Servings: 8
If you love the sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor of a classic Italian cannoli but want to skip the fuss of frying the shells, this 4-Ingredient Cannoli Dip is exactly what you need. It takes all the best parts of the iconic dessert—the rich ricotta filling and the chocolate chips—and turns them into a smooth, scoopable dip that is absolutely irresistible.
It comes together in just minutes with a handful of simple ingredients, making it the perfect last-minute appetizer or dessert for a party, holiday gathering, or a cozy weekend treat. Serve it with broken waffle cones, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fresh fruit for dipping.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe relies on the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whole milk ricotta provides a rich, creamy base with a subtle, authentic tang, while the cream cheese adds a smooth, velvety texture and a slight richness that holds the dip together. The powdered sugar sweetens it beautifully without making it grainy, and the mini chocolate chips add that classic chocolate crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the drained ricotta and softened cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat again until fully combined and fluffy.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips, reserving a small handful for the top if you want a prettier finish.
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish or glass pie plate, sprinkle the reserved mini chocolate chips on top, and serve right away or chill until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Results
Drain the ricotta well. Ricotta can hold a lot of excess moisture, which can make the dip watery. Let it sit in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl for 15 to 30 minutes before using, or pat it dry with paper towels.
Soften the cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before beating it. This ensures a smooth, lump-free dip.
Beat until fluffy. Give the ricotta and cream cheese mixture a good beating for 2 to 3 minutes. This incorporates air and gives the dip a light, fluffy texture.
Use mini chocolate chips. Mini chips distribute more evenly through the dip and provide a better texture than full-sized chips.
Add a pinch of salt. A tiny pinch of kosher salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the ricotta and chocolate.
Storage and Serving
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as it may firm up in the fridge. Serve it with a variety of dippers, including broken waffle cones, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, strawberries, or apple slices.
Creamy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make, this 4-Ingredient Cannoli Dip is a fantastic recipe to keep in your back pocket for easy entertaining.