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Close up of a single Ricotta Cannoli Square held up to show the dense cheese filling and flaky pastry layers. (Ricotta Cannoli Squares)

Ricotta Cannoli Squares: The Ultimate Flaky Italian Dessert Bars

These Ricotta Cannoli Squares feature layers of golden-brown flaky puff pastry and a dense, creamy ricotta filling speckled with mini chocolate chips. A perfect handheld version of the classic Italian cannoli.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 squares
Course: Desserts, Snacks
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 sheets Puff Pastry Thawed but cold (490g)
  • 1 large Egg Beaten for egg wash
  • 3 cups Whole Milk Ricotta Drained overnight (720g)
  • 1.5 cups Powdered Sugar Plus extra for dusting (180g)
  • 3/4 cup Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (130g)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (5ml)
  • 1 tbsp Orange Zest Finely grated (6g)
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch (16g)

Equipment

  • 1 9x9 inch square baking pan Lined with parchment paper
  • 1 Fine-mesh Sieve For draining ricotta
  • 1 Sifter For powdered sugar dusting

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl. Drain in the fridge for at least 12 hours to ensure a dense filling.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
Baking
  1. Roll one pastry sheet to fit the pan. Dock with a fork, brush with egg wash, and bake for 10-12 minutes until light golden.
  2. Mix drained ricotta, sugar, vanilla, zest, and cornstarch. Fold in mini chips. Spread over the bottom crust.
  3. Place the second pastry sheet on top, brush with egg wash, and bake for 25-30 minutes until deep golden-brown and puffed.
Finishing
  1. Cool completely, then refrigerate for 4 hours. Lift out of the pan, dust heavily with powdered sugar, and slice into squares.

Notes

Always drain your ricotta overnight to prevent a soggy bottom.
Use a hot knife for the cleanest slices through the dense filling.