer: If you don't have a stand-up mixer, use a handheld mixer instead. To achieve the proper whipped texture, whisking by hand is not an effective method.
- Variation: Are you accustomed to cannoli with an orange flavor? Add finely chopped candied orange or orange zest to taste. Chopped pistachios are also a great addition.
- Room Temp: This dessert is extremely easy to make. Just make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before you start to prevent lumps.
- Lighten Up Baby! To lighten the texture of this dip, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 a tub of thawed frozen whipped topping or an equal amount of homemade whipped cream.
My daughter and her friends like this so much! Thank you!
Thank you too, Carmina! We’re glad it was a hit. Thanks for the positive feedback and 5-star rating!!
Cannoli Dip is beautiful for summer and oh so, very delicious
Hey Velva! Thank you so much!