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A dense and creamy ricotta filling packed with mini chocolate chips poured over a golden-brown graham cracker crust.

The Ultimate Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Discover how to bake delicious Cannoli Cheesecake Bars. Featuring a thick golden-brown crust, a dense and creamy ricotta filling packed with mini chocolate chips, and a fluffy whipped cream topping.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 480
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Ingredients
  

Cannoli Cheesecake Bars
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 240g, finely crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 113g, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar 50g
  • 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese 450g, strained
  • 16 oz full-fat cream cheese 450g, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
  • 3 large eggs Room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 5ml
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips 170g
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream 240ml, cold
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar 30g
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 2.5ml
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips 40g, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar 8g, for dusting

Equipment

  • 1 9x9 inch baking pan Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • 1 Stand mixer or hand mixer Essential for a perfectly smooth filling.

Method
 

Baking the Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line your 9x9-inch (23x23cm) baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups (240g) of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup (113g) of melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until a thick, golden-brown crust forms.
  2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat 16 oz (450g) of softened cream cheese and 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar until smooth. Add 16 oz (450g) of strained whole milk ricotta and blend until fully combined. Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Stir in 1 tsp (5ml) of vanilla extract. Gently fold in 1 cup (170g) of mini chocolate chips.
  3. Pour the cheesecake batter over your cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cool inside for 30 minutes. Transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours.
  4. In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup (240ml) of cold heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup (30g) of powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) of vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  5. Spread the fluffy whipped cream evenly over the chilled bars. Slice into squares, top with the remaining 1/4 cup (40g) of mini chocolate chips, and add a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately on a simple white ceramic plate.

Notes

Tip 1: Always strain your ricotta cheese to prevent a soggy, wet cheesecake.
Tip 2: Do not overmix your eggs, or the cheesecake will crack while baking.