Name: Irresistible Cannoli Cheesecake Bars Recipe in 15 Minutes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, packed tightly); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 6 tbsp unsalted melted butter; 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Introduction

These irresistible Cannoli Cheesecake Bars combine creamy ricotta and cream cheese with a buttery graham cracker crust and mini chocolate chips for a delightful twist on classic cannoli flavors. Quick to prepare yet impressive to serve, they’re perfect for any occasion.

A square slice of dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden-brown crumbly crust. The middle layer is thick and creamy white with small to medium dark chocolate chips scattered throughout. The top layer is a crumbly texture mixed with chocolate chips, lightly dusted with powdered sugar that spills onto the plate. In the blurred background, there is another similar dessert on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, packed tightly)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted melted butter
16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly but gently into the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing slightly up the sides to create a small lip.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl as needed to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gently fold in the ricotta cheese and mini chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix; your batter should remain creamy with some texture.
Step 6: Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Step 8: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to firm up and develop flavor.
Step 9: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and cut into squares.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat dairy for a rich, creamy filling; low-fat versions can make the texture watery.
For a gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with 1 1/4 cups almond flour mixed with 2 tablespoons sugar.
If dairy-free, try coconut cream cheese and strained almond milk ricotta alternatives.
Mini chocolate chips are essential to prevent sinking; avoid regular-sized chips for even distribution.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat is generally not recommended; serve chilled for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A square piece of cheesecake with three layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, crumbly brown crust, the middle layer is a thick, creamy white cheesecake filling with small dark chocolate chips scattered inside, and the top layer is a thin golden-brown baked crust lightly dusted with white powdered sugar, some powder spilling onto the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars benefit from being made ahead. Refrigerating them overnight helps set the filling and develop deeper flavors, making slicing easier and presentation neater.

Why is it important to use room temperature cream cheese and eggs?

Using room temperature cream cheese and eggs ensures a smooth, lump-free batter. Cold ingredients can cause the filling to become lumpy or crack while baking.