Description
A delectable fusion of Italian cannoli flavors and creamy cheesecake bliss, perfect for any celebration or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups finely crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 16 oz ricotta
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- ½ cup small chocolate chips
- ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios (optional)
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Chocolate chips and pistachios for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham crackers, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla essence until resembling wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the base of the prepared dish.
- In another bowl, mix ricotta, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla essence, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and pistachios.
- Spread the filling evenly over the crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are firm and the center is slightly wobbly.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Lift the cheesecake out of the dish, slice into squares, and top with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and pistachios for garnish.
Notes
These bars can be easily made ahead of time, and chilling them overnight enhances flavor. Customize with different mix-ins based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cannoli, cheesecake, bars, dessert, Italian, holiday, sweet treat